My MK4 R32 restoration project

One upgrade I’d been wanting to do for some time was to upgrade the engine mounts. The current ones are the originals from the factory, and whilst there isn’t a huge amount of engine rock, I have noticed that after driving for some time, the downpipes look to be catching on a heat shield when going over bumps etc. I installed both Vibra-Technics engine (VAG404M), gearbox mounts (VAG606M), as well as their dogbone large bush and inserts (VAG450M). All in their ‘road’ configuration.

I’d been battling for some time to fix an annoying oil level sensor warning when the car starts. A while back, I replaced checked all the wiring and swapped out the bonnet microswitch. Unfortunately, this didn’t solve the issue, so it was time to change the sensor. I drained the oil out and swapped the sensor over. Not a difficult job, just a pain to drain the oil. I put in new oil and a new oil filter whilst I was here. The issue seems to have resolved itself. For now…

I haven’t driven the car much recently, as the weather has been so terrible. I opted to use this time to fix up some outstanding things on my list. I had a code in VCDS for an intermittent brake light switch fault. It’s a five minute swap, so it was an easy win!

I always heard great things about moving to a short shifter. I opted for the Forge as I have a bit of a soft spot for them, and their customer service/support is great. I put it on the shortest setting. It feels great, but I’m not sure it’s as night and day as everyone makes out. Maybe if I add the side-to-side kit, it’d make a bigger difference…

My gear stick and floor mats were looking a bit old and tired. VW International were still selling new ones, so I splashed out and picked up a set.

The clutch started to slip. Based on my paperwork, it was the original for the car, so it had lasted a good time! I was planning on getting the car in for chains next year, so I bought it forward so I wasn’t doubling up on the costs. The car had all new fluids throughout (gearbox, diff, haldex with filter) whilst it was in. Parts replaced were water pump, chains, guides and sprockets and a new clutch and flywheel. My alternator pulley was also making a racket, so I had this swapped out whilst it was in for the work. No pictures of that work being done unfortunately.

After a few months of enjoying the car, something I missed from my old MK5 R32 was cruise control and comfort blinkers. I picked up the retrofit kits from TPS and went ahead and whilst the steering wheel was off the car, I took the opportunity to use a leather restoration kit from Leather Repair Company which was a great kit! Turned out really nice I think, though I don’t think I’d ever get it to look like a brand new wheel, it’s definitely a huge improvement over what it was before.

I came across some brand new front and rear centre console parts from a VW store on eBay. Grabbed those whilst I could as the front part is especially hard to get hold of!

When turning at low speeds (like when parking) there was an annoying squeal coming from the belt. I figured it was time to replace the tensioner. Since the belt had probably never been replaced, I went ahead and replaced the belt whilst I was there.

Next up, the Forge adjustable rear arms arrived, and I didn’t fancy doing these myself this time after the pain of doing everything else on axle stands. I took the car to a reputable VW specialists in Littlehampton, who were great and loved the car.

The car went in for its MOT today! This was the first time driving the car further than my driveway, and the front alignment was so far out, I had to turn the ESP off so the ABS didn’t kick in on the fronts. On the drive, I was listening out for unexpected noises and it all seemed to be fine! I really do rate the B14’s. I thought the ride would be significantly harder than before, especially since I have all new bushes and some were also polyurethane. The firmness is more or less the same as stock and isn’t crashy at all. It did put a smile on my face.

Now I actually have brakes, the car is ready! Last final things I did were fit a new coolant bottle to replace the old one, and fitted the new battery cover trim that I purchased at the start of this project.

The car is now off the axle stands, but on the first attempt at moving the car off the drive, I noticed there was no brake pedal. The rear pads were biting a small amount, but the front callipers weren’t compressing at all.

One of the main annoyances I had with removing everything off the car was the rusty bolts. I wanted to protect everything so hopefully, if I have to work on the car in the future, I will have an easier time.

New discs and pads fitted all round.