ST XA Coilovers Volkswagen Golf MK4 1J 97-13

ST XA Coilovers for Volkswagen Golf MK4 1J (1997-2013) – 10-65 mm Lower, Height Adjustable, 16-Click Rebound Damping

This ST XA kit replaces the standard springs and dampers on the Volkswagen Golf MK4 1J (1997-2013) with a height-adjustable coilover set. It lowers the car by approx. 10-65 mm front and rear, which sharpens the steering, cuts body roll and closes up the wheel arch gap. The ride height is set on threaded struts, so you can go for a subtle drop or use the full approved range, and change it again later.

The ST XA adds adjustable rebound damping to the height-adjustable ST platform. ST set the dampers up for this car at the factory, and the 16-click rebound adjuster then lets you make the ride softer for comfort or firmer for tighter body control. Shaped (progressive) springs keep the car comfortable over small bumps while adding support as the suspension compresses. ST is part of the KW automotive group, and the kit is developed and made in Germany using KW engineering.

ST makes 5 versions of the XA kit for the Volkswagen Golf MK4 1J, split by body style, drivetrain and front axle weight. Between them they cover the 1.4 16V, 1.6, 1.6 16V, 1.6 FSI, 1.8, 1.8 T GTI, 1.9 SDI, 1.9 TDI and more. Use the table in the Fitment section to find the right one, then choose it from the drop-down.

Specifications

• Front lowering: approx. 10-65 mm (varies by version)
• Rear lowering: approx. 10-65 mm (varies by version)
• Height adjustment: Stepless, on threaded strut housings
• Minimum ride height (wheel hub centre to arch edge): front 320-355 mm, rear 330-355 mm (varies by version)
• Damping: Adjustable rebound, 16 clicks (rear dampers fixed on some versions)
• Springs: Shaped progressive springs
• Strut housings: Galvanised steel
• Approval: Parts certificate (German §19.3)

Lowering figures are ST's, measured against the standard car. The actual drop varies with engine, equipment and tolerances on each car, and the springs settle slightly after the first few hundred miles.

Key Features

• Stepless ride height adjustment on a coarse, dirt-resistant trapezoidal thread
• 16-click adjustable rebound damping, delivered with a base setting for this vehicle
• Shaped progressive springs for a comfortable ride with firmer support in corners
• Galvanised, multi-sealed steel strut housings for long-term corrosion protection
• Composite spring perches with stainless steel inserts that stay easy to adjust for years
• Dust covers and bump stops protect the damper seals and act as an extra spring under heavy load
• Developed and built in Germany, based on KW engineering
• Supplied with a parts certificate and fitting instructions

What's in the Kit?

• 2 x height-adjustable front coilover struts with springs
• 2 x rear dampers
• 2 x rear springs with height-adjustable spring seats
• Composite spring perches with stainless steel inserts
• Dust covers and bump stops
• Parts certificate and fitting instructions

The rear dampers are not adjustable. They are fixed-rate sports dampers with firmer damping than standard.

Please note: the photos are ST's own images of the kits for this car. Choose your version to see its kit. Small details such as brackets can differ from the photos.

Fitment

• Volkswagen Bora 1J, 1J2 (Oct 1998 to Dec 2013)
• Volkswagen Bora Estate 1J, 1J6 (May 1999 to May 2005)
• Volkswagen Golf IV 1J (Aug 1997 to Apr 2008)
• Volkswagen Golf IV Estate 1J (May 1999 to Jun 2006)

Which version do I need? Find your engine, then match the body style, drivetrain and front axle load. The axle load is on your VIN plate (door pillar or under the bonnet, the line marked "1-"). Not sure? Send us your registration and we will check.

Not suitable for: Other generations or body styles, which need their own kit, such as ST XA Coilovers Volkswagen Golf MK3 Syncro 1H 93-00, ST XA Coilovers Volkswagen Golf MK3/Vento 1H 91-00, ST XA Coilovers Volkswagen Golf MK5/Golf Plus/Estate 1K 03-17.

