Installation Advice - HPA Hockey Puck + Haldex w/switch

[HmmIdPorkThat]

So I have a bunch of parts just laying around waiting to be installed. I am paralyzed, so installing them my self just isn't feasible. I took a ride to Garnett VW (use to be an APR distributor) and got some quotes today. Turns out a service tech there (who owns a new Golf R) just came back from working with the APR racing team and had pretty good knowledge about the parts I was inquiring about.

My .:R is only sitting at 23,xxx miles and they suggest doing the Haldex fluid maintenance since "half the fluid will be lost on installation" - is this true?. The car has had the same fluid in it for 4 years now and at this rate will be in there for another 2-3 years before I hit 40k. I don't beat on the car (often), but def enjoy sprinted driving and taking it to the twisties we have near by. Do I say f*ck it and have the service done any ways (new fluid & new unit)?

Here are the quotes on installation:
HPA engine mount: $165.00
Haldex w/switch: $127.50
Neuspeed RSB: $ 127.50
HPA Intake: $127.50
Haldex service: $252.15

Onto my dilemma - $127 each for RSB and intake is ridiculous so no go on them - I just need to source a hex kit and I'm sure I can supervise the intake instillation. I paid that much for the engine mount (GB price), is it worth paying $165 for it to go in too? The Haldex plus switch seems like a steal though.

Any input will be valued.
Wes

[mfbmike]

I lost a trivial amount of haldex fluid when I did my haldex install. Unless your a total klutz, I don't see how it would call for a full haldex service after that. At the most, you can add a few drips if you feel you've lost too much.

120 bucks to install an intake? Wish I was local to you. lol. Sway bar install is a tad more involved I suppose (but not really) so also, they're trying to give it to you raw.

Running the switch for the haldex can be tricky, but again, not all that difficult. Truthfully, i'm glad I had someone who had installed the haldex and the switch in their car before to give me pointers and help me run the switch.

tldr: stealership's trying to **** you.

If I was local, I'd do the installs for less than half the price (if that) and you'd be able to have more fun doing it.

I'm sure someone on this forum is local to you and wouldn't mind helping another R owner out.

[Mr_Peach]

I've done all of those DIY except the Haldex service.

If they're routing the Haldex switch into your interior somewhere, I'd say $127.50 is a steal. The actual "install the Haldex" part is only a minor pain, the tough part is getting the wiring unclipped. If you're a VW tech who does it every day, probably not a big deal.

I spilled about a teaspoon of Haldex juice when I put mine in 70,000 miles ago, and I didn't bother topping it up then. I've since had two 40K services done, professionally.

Snaking the switch cable up around the fuel tank and into the interior took me hours, but admittedly a lot of that was "research", going back and forth from under the car back to the computer.

I thought $165 seemed steep to install the HPA puck as I started typing this, but now I remember working up a sweat taking the OEM mount out. It's a destructive process. 2 hours is a "safe" estimate. Some will do it quickly, some will invent new curses.

[mfbmike]

Snaking the switch cable up around the fuel tank and into the interior took me hours, but admittedly a lot of that was "research", going back and forth from under the car back to the computer.

Lowering the fuel tank ftw.

[Mr_Peach]

Lowering the fuel tank ftw.

That is indeed the trick. My problem (as I recall) was visualizing where to snake from and to. I kept getting turned around in my head depending on whether I was under the car or inside the car.

[mfbmike]

That is indeed the trick. My problem (as I recall) was visualizing where to snake from and to. I kept getting turned around in my head depending on whether I was under the car or inside the car.

lol, yes. Snaking those wires and the switch through that rubber grommet was quite tricky indeed. Once you get the wires underneath the rear bench, it's (almost) smooth sailing from there, assuming you just leave the switch under your seat.

We ran it all the way up to the front of the car, underneath the steering column and ultimately up to the center console, right above/in front of the dsg shifter, right next to the "esp off" button.

[10Ten]

i agree with both Peach & mike. have a weekend!

[HmmIdPorkThat]

If I was local, I'd do the installs for less than half the price (if that) and you'd be able to have more fun doing it.

I'm sure someone on this forum is local to you and wouldn't mind helping another R owner out.

Thanks Mike. I'd rather give my money to another R owner before the dealership any day. Any one close to Delaware on here that wants to do a solid?

I've done all of those DIY except the Haldex service.

I read on here that most you guys have done every thing your selves. My buddies aren't too mechanically inclined, and idk if I trust them to start hacking things up under the car to get the mount out. I don't mind paying a little extra for the peice of mind it's being done right. I just want your guys opinion to see if it's an outrageous number.



Thanks for the input fellas! So in regards to the Haldex service, I should just wait to accumulate more miles, even if it takes another couple years to reach that 40k milestone?

[mfbmike]

Is there any reputable VW/Audi/Porsche/etc. tuner shops in your area? They may be able to give you a much better rate as they may be more accustomed to installing "aftermarket" parts on these cars.

I can maybe validate the haldex + switch install and hpa mount considering your circumstances, maybe. But can hardly validate the need for a haldex service thereafter and the costs to install the intake and RSB.

