Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.4, VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.9 D, VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.9 TD, GTD, VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.9 TDI, VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.6, VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.8, VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.8, VW GOLF III (1H1) 2.0, VW GOLF III (1H1) 2.0 GTI 16V, VW GOLF III (1H1) 2.8 VR6, VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.6, VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.9 TDI, VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.9 SDI, VW GOLF III (1H1) 2.8 VR6 View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change springs on VW GOLF 3 1H1 Hatchback [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
Tools
Replacement: coil springs – VW Golf 3. Tools you need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Combination spanner #18
Drive socket # 10
Drive socket # 18
Drive socket # 21
Drive socket # 22
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Hydraulic strut spring compressor
Fender cover
Wheel chock
Replacement: coil springs – VW Golf 3. Professionals recommend:
  • Both coil springs of the front suspension should be replaced simultaneously.
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right coil springs of the front suspension.
  • Please note: all work on the car – VW Golf 3 – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Springs on Golf 3 1991 - free PDF and video manuals
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace VW GOLF III (1H1) 2.8 VR6 1992 Springs - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  3. Step 3
    Golf 3 2.0 1993 Springs replacement: free workshop manuals
    Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Springs on VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.9 TDI 1994 by yourself
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: coil springs – VW Golf 3. Tip:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  5. Step 5
    How to remove VW GOLF 1.6 1995 Springs - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the wheel.
  6. Step 6
    Clean the fastener of the bracket that connects the brake hose to the shock strut. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Step 7
    How to replace Springs on VW GOLF III (1H1) 1996: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Unscrew the brake hose fastening bracket from the shock strut. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
  7. Step 8
    How hard is it to do yourself: Springs replacement on Golf 3 2.0 GTI 16V 1997 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the bracket from the shock absorber strut.
  8. Step 9
    Clean the fasteners connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Step 10
    Need to know how to renew Springs on VW GOLF 1998? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Unscrew the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
  9. Step 11
    Changing of Springs on Golf 3 1991 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the fastening bolts (2 pieces).
  10. Step 12
    VW GOLF 2.8 VR6 Springs replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber strut.
  11. Step 13
    Replacing Springs on Golf 3 1993 2.8 VR6 by yourself
    Lower the car.
  12. Step 14
    GOLF III (1H1) 1.6 1994 Springs DIY replacement workshop manual
    Open the bonnet.
  13. Step 15
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
    Step 16
    How to change Springs on VW GOLF III (1H1) 1995 - tips and tricks
    Unscrew the top fastening of the shock strut mount. Use a drive socket #22. Use a ratchet wrench.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the suspension strut while unscrewing the fastening bolts. VW Golf 3
  14. Step 17
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Golf 3 1996 1.6 Springs
    Remove the suspension strut.
  15. Step 18
    DIY replacement of Springs on VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.8 1997 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.
    Replacement: coil springs – VW Golf 3. AUTODOC recommends:
    Note that when using a spring compressor, spring coils need to be securely gripped, compressing the spring on the opposite sides.Ensure the correct position of the spring in the retainer.Make sure that the spring coils tightly entered the lock handles.
  16. Step 19
    How to change Springs on Golf 3 1991 - free PDF and video manuals
    Compress the spring.
  17. Step 20
    How to replace VW GOLF III (1H1) 2.8 VR6 1992 Springs - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Unscrew the fastener of the shock strut mount.
  18. Step 21
    Golf 3 2.0 1993 Springs replacement: free workshop manuals
    Treat the shock strut rod. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  19. Step 22
    Changing Springs on VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.9 TDI 1994 by yourself
    Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use a drive socket #21. Use a ratchet wrench.
  20. Step 23
    How to remove VW GOLF 1.6 1995 Springs - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the top strut mount.
  21. Step 24
    Release the coil spring.
    Step 25
    How to replace Springs on VW GOLF III (1H1) 1996: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Remove the spring.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: coil springs – VW Golf 3. Carefully inspect the mount, the boot, and the bump stop of the shock absorber. Replace if necessary.
  22. Step 26
    How hard is it to do yourself: Springs replacement on Golf 3 2.0 GTI 16V 1997 - download illustrated guide
    Install the spring on the shock absorber.
  23. Step 27
    Need to know how to renew Springs on VW GOLF 1998? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Compress the spring.
  24. Step 28
    Changing of Springs on Golf 3 1991 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Install the upper strut mount and the strut mount bearing.
  25. Step 29
    VW GOLF 2.8 VR6 Springs replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Screw in the fastener of the shock strut mount.
  26. Step 30
    Replacing Springs on Golf 3 1993 2.8 VR6 by yourself
    Tighten the shock strut piston rod nut. Use a drive socket #21. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 65 Nm torque.
    Replacement: coil springs – VW Golf 3. AUTODOC experts recommend:
    Check to make sure the spring is positioned correctly. Avoid its misalignment.
Was this manual helpful?
Please rate this manual on a scale from 1 to 5. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us.
Users voted – 0
Need New Tyres?

Find out which tyre and wheel sizes are compatible with the VW Golf III Hatchback (1H1) model

Unlock your car maintenance assistant!

Track expenses, manage logs, schedule replacements, and more.

DIY VW GOLF III (1H1) Springs replacement - online guide
Tips & tricks for your VW GOLF III (1H1)
View more
  • How to change Springs on VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.8 - replacement tricks
    BMW E30 Turbo Suspension Swap: Boost Your Handling | AUTODOC project
  • Changing Coil springs Golf 3 2.8 VR6 - Replacement Tips
    5 causes of turbocharger failure and how to avoid them
  • Maintenance Hacks - VW GOLF III (1H1) 2.0 Spring replacement guide
    TOP 8 mistakes car owners make | AUTODOC tips
  • Replace Suspension spring on Golf 3 - free video tips
    Deep interior cleaning | Car transformation by detailing
Autodoc CLUB App icon
Time to replace parts? Get even better deals in our Shop app.
VW GOLF III (1H1) Springs replace by yourself - Scan QR-code and download AUTODOC CLUB app
SCAN ME