Drilling a hole in rear wheel arch body to adjust KW

[kfirg]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to adjust my KW STREET COMFORT coils "on the fly" by accessing rear REBOUND allen key adjustment hole; which is located inside the top of the rear strut. Ideally, I would like to drill a small hole through the body of my car and then access the strut from the trunk by cutting the carpet liner on top into a small flap.

Otherwise, the only way to adjust the Rebound on the rear strut is to remove it completely.

My two concerns are:

1) Am I compromising the body integrity by drilling a small hole in this area?
2) any idea locating where to drill/cut ?

Any links to where this may have been done/discussed in the past is greatly appreciated.

my car is polo gti (6R) model 2013.

[kfirg]

anyone ??

[RUM4MO]

I think that is a decision that only you can make, that area of the car is a strengthen area and load bearing - but how much of that strength will you remove by drilling a hole - that is the question you need to ask and answer yourself.

[iichel]

I think it's about the same effort to jack up the rear axle and disconnect the shocks in the search for the right setting.
Otherwise you need to remove the inner boot lining etc etc to reach the hole. I wouldn't do it.

[kfirg]

thanks for the reply .

please look at time 1:39 in this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__UVcJNpTbU

can you tell me if its possible to expouse the head of the shock without disassembling the bottom screw ?

i just want to adjust the rebound Without disassembling the bottom screw.. only the two top screws

what do you think guys ?

[iichel]

easy, just compress the damper so you can reach the top.

[Ricmondo]

In the early days of the Mini we used to cut a slot in the rear bulkhead, two if it was a twin tank variant to allow access to the shock absorber top mounting without the tiresome job of removing the fuel tank.

We were always careful to radius the corners and carefully dress the hole and forming a lip to stop stress fractures but we still found on race, rally or general hooligans use (me) the bulkhead would crack around the slot.

We continued to carry out the modification but welded a fabricated collar to the slot and fitted a removable sealed cover to isolate the tank area from the cockpit to pass scrutineers inspection.

All panels are subject to stress analysis, more so now that computers replace the back of envelopes, fag packets etc so although it is unlikely you do risk destroying the structural integrity of that area.

If you were in a crash and it was apparent that your modification had a effect upon the designed performance of that panel your insurers may decide to dispute any claim.

I’m not saying don’t do it, we all modify cars with few ill effects but if you do make sure you clean up the hole, avoid any sharp corners and keep an eye on it and the surrounding panels. Consider adding a welded strengthening plate, just in case.

I hope you can sort it out without too many tears.

[kfirg]

Are you sure this is possible?

just compress it after disassembling the 2 upper screws?

[iichel]

Are you sure this is possible?

just compress it after disassembling the 2 upper screws?

yes

[kfirg]

Okay so I'll lift the car and try to do it without disassembling the wheel & bottom screw .

just lift the car + disassembling the two upper screws + compress the damper.

thanks!

[iichel]

lift the car on both sides, otherwise the swing axle will not lower completely

[kfirg]

Impossible to do it every time on one side each ?

It will not be possible to compress the damper in this way ?

[iichel]

you can try, but I suggest to buy a pair of axle stands. never work on a car that is only resting on a jack anyway.

[kfirg]

thanks a lot

[spartacus68]

Just take the shocks off - it's not a difficult job, axle stands, trolley jack, decent socket set and ring spanners, PlusGas penetrating oil, allen-key set, wire brush, torque wrench.

While you're there - check the bump stops, they deteriorate.