mk2 front suspension spring plate

[mk2rolf16v]

Hi,
I currently have coilovers installed to my mk2 16valve, if anyone could help, my question is do i have to have the spring plate installed below the top mount? obviously the spring plate accommodates the upper part of the spring in a standard suspension, but in a coilover setup, would it be needed and what repercussions if any if left without?

[Sam]

Hi,
I currently have coilovers installed to my mk2 16valve, if anyone could help, my question is do i have to have the spring plate installed below the top mount? obviously the spring plate accommodates the upper part of the spring in a standard suspension, but in a coilover setup, would it be needed and what repercussions if any if left without?

Yes you need the spring plate unless the coilover has one on it already? Otherwise you will split your top mount as its not been squashed, but instead having the force of the sus trying to split it from the middle and it wont sit on the bearing properly either.

[DOA]

I have never used the stock spring plate when fitting coilovers, I just use the one that comes with the coilovers and all is honky dory (bar the coilovers being crap FK Highsports on both occasions).

[The Mighty Elvi]

Pinched from Google Images. (Yes Mk3, but best they had)



And here's a pic of a MK2 setup complete.

[mk2rolf16v]

Yes you need the spring plate unless the coilover has one on it already? Otherwise you will split your top mount as its not been squashed, but instead having the force of the sus trying to split it from the middle and it wont sit on the bearing properly either.

the front coilover already has its own spring plate as part of the assembly, but ive noticed on a lot of how-to's that many opt to add the stock oem spring plate on top, and fit the top mount over that as shown below.... is this the only way it must be done?

[Mr Blue]

You dont use the spring plate for coilies. I have never seen a how to guide with those on.  It sits directly under the top mount.

If those are old top mounts then now is the time to purchase mk3 topmounts and the mk3 bearings. A good upgrade.
It is false econemy to fit old topmounts back on.

Once fitted. Tighten the top nuts with the car on the ground. Do a bounce test and listen out for any clicking noises.
In the past i have had to use a washer between the coilover and the topmount to stop this noise.

 

[mk2rolf16v]

You dont use the spring plate for coilies. I have never seen a how to guide with those on.  It sits directly under the top mount.

If those are old top mounts then now is the time to purchase mk3 topmounts and the mk3 bearings. A good upgrade.
It is false econemy to fit old topmounts back on.

Once fitted. Tighten the top nuts with the car on the ground. Do a bounce test and listen out for any clicking noises.
In the past i have had to use a washer between the coilover and the topmount to stop this noise.

 

hi,

the how-to links i found are:
http://forum.performancevwmag.com/viewtopic.php?t=40697

the above picture is was taken from a how-to guide, but as things stand my front coilovers are fitted directly to topmounts with no spring plate. reasons why i have posted this thread is because im getting a bit of play in my steering especially when braking and turning corners, and am trying to investigate the possibilities for causes. topmounts, wishbones, arb link and ball joints are all less than a year old, wheel bearings are in good nic too, so im struggling to pinpoint what the problem could be.

so you say about upgrading to mk3 topmounts, do you have part numbers? also when you say about using washers to eradicate any clicking noises, what size and where were they fitted?

thanks.

[Mr Blue]

hi,

the how-to links i found are:
http://forum.performancevwmag.com/viewtopic.php?t=40697

im getting a bit of play in my steering especially when braking and turning corners,

so you say about upgrading to mk3 topmounts, do you have part numbers?

thanks.

No top spring plate needed. That thread is wrong. Coilover should fit complete under the top mounts. no plate needed.

Topmount -357412331A
Topmount bearing - 1J0412249

Set the ride height, get the car at a lazer wheel alignment centre or you will suffer with bad handling.


 

[mk2rolf16v]

Once fitted. Tighten the top nuts with the car on the ground. Do a bounce test and listen out for any clicking noises.
In the past i have had to use a washer between the coilover and the topmount to stop this noise.

 

i take it the washers were fitted between the top hat of coilover and top mount, what size did you you and how many were required per side?