Not 100% but i dont think they have changed too much from a 200/25 to a ZR.

 

Been done to my Vi, no problem at all.

Just need to make sure you get it properly tracked afterwards, the cheap laser ones used by most garages are not good enough, they need to do it one of the super duper ones that do camber etc to check all your angles.

 

Thanks for the info m8. So the dampers and springs is all I'll need?

 

Has anybody got a guide for doing this anywhere. I'm waiting for some ZR 160 dampers and custom springs to come which will drop about 30-35mm.
Any tips on the best way to go about changing the suspension on a 200?

 

Yeah, pay someone good to do it, and get it properly tracked afterwards, see my above post

 

Yeah, pay someone good to do it, and get it properly tracked afterwards, see my above post

Not the sort of lines I was thinking along.
I did mean I want to do it me self and just needed some guidance on the best way going about it. I'll get it tracked afterwards.

 

the haynes manual, Spring compessor, axle stands, a few mates, mobile phone, and a first aid kit for when accindently release a compressed spring and knock your self out and few teeth

 

the haynes manual, Spring compessor, axle stands, a few mates, mobile phone, and a first aid kit for when accindently release a compressed spring and knock your self out and few teeth

The springs and dampers are already assembled as a unit so won't need compressors or will I need them when removing the old springs and dampers.

Can't you tell it's the first time I've done suspension?

 

if they are a complete unit then i can't see why you would need the spring compressors.

I'm fitting AVO lowering springs on mine tomorrow, everyone has said it is a fairly easy job and its just time consuming.

 

If its anything like my 216 underneath you'll need spring compressors to remove the old ones AND install the new. And I hope you have more luck than me with the bottom strutt bolts!

 

For some reason my enthusiasm for this job is waning....:bored:

Can't I just knock the struts and springs out once the bolts are undone?

 

easy as pie

its an hour and a half job at max...thats how long it took me to lower my old vi.....make sure your carefull when you refit the front anti-roll bar links as they have tendancy to cross-fred quite easily!!! then its a case of the old tap & dye set coming out!!

 

For some reason my enthusiasm for this job is waning....:bored:

Can't I just knock the struts and springs out once the bolts are undone?

I think its like this, if you are just putting new spring and dampers that are already assembled then there is no need to dismantle the new or old ones. Just take the old spring and dampers out and replace with the ZR ones.

I'll let you know tomorrow if it is any different, but i cant see why you would need to compress spring when your not removing them.

 

Ashy....

Bank on about 1 hour per corner.
Ignore comments that say it takes an hour for all 4...a stuck bolt is a stuck bolt!

Few days before, wd40 all the bolts you will be undoing.....helps to loosen them a bit.

Then you just need good tool set, axel stands, or couple of good trolley jacks.
Spring compressors -about 25 quid ish, or borrow a set.
Allen keys...get the ones that fit in a socket, not the stand alone ones.

Haynes manual, and the RAVE cd is a lot better actually.

The backs are easy.
The fronts you sometimes need to be a bit strong to release them!

 

Ashy....

Bank on about 1 hour per corner.
Ignore comments that say it takes an hour for all 4...a stuck bolt is a stuck bolt!

Few days before, wd40 all the bolts you will be undoing.....helps to loosen them a bit.

Then you just need good tool set, axel stands, or couple of good trolley jacks.
Spring compressors -about 25 quid ish, or borrow a set.
Allen keys...get the ones that fit in a socket, not the stand alone ones.

Haynes manual, and the RAVE cd is a lot better actually.

The backs are easy.
The fronts you sometimes need to be a bit strong to release them!

Mike thanks for the info. When and why will I need compressors if I'm fitting the whole lot as an assembled unit?

I really don't fancy having a spring whizz past me head head at a 100mph.

I've got the Rave CD. Loads of bangin' toons on it...no seriously I've got it...

 

BTW Is there a big difference between the ZR105 and the ZR160 suspension? EPC lists the front dampers as different parts.

 

BTW Is there a big difference between the ZR105 and the ZR160 suspension? EPC lists the front dampers as different parts.

I would guess the 160 is uprated slightly?
I would also guess it may have to deal with extra weight?
Dont know, but think from what i have read, most people cant tell the difference
I would get 160 ones for your car though Sander as yours is a Vi?

 

Mike thanks for the info. When and why will I need compressors if I'm fitting the whole lot as an assembled unit?

I really don't fancy having a spring whizz past me head head at a 100mph.

I've got the Rave CD. Loads of bangin' toons on it...no seriously I've got it...

Ahh right.
If you have the whole assembled unit its miles easier. You getting it second hand already assembled? Easssy

Normally when people replace springs, you take out the whole unit from the car, then to remove the spring from the cups, you put spring compressors on, usually about 3, spread out, and slowly tighten each one, till you can remove it. WARNING!....Make sure this is secure, two people!

If yours is all in one you want need too.

You prob know all that, but useful for others.

 

Ahh right.
If you have the whole assembled unit its miles easier. You getting it second hand already assembled? Easssy

Normally when people replace springs, you take out the whole unit from the car, then to remove the spring from the cups, you put spring compressors on, usually about 3, spread out, and slowly tighten each one, till you can remove it. WARNING!....Make sure this is secure, two people!

If yours is all in one you want need too.

You prob know all that, but useful for others.

Good I was hoping I wouldn't need the dreaded spring compressors. So it should be just a case of whipping the nuts and bolts off and knocking the struts out then.
Any tips best way to do it and easiest way to put then new units in?

Thanks Mike.

 

Good I was hoping I wouldn't need the dreaded spring compressors. So it should be just a case of whipping the nuts and bolts off and knocking the struts out then.
Any tips best way to do it and easiest way to put then new units in?

Thanks Mike.

Erm yeah, dont leave things on the floor and have lunch and forget which way round they went like i did!

Erm, i think Rave details it very well, cant really think of anything more than that says.

EDIT...oh yeah...you got the front bib on aint you? Remove it before you start work

 

EDIT...oh yeah...you got the front bib on aint you? Remove it before you start work

Why's that Mike? Do you think it might get damaged or get in the way?

 

If its anything like my 216 underneath you'll need spring compressors to remove the old ones AND install the new. And I hope you have more luck than me with the bottom strutt bolts!

If you are replacing complete units (ie damper and spring) and they are already assembled, you do NOT require spring compressors.

 

If you are replacing complete units (ie damper and spring) and they are already assembled, you do NOT require spring compressors.

Its true, done mine today and you don't need the spring compressors to remove the struts.

 

Its true, done mine today and you don't need the spring compressors to remove the struts.

How long did it take you Ry?

 

How long did it take you Ry?

To get the strut out, about 30 mins per wheel, maybe a bit less for the rear as they are easier. Then about 20 mins to refit each one. It took me about another 20 mins to dismantle each sping, but you wont be doing that.

That was with 2 of us, but there isn't much room for 2 people around 1 wheel anyway. So i would think it wouldn't be much slower on your tod.