T32 front strut bolts

[Lmuk17]

Hello!

I’m looking to replace the front struts and I’m not expecting the bolts to survive, as it’s all very rusty. Can anyone advise if the ones I’ve found on eBay would be suitable? All the genuine ones I’ve found online are £15 odd a bolt without nuts so just being tight..

Thank you in advance!

 

[Lurch92]

Odd that they are corroded… particularly seeing as you are in the south of the uk.

If they really are that corroded and need replacing, this is the kind of thing I would go to a dealership and pay your VW tax for.

I’m not one to source parts from main dealer, but this is one of the parts I would.

 

[Howzat]

I had similar when a mechanic replaced my drop links. He went to B&Q.

 

[Lmuk17]

Odd that they are corroded… particularly seeing as you are in the south of the uk.

If they really are that corroded and need replacing, this is the kind of thing I would go to a dealership and pay your VW tax for.

I’m not one to source parts from main dealer, but this is one of the parts I would.

The guy I bought it from lived by the coast… I recently replaced my wheels (somehow managed to own it for 5 years without taking them off ) and 4 of the bolts were stuck solid, 2 snapped. I’m just expecting these to be worse, I might be pleasantly surprised.

These bolts are high tensile 10.9.. not exactly sure what that means but it’s got to be good hasn’t it?

 

[64 SPLIT]

Did you buy these? I’m replacing my front springs and have already had to fight to get the first bolt undone.
I’m expecting the other 3 to be the same and may well replace them to save similar hassles in the future.

 

[Lmuk17]

Did you buy these? I’m replacing my front springs and have already had to fight to get the first bolt undone.
I’m expecting the other 3 to be the same and may well replace them to save similar hassles in the future.

I did yes! I still don’t know if they’re ok but they’re strong and the right size

Actually just got my old ones off in one piece but I’m probably still going to replace them…

 

[64 SPLIT]

I think I’ll order some too - I’ve had to put everything back together for now as the top nut on the drop link has seized and managed to snap my Torx bit in it, so there’s no way to stop it spinning. I’ll be attacking it with the angle grinder and have ordered a pair of new drop links from THQ.

 

[DXX]

I did yes! I still don’t know if they’re ok but they’re strong and the right size

Actually just got my old ones off in one piece but I’m probably still going to replace them…

View attachment 297948

That’s just surface rust.

These bolts are high tensile 10.9.. not exactly sure what that means but it’s got to be good hasn’t it?

Only if that’s the grade specified for use in the position.
If a high tensile stretch bolt is required it should be replaced and not re-used.
I would not be buying high tensile bolts from anywhere other than a reputable supplier

 

[64 SPLIT]

Loads of people seem to re-use the bolts without issue. Mine are pretty crusty so I’ll be replacing mine as at some point in future I’d like to for raised springs.

 

[Lmuk17]

I think I’ll order some too - I’ve had to put everything back together for now as the top nut on the drop link has seized and managed to snap my Torx bit in it, so there’s no way to stop it spinning. I’ll be attacking it with the angle grinder and have ordered a pair of new drop links from THQ.

Yea the drop links are easily the hardest bit!! I’ve got new ones but still didn’t want to mess about with cutting… spent ages on it and still ended up cutting them

 

[Lmuk17]

That’s just surface rust.

Only if that’s the grade specified for use in the position.
If a high tensile stretch bolt is required it should be replaced and not re-used.
I would not be buying high tensile bolts from anywhere other than a reputable supplier

Yea I know it’s just surface rust but I’ve got new ones and they’re supposed to be replaced so I may as well.

I couldn’t find any more details on the factory bolts, I guess they’re intentionally vague about it.
What would you class as a reputable supplier? I ordered from a company that specialise in nuts and bolts, for all you know they could supply all the people that sell ‘genuine bolts’?

 

[phazer]

Yea I know it’s just surface rust but I’ve got new ones and they’re supposed to be replaced so I may as well.

I couldn’t find any more details on the factory bolts, I guess they’re intentionally vague about it.
What would you class as a reputable supplier? I ordered from a company that specialise in nuts and bolts, for all you know they could supply all the people that sell ‘genuine bolts’?

There's no mystery in terms of sizing, what you can't get is the strength rating. Bolts are under 7 quid, nuts under 5 quid each from a dealer, so not expensive and they'll probably have them in stock.

 

[Lmuk17]

There's no mystery in terms of sizing, what you can't get is the strength rating. Bolts are under 7 quid, nuts under 5 quid each from a dealer, so not expensive and they'll probably have them in stock.

View attachment 298007

In that case, being tight, I’ve paid more than I needed to for potentially the wrong bolts typical!