anti rattle spring, how to install?

[rabbit82]

I have rebuilt the whole front end on my 82 rabbit, new strut inserts, wheel bearing, etc... I am now stumped on a stupid spring. How does this fit?

[8v-of-fury]

Google search of Volkswagen front anti rattle spring, got me this

[rabbit82]

I saw that one already, not really any help and it appears to be a different spring than what I have.  I googled every type of spring, anti rattle, caliper, etc.. and still can't find a picture or any descriptions of how these go on. Do I have the correct piece to begin with? The pads on the car where new but there where no springs and I also needed the sleeves/bushings that the retainer bolts go in. These springs are what came with the package.

[8v-of-fury]

thats exactly what you have, the other type looks like this

[ORCoaster]

Those little devils, if you look at all four that you have you will notice two go one way and two the other.  These are for top and bottom locations.  I believe that when I put mine on a bit ago after doing the axle replacement they go with the loop end to the outside.  You have to get the center tab in there and create a tension that allows the outside of the clips to grip the shoes.  As soon as you hit a big bump these will fly off anyway.  At least mine on the top did.

I found a different service manual at the local library that had a better picture of them than what is in the Bentley.

[rabbit82]

OK, I got it. I have an old manual that I was using and guess what, it had an updated section for 1980 rabbits . It had the spring and a nice picture. This is different than the above picture but it is by the manual. I have to say, the above method looks like it would hold better but we will see.
 What a crazy spring. I'll remember this one for life.

[ORCoaster]

Big ears to the inside, so they can listen to the clatter of the engine rather than the road.  Thanks for the pic.  Maybe mine were backasswards and that is why I lost them.  Going to look again.

[bajacalal]

Are the two types pictured in this thread at all interchangeable? The flat type seem to fall out before I even reach the highway. I was even thinking of using a piece of safety wire of the right gauge in there as an anti-rattle strip and twist tying it around the caliper bracket, maybe then it won't fall out

[Powered by Spearco]

I've noticed that with Rabbit FT. brake pads, they are made to be used with the spring style anti rattle hold downs thingys. If you get the flat style holders thingys, file down the surface where they make contact so they can actualy hold the padstill.

[bajacalal]

This is on an mk2, btw. There doesn't seem to be much which holds that clip in there.

[Powered by Spearco]

Opp's. I thought it was on a Rabbit.

[DieselBalz]

The mk2 tabs go towards each other. Away from each other and they fall out. I just learned this the hardway and am now gonna have to make a tri to the breaker yard to snag a couple sets. At least my compressor and impacts came in, so installing them will be a snap.

[bajacalal]

I don't know where you live but they have them at O'reillys auto parts for a few dollars a set, I can't imagine they would be very hard to find.

[DieselBalz]

I don't know where you live but they have them at O'reillys auto parts for a few dollars a set, I can't imagine they would be very hard to find.

Good call. NAPA had em. No more rattle.