Good luck.

[Mr_Peach]

FWIW, I was not born with a wrench in my hand. Dad would sometimes attack the lawn mower with twine and duct tape, but he took his cars to the shop.

Out on my own, the first "interesting" car I bought (a 1968 MBZ 250 SE) got me thinking that I couldn't afford her unless I turned some wrenches on my own. After that, I went through maybe 20 years thinking my time was more valuable than doing my own oil changes.

Fast forward to the R32, and running with the wrong crowd (VWVortex). A lot of these mods make sense to me at the price point of DIY, so I draw off the knowledge here and learn how to step my game up some. I still make mistakes, but I'm enjoying the hands on experience.

Not that I'm suggesting you cast aside the wheelchair (or whatever) and take on the HPA puck install yourself. Just adding some color to the DIY picture.

[AWDMKV]

I am paralyzed, so installing them my self just isn't feasible.

Holy Crap.. I thought I was the only person in the .:R32 Community to be a PARA and drive a .:R32. Glad someone else in my condition is enjoying this awesome car as much as I am - THIS thing gave me my legs back.. UM dual tune is a must....

If you can post up some pictures of your hand controls - I would like to see what type of setup your running.


Jason

[foreverblue]

And you do drive like a Crazy German missing the Autobahn. BTW got your drive shaft replace yet?

[HmmIdPorkThat]

Holy Crap.. I thought I was the only person in the .:R32 Community to be a PARA and drive a .:R32. Glad someone else in my condition is enjoying this awesome car as much as I am - THIS thing gave me my legs back.. UM dual tune is a must....

If you can post up some pictures of your hand controls - I would like to see what type of setup your running.


Jason

Will do Jason. I just gave her to Garnet VW to do the the Haldex and mount install. So once I get her back I'll post a few pictures of my hand controls. They are made by Sure Grip I believe (push in to brake and pull down to gas).,

[Neuman04]

Im not sure how far we are from each other. Im just on the other side of Philly (19067). I could install the intake and mount for you. I could also probably install the sway bar to just not sure of how long that takes.

[Mr_Peach]

Im not sure how far we are from each other. Im just on the other side of Philly (19067). I could install the intake and mount for you. I could also probably install the sway bar to just not sure of how long that takes.

Neuspeed RSB install instructions:
http://www.neuspeed.com/media/attach...25.02.25.4.pdf

Having the right triple square bits is important. On ramps, it's a pretty easy job. First time through, I ended up messing with jacks, as doing Neuspeed endlinks (an additional option) seemed to mean taking the wheel off, and then you need to "load" the suspension again to get the RSB to line up.

When I took the RSB out and reverted to OEM, one shot up the ramps was all it took.

[Neuman04]

Neuspeed RSB install instructions:
http://www.neuspeed.com/media/attach...25.02.25.4.pdf

Having the right triple square bits is important. On ramps, it's a pretty easy job. First time through, I ended up messing with jacks, as doing Neuspeed endlinks (an additional option) seemed to mean taking the wheel off, and then you need to "load" the suspension again to get the RSB to line up.

When I took the RSB out and reverted to OEM, one shot up the ramps was all it took.

I have the striple sqaure bits... It cant be to bad.

[Kmonstermash]

Im located in the 302 as well. newark. come by secure self storage sometime. I also just got my R32.

is your R red? I believe i seen you the other night outside hibachi grill with another vw.

[AWDMKV]

And you do drive like a Crazy German missing the Autobahn. BTW got your drive shaft replace yet?

Wei haha..

I am going down Friday Morning @ 8am to get it replaced.. Thanks to Dennis & Mike @ Linden VW. Good guys, great service..

[HmmIdPorkThat]

Im located in the 302 as well. newark. come by secure self storage sometime. I also just got my R32.

is your R red? I believe i seen you the other night outside hibachi grill with another vw.

I do have a red R, but I wasn't at hibachi the other day. I graduated UD in the spring and havne't been back since . I have black denvers on her.. you work at the self storage right on 273?

-AWDMKV sorry for the delay, I'll make a new thread about my hand controls tonight

[Kmonstermash]

the storage place isnt on 273 its right where 13/1 south come together. My father is the manager and we have an apartment above the office.
I have a "garage" unit from my car to work on and keep it out of the weather.

Im no master mechanic but I would help a fellow R owner out anytime.
let me know if youre going to dubs on the boards.

[foreverblue]

Wei haha..

I am going down Friday Morning @ 8am to get it replaced.. Thanks to Dennis & Mike @ Linden VW. Good guys, great service..

This coming Friday? i can come by and say hi before work.

[mach gti]

Wei haha..

I am going down Friday Morning @ 8am to get it replaced.. Thanks to Dennis & Mike @ Linden VW. Good guys, great service..

Ive also booked an appt with Dennis at Linden VW. Heard about them being very accommodating and helpful.

[foreverblue]

Ive also booked an appt with Dennis at Linden VW. Heard about them being very accommodating and helpful.

They are great.