Strut top location

[DrJuanKerr]

So, after 2 weeks of owning my brand new Cali Ocean I've decided I can't cope with feeling like I'm sat in a barge. I've bought some Bilstein B14 coil overs instead.

Question: Do I locate the top of the front struts in the cabin under the carpet somehow? I can't see anywhere obviously apparent in the engine bay.

Last time I changed shocks was on my Mk1 Escort RS2000 in the '80's .

Come to think of it, do I need a spring compressor also?
Cheers

 

[Alan Andrews]

Have you enquired about implications re the VW warranty? I recommend checking beforehand, and recognise that VW do offer a suspension lowering option.

 

[DrJuanKerr]

Have you enquired about implications re the VW warranty? I recommend checking beforehand, and recognise that VW do offer a suspension lowering option.

I spoke to the salesman at the Birmingham Van Centre. He said, and I quote "VW seem to have no problem with customers fitting larger diameter wheels and suspension upgrades".

Do you think I should get a second opinion from "somewhere"?

 

[VW Guru]

Hi the front shock mounting point is in the plenum chamber under the wiper trim. But be aware any non genuine modifications to your vehicle will invalidate the warranty so if you change the shocks there will be no warranty on wheel bearings, drive shafts, cv joints etc as these are all effected by the suspension.

 

[VW Guru]

I spoke to the salesman at the Birmingham Van Centre. He said, and I quote "VW seem to have no problem with customers fitting larger diameter wheels and suspension upgrades".

Do you think I should get a second opinion from "somewhere"?

Absolute rubbish if you fit non genuine parts to your vehicle it will effect your warranty if you fit larger wheels then all your drive train warranty will be invalid drive shafts, gearbox, clutch,flywheel etc

 

[DrJuanKerr]

Hi the front shock mounting point is in the plenum chamber under the wiper trim. But be aware any non genuine modifications to your vehicle will invalidate the warranty so if you change the shocks there will be no warranty on wheel bearings, drive shafts, cv joints etc as these are all effected by the suspension.

Thanks. Next question, how do I get access to the plenum chamber under the wiper trim? I've just taken a quick look and can't see any "obvious" access area

 

[DrJuanKerr]

Absolute rubbish if you fit non genuine parts to your vehicle it will effect your warranty if you fit larger wheels then all your drive train warranty will be invalid drive shafts, gearbox, clutch,flywheel etc

Hmm. That doesn't bode well. Methinks I'll speak to the local Sinclair dealership to see what they say. The salesman at Birmingham did say however, that they will fit lowering springs in house and he explicitly said the springs would 100% not affect the warranty

 

[VW Guru]

Hmm. That doesn't bode well. Methinks I'll speak to the local Sinclair dealership to see what they say. The salesman at Birmingham did say however, that they will fit lowering springs in house and he explicitly said the springs would 100% not affect the warranty

If it’s just the vw lowering springs then he is correct your warranty still stands the problem occurs when non gen springs and shocks have been fitted

 

[VW Guru]

Thanks. Next question, how do I get access to the plenum chamber under the wiper trim? I've just taken a quick look and can't see any "obvious" access area

You will need to remove the wiper by removing the m8 nuts that hold the arms on then the plastic cover will lift out of the windscreen with a little assistance from a plastic wedge. You can then remove the 4 T30 torx bolts which hold the cover plates in and you have direct access to the top of the shocks.

 

[DrJuanKerr]

I've currently got 130 mm clearance from wheel arch to tyre- I can almost get my head in the gap!!

Are the VW lowering springs the standard VW Sportline 30mm springs because "ideally" I'd like a 50mm drop.

I found an interesting point made by a user on the T6 forum. He was considering a similar approach to me; 50mm drop with 20" rims, albeit with lowering springs instead.

