Steering, and Suspension
How stiff is too stiff?

So, your driving to work, and every time you hit a bump, the fillings come out of
your teeth?

Or Maybe you hear a clunk, a rattle, or maybe a knock?

Maybe its just that when you go around a corner at higher speeds it feels like the
car may roll over because its leaning so hard?


Well, Fear not, All those things are related to the Shocks, Struts, and Suspension.
And YOU CAN FIX IT!

This Is Called Lowering.
Its A Fad.

Some call it "slammed" or "dropped"

There are a few ways to lower your Rabbit.

1. The Cheapest way is to buy spring clamps
from the auto store near you and squeeze
the spings on your car together.


2. Next in line is to remove your springs, and
cut them down a bit to get a lower ride
height.

3. Most expensive, but best. You can buy
custom shocks, struts, and spings to bring
down your ride height. you may also need
dropped spindles.

So, what are the advantages to lowering?
The lower the ride height, the better the handling.

And the disadvantages?
The lower the ride height, the less comfort for your day to day rides. Less spring means
less ability to absorb road imperfections. also speed bumps and pothole become a major
danger for your oil pan and muffer.

My Call?
Well, If you just want to drop your car an inch, or maybe an inch and a
half, then your OK, but beyond that your going to spend a lot of $$ for
little results. and you may end up with some headaches if you live on
rough roads.
How To test Your Shocks/Struts
This is  a easy and quick way to check your suspension for wear.
Stand at each corner of your car and bounch up and down on the
bumper. Get the car really rocking.
Now let go. Watch to see how many times the car continues to bounce.
if its more then 2 times the Shock/Strut is weak and should be replaced.

If you replace your shocks or struts.
ALWAYS REPLACE IN PAIRS!
Suspension Noises
AKA: "What The Hell Was That?"

Although I can't go into every sound you may hear, I'll cover the top
few.

Clunks over bumps, are usually caused by bad strut mounts. They are
cheap to replace, and can also cause a groan or knock when turning at
slow speed.

If you have a GTI the sway bar link bushing can wear, and cause a
rattle over rough roads.

You will hear a thunk on rough roads if you have a blown strut or shock
as the unit bottoms out.

A knock or rattle when turning can also be caused by a bad steering
coloum bearing.




I Hope This helps some.