Installation

Fitting means removing the original struts, springs and dampers and fitting the ST units in their place. We recommend a qualified workshop experienced with coilovers. A spring compressor is needed to strip down the original front struts. The original top mounts, bearings and fixings are reused, so check them for wear and replace any that are worn. Set the ride height within the approved range, tighten the suspension bolts with the car's weight on its wheels, and torque everything to the manufacturer's figures. A four-wheel alignment is required once the car is at its final ride height. Re-check the height and alignment after the first few hundred miles, once the springs have settled.

The fitting instructions and parts certificate for each version can be downloaded from its specification table once you choose your version.

The dampers arrive on ST's base setting for this car. Make small changes to the rebound adjuster and test before going further.

Before you start:

• With the factory wheels and tyres, wheel spacers may be needed to give enough clearance to the coilovers.
• On cars with a driveshaft diameter of 50mm or more, KW recommend their anti-roll bar kit (part no. 68550008) to improve clearance to the right-hand driveshaft. Clearance can vary from car to car, so check it after fitting.
• At the maximum approved lowering, the anti-roll bar must be changed to keep clearance to the right-hand driveshaft: KW kit 68550000 for cars without xenon headlights, or 68550005 for cars with xenon headlights.
• On the original wheel sizes, wheel spacers may be needed to keep enough clearance.
• Do not shorten the original bump stops.
• Disconnect any ride height sensors (headlight levelling or self-levelling) before removing the old struts.
• Clean the threads before adjusting, and start with the height adjusters in the middle of their range.

After fitting:

• Do not go below ST's minimum height, measured from the wheel hub centre to the wheel arch edge: front 320-355 mm, rear 330-355 mm (see the spec table for your version).
• Expect the car to settle a further 5-10 mm once it has been driven, then re-check the height.
• Check there is at least 5 mm clearance between the tyres and the suspension through the full steering and suspension travel.
• Have the headlight aim reset, along with any other height-dependent systems.
• ESP/ABS warning lights can appear after fitting. Some clear after a short drive, others need full steering lock both ways or a reset with a diagnostic tool.
• On cars with radar or camera driver assistance systems, have the calibration checked after lowering.

Upgrade Further

If you only need height adjustment, the ST X Coilovers Volkswagen Golf MK4 1J 97-13 has fixed damping and costs less.

For track days, the ST XTA Coilovers Volkswagen Golf MK4 1J 97-13 adds camber-adjustable top mounts and a race spring system.

Which version do I need for my Volkswagen Golf MK4 1J?

Start with your engine in the Fitment table, then match the body style, drivetrain and front axle load (on your VIN plate). If more than one row fits, or your car isn't listed, send us your registration and we will confirm the right part number.

Will this fit my Volkswagen Golf MK4 1J?

It fits the Volkswagen Golf MK4 1J (1997-2013) with the 1.4 16V, 1.6, 1.6 16V, 1.6 FSI, 1.8, 1.8 T GTI and more. Check the Fitment section for the body styles and exclusions, or send us your registration and we will check.

How low will my Volkswagen Golf MK4 1J sit?

ST quotes a drop of approx. 10-65 mm front and rear compared with standard, depending on the version. The exact drop varies from car to car with engine, equipment and tolerances. ST also sets a minimum: the distance from the wheel hub centre to the wheel arch edge must stay above approx. 320-355 mm at the front and 330-355 mm at the rear.

Can I adjust the damping?

Yes. The rebound adjuster has 16 clicks and the kit arrives on ST's base setting for this car. Turn towards firm for tighter body control or towards soft for a more comfortable ride. On some versions only the front dampers are adjustable.

Will the ST XA make my Volkswagen Golf MK4 1J ride harshly?

It doesn't have to. The progressive springs keep small bumps under control, and the 16-click rebound adjuster lets you soften the ride for daily use or firm it up for a spirited drive.

Do I need an alignment after fitting?

Yes. Changing the ride height changes camber and toe, so a full four-wheel alignment is needed once the car is at its final height, and again after any later change.

Will my standard wheels fit?

On the original wheel sizes, ST says wheel spacers may be needed to keep enough clearance. Aftermarket wheels should be checked for clearance at your chosen ride height.

Is it road legal in the UK?

Yes. It is designed for road use and comes with a German parts certificate. Keep the ride height within ST's approved range and tell your insurer about the modification.

Is it covered by a warranty?

Yes, ST covers it against defects in materials and workmanship. If a part ever needs replacing, contact us with your vehicle details and order number.