I dunno if there's a definitive thread showing the correct VW part numbers along with pics of how the superior MK3 top mounts can be fitted to the MK2 front strut assembly so below i've laid out the procedure with the corresponding VW part numbers and VW dealer prices as of 1-7-2011, i've noticed a few posts on the forum asking "MK2-best top mounts?" so hopefully this will help out a few folk. Here we have a Bilstein B4 Shock with Eibach Spring and Powerflex bumpstop, although any standard shock/spring set up (not coilovers) will use the following parts & procedure. First we add the correct spring plate, ensuring the plate locating tab is secure against the end of the spring Part Number 1H0412341 @ 14.92 - require 2 of these so 29.84 Next up is the Top Mount Bearing Part number 1J0412249 @ 6.41 - require 2 of these so 12.82 Followed by the Strut Top Mount Part number 357412331A @ 13.80 - require 2 of these so 27.60 Then the threaded bush/nut to be screwed on damper shaft Part number 1H0412365A @ 1.67 - require two of these so 3.34 And finally the Strut Top Plate and damper shaft nut to be affixed after fitment to car Part number 357412319B @ 5.41 - require two of these so 10.82 Total price including VAT is 105.53, for peace of mind and a healthy front end
Great stuff. I've been umming and aahing about exactly which bits I need despite reading all the various threads on the subject. I can now see how it all goes together Sticky this?
also worth adding, do an ebay search in the vw parts section for 'lemforder' often a complete mk3 gti top mount kit can be found for sale cheaply in there. also, you dont actually need the upper retaining plate, the mk2 one will fit just fine. but if you do that, how will everyone know you have fitted the superior mk3 parts
What difference in there in the parts needed for renewing the topmounts on a mk2 fitted with coilovers then? Great info!
tshirt2k - The plastic tubing is fitted as standard to Eibach springs, probably to protect against metal to metal contact as the Eibach springs are progressive wound, this means that the force required to deflect the springs increases as the spring is compressed - better for fast road use, ie - softer for the initial travel then stiffening up as it progresses through the travel. DazzaG40, for coilovers you need as MUSHY 16v says : top mount bearing - strut top mount - threaded bush/nut - strut top plate and damper nut or you can use your existing strut top plate/nut. And as rubjohnny says you can buy the Lemforder top mount bearing and strut top mount on Ebay for 17 + 6 postage, saving approx 25 on VW dealer prices, bugger...i didn't realise this.
So to fit MK3 top mounts to a mk2 that already has coilovers, all thats needed would be: Lemforder top mount + bearing kit: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150634015649 and 1H0 412 365A - Threaded bush/nut Is that correct? Cheers
Cheers Maybe a stupid question, but how far down do I take the threaded bush, just far enough so that the top of the threaded bit is level with the top plate (on the top side of the tower)?
been on vagcat to check part numbers etc as my top mount are an advisory on my recent mot the spring plate part number is 357412341, yet the top post here says 1HO412341, the 1H0 number is labeled as the std mk2 version(pointed top) and the 357 is labeled as the mk3 version(flat top) http://www.vagcat.com/epc/cat/vw/GO/1995/159/52/1816306/ can some one double check to make sure i am not going mad here thanks john
look a bit more closely and if you squint a bit, look sideways you can see whats going on 33 1H0412341 - spring disc / F >> 1H-SW062 538 / F >> 1H-SB019 475 / for models with heavy duty suspension upper / (33) 191412341 spring disc / F >> 1H-SW062 538 / F >> 1H-SB019 475 upper / 34 357412341A - spring disc / F 1H-SW062 539>> / F 1H-SB019 476>> upper / you have 2 parts listed for 33, i.e. early cars chassis numbers up to F >> 1H-SW062 538 / F >> 1H-SB019 475. you have the non-gti/poverty spec one which is same as mk2, and heavy duty/high spec (i.e. gti) which is the mk3 gti one. then the 357 one is the later version for chassis number F 1H-SW062 539>> / F 1H-SB019 476>> onwards, which is for the later different sized springs. ETKA is much clearer on this, vag-cat can be very hard to decipher!
ordered the top spring plate at vw here in weston, gave them the 1h0412341 part number and the description that comes back is "concave washer", hmm wonder if that will be the right item, will find out tomorow!.