He makes this very valid point regarding reputation
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"I really like the look of the Custom Vanz GT and GTS look of the 50mm drop and 20in wheels but worried about warranty.
I spoke to dealer about would I be covered with the 50mm/20in combination and he said it's a grey area and would not give a yes or no. He said if any problem occurred a detailed write up along with photographs are sent off to the warranty department and they decide if there's a claim.
I then rung Custom Vanz and they said it won't affect warranty which the sceptical side of me thinks they would say that as they sell this stuff but the other side of me thinks that if there was a problem they wouldn't sell brand new vans with full warranty to customers with the GT and GTS package of 50mm drop and 20in wheels as if any problem occurred and VW didn't cover the repair it would cost Custom Vanz dearly both financially and reputation."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The full thread can be found here. Unfortunately there's no conclusive statement
https://www.t6forum.com/threads/dealer-lowering.403/page-2

I'm struggling to find images of T6's with only a 30mm drop

 

[Sandyvan]

VW -30mm springs fitted at the dealer so warrantied, standard anti roll bars ride was perfect same as my old van.

18" Springfields.

 

[DrJuanKerr]

OK. Looks like I might be sending my B14's back to veedubtransporters.co.uk.
It's weird because when I measure 30mm to visualise the drop the 30mm springs will give, it doesn't look as low as yours Sandyvan

 

[Sandyvan]

This is my mates van, same setup in fact they were twins only differences were wheels and colour, its on the for sale section now. Cant understand why its not gone its absolutely bob on in everyway.

 

[Craig Storey]

Has anyone got an actual side on so we can see how low the 30mm springs look. It's so hard to see the drop with a side/front image. Im Considering VBair to get the best of both worlds but it's a lot of £££££

 

[Sandyvan]

OK. Looks like I might be sending my B14's back to veedubtransporters.co.uk.
It's weird because when I measure 30mm to visualise the drop the 30mm springs will give, it doesn't look as low as yours Sandyvan

Not mine anymore, I sold it a few weeks ago to a nice couple in Birmingham. You will be surprised how much 30mm drops it TBH, don't forget if you go away for a few weeks like we do every year she comes down a lot more fully loaded especially with a couple of bikes on the back as well.

 

[DrJuanKerr]

Thanks Sandyvan. Those pictures have definitely made my mind up.
The B14's go back to www.veedubtransporters.co.uk and I'll speak to my local dealer

Incidentally, how much could I expect to pay as a ball park figure at the VW dealership?

 

[Sandyvan]

Has anyone got an actual side on so we can see how low the 30mm springs look. It's so hard to see the drop with a side/front image. Im Considering VBair to get the best of both worlds but it's a lot of £££££

See comment below, Air would give you the best of both worlds me thinks, but as you say £££ and back to the warranty issue.

 

[Sandyvan]

Thanks Sandyvan. Those pictures have definitely made my mind up.
The B14's go back to www.veedubtransporters.co.uk and I'll speak to my local dealer

Incidentally, how much could I expect to pay as a ball park figure at the VW dealership?

Don't quote me on this but approx. £450.

 

[Sandyvan]

Has anyone got an actual side on so we can see how low the 30mm springs look. It's so hard to see the drop with a side/front image. Im Considering VBair to get the best of both worlds but it's a lot of £££££

I can have a look for some if you want.

 

[DrJuanKerr]

Not mine anymore, I sold it a few weeks ago to a nice couple in Birmingham. You will be surprised how much 30mm drops it TBH, don't forget if you go away for a few weeks like we do every year she comes down a lot more fully loaded especially with a couple of bikes on the back as well.

We travel quite light TBH. It's just the 2 of us and we are quite anal in weight/ space saving/ multi functional equipment. That'll be the fault of Her Majesty and The Royal Marines

 

[DrJuanKerr]

I can have a look for some if you want.

I'd like to see side on before and after if possible. That would be awesome

 

[Sandyvan]

Is this anygood?

 

[Sandyvan]

17" Devenports with -30mm springs. Sorry I had the van lowered at the dealers so no before shots.

 

[Sandyvan]

We travel quite light TBH. It's just the 2 of us and we are quite anal in weight/ space saving/ multi functional equipment. That'll be the fault of Her Majesty and The Royal Marines

I understand that concept when your yomping, also relevant when tabbing as well

 

[DrJuanKerr]

Thanks for the images Sandyvan. I appreciate the time taken. I will 100% be sending the B14's back and opting for a 30mm VW lowering spring instead. When my VAG warranty period expires [assuming I don't extend it] I'll get the B14's then