Updated: 8-Oct-2024
Specifications
Steering Column Bearings
Steering Wheel
Power Steering Fluid
Dexron or Dexron II ATF or equivalent
Capacity: 0.77 L
Swapping Manual Steering for Power Steering
"I went from a '79 Rabbit sedan, manual steering, to a '93 Cabriolet with power assist. There really is not an appreciable difference in effort between the two. The big difference is the ratio of the two steering racks, the manual rack took 3¾ turns lock to lock, the power assisted rack, only 3 1/3. The power rack is much quicker, without the assist, steering effort would be objectionably greater. I really like the power steering, but having driven many miles with both, I would be reluctant to ever convert one to the other. Root canals are more fun, at least you get a day or two off work. If you are determined, you'll need a pump, belt and all mounting brackets, a fluid reservoir, feed, pressure and return lines and a rack with mounts."
Drive Axles
CV joint bolts: 8mm Triple Square, or XZN (they are not Torx, or 12-point!); if they have been replaced at some point, they may also be Hex (aka Allen).
Axle Flanges
The above is for factory-original equipment. Verify what your car has before buying parts. See the transmission guide for further information.
Factory Springs
Part Number | Painted Dots | Model Years | Location |
---|---|---|---|
171-411-105G | or | 1979-1993 | Front |
171-411-105H | 1979-1993 | Front | |
171-411-105J | 1980-1993 | Front | |
161-411-105E | 1984-1993 | Front | |
161-411-105F | 1982-1993 | Front | |
171-511-105C | Up to E-10000 | Rear | |
161-511-105A | From E-10001 | Rear |
The above is based on the VW parts catalog. What front springs your car originally came with depends on installed engine and options.
Do these cars have coilovers?
Technically, yes, considering they use a coil spring-over-shock configuration. However, in automotive nomenclature, the factory suspension is referred to as struts, while coilovers are aftermarket replacements. What's the difference? Stock suspension is not adjustable, while coilovers allow for full customization and adjustment of ride height, shock damping rate, spring rate, spring preload.
Using Rabbit/Golf I/Scirocco Suspension
The Cabriolets are heavier than their hardtop counterparts and, therefore, require a slightly stiffer spring. You can use hardtop suspension on your Cabriolet, however, the ride may not be as good as it should be and could possibly do harm to other related components. When looking for suspension, particularly when upgrading from stock, be sure the springs and/or shocks are made for use on Cabriolets (visit manufacturers' web sites).
Using Golf II (aka Mk2/A2) Suspension
Installing Mk2/A2 Golf suspension is not recommended; if it is installed, the ride height will actually be raised. The suspension for the A2 Golf platform is a bit different (hub, length, spring rate) and is really unsuitable for your A1 Cabriolet.
Upgrading the Suspension
This is a matter of personal preference: What is firm to one is too soft to another; what is low enough for one is not low enough for another. However, the table below is a culmination of brands and opinions in the Cabriolet world. Shop around; many companies offer package deals on springs and shocks. Do not use lowering springs with stock shocks and always replace them in pairs (fronts; rears)! It also advised to replace the front strut mounts and bearings at the same time. Some front shocks have built-in bump-stops and require the stock bump-stops not be used; read installation instructions thoroughly before installing! It may/will be necessary to have the front-end aligned after installing your new suspension; however, wait until the springs have settled (approx. 500 miles).Do these cars have a front anti-sway bar?
Cabriolets from 1982 to 1993 came factory-equipped with a U-shaped 17mm front anti-sway bar (aka anti-roll bar, or stabilizer bar) mounted to the control arms and chassis, as shown below. Its part number is 175-411-309.
Some models came equipped with an additional lower stabilizer/stress bar, known as the K-bar, which also mounts to the control arms and chassis (and can be installed on those cars that came without one):
Part number, manual: 155-407-211
Part number, automatic: 155-407-213
Installation instructions
There are also options available in aftermarket form for manual transmission cars:
Do these cars have a rear anti-sway bar?
Cabriolets from 1984-1993 came factory-equipped with a 20.5mm rear anti-sway bar (aka anti-roll bar, or stabilizer bar) mounted to the rear axle beam, as shown below. Its part number is 171-511-409.
Bigger 24mm stabilizer bars were installed on 16V Sciroccos (part number 533-511-409), which can be retrofitted to improve handling.
Can I retrofit a rear anti-sway bar onto my 1979-1983 Cabriolet?
Yes, but you'll need to drill mounting holes into the rear axle beam (be cautious not to drill into the gas tank).
What is the purpose of anti-sway/stabilizer bars?
To reduce axial flex (or sway) and twisting in order to improve steering and road handling (i.e., to keep the car planted when cornering).
Upper front strut (or stress) bars help to eliminate the roll and twist of the front chassis. Rear upper strut bars minimize rear chassis flex under hard cornering, thus reducing understeer and improving stability. These bars mount between the strut towers and come in different styles; three front examples are shown below.
Front and rear strut bars were not factory installed, but are available from numerous aftermarket suppliers & manufacturers.