Well last night I uploaded a new video detailing my experience fitting coilovers, and my thoughts on the JOM Items.
For those who can't be bothered to watch 20 minutes of bleeping and angle grinding, I'll write up my thoughts too....
The JOM Blueline Kit:
I've owned a few sets of cheap coilers over the years. TA Technixx, unbranded, FK's. I have to say the JOMs look the best out of the box, nicely designed with decent looking bump stops and dust covers too!
One thing to remember is that like all these coilover kits is that they're not specifically designed for 1 car. They take advantage of the fact most modern cars share platforms, and therefore are designed to fit more than one vehicle. In this case, our cars share a platform with various other VAG models (Seats, Skodas, VWs, full list on
JOMs Website). For the most part, this isnt actually an issue. They'll use a spring rate that works across the board for that particular kit, for example, which isnt ideal but... its £220 for a full suspension kit!
Fitting:
Time for the fun part, fitting! Obviously if you're fitting coilovers, you may as well have a refresh while you're there. Very important to consider this as your £220 mod will soon become a £300-400 mod! Top mounts are the obvious one, but you MUST and I repeat MUST Replace the lower bolts which clamp the front struts to the hubs. I detailed the reasons why in a previous video on my channel (
Audi TT, similar setup).
Fronts are traditionally, the worst to do. And when I say Traditionally, I mean on FWD VW platform cars. This is primarily due to the pinch bolt and clamp which clamps the shock to the hub. You'll need to have a breaker bar to crack the old bolt off, no doubt. Furthermore, you'll need to have a tool which can help split the hub. I've done it without a few times and, its not fun. Even with a massive wedge in there (Hardened steel, its bloody strong!) You're going to be drowning it in your favourite release fluid while you smash the living bejesus out of the hub.
Immediately, the A2 comes into its own becoming increasingly difficult over anything I've done before when you get to the top mounts. All the bolts are completely inaccessible on the drivers side. On the passenger side, they're tight but doable. I ended up using a 1/4" ratchet, and a lot of pressure on my fingers. Which led to pain for several days... no joke!
Then comes the rear, which on most FWD cars is SUPER easy. With the car on axle stands, I have a jack support under one of the cups on the beam. Once its all undone you can lower the beam and undo everything. The top mount fixing for the shocks is a bit inaccessible, I actually cut the arch liner for easier access for future changes.
The ONLY modification I needed to do, was to the rear beam. Where the adjusters sit there is a spring cup. For some reason on the A2 the inboard extrusion (which would go in the middle of the spring to help seat it) has an extension welded to it. This increase in height means when you go to fit the adjuster, it'll just sit on top of that cup and the bolt isnt long enough to attach it. I cut the cup down so that the adjuster could sit flat on the face of the spring seat, which is better for spreading the load. It was an absolute pain in the arse!
And now its fitted?
Well as per my previous posts, the rear does sit a bit too low even when all the way up. Could be related to my angle grindering, or could be just that the springs are for a car with a lighter rear end? either way, something to fix.
The ride is acceptable, not too crashy for a budget kit! If you're looking to save money, and go in with your eyes open, the JOM kit is very good I think.