The Mk7 VW GTI has proven to be a fun and capable car, versatile in its design and functionality, to be perfect for all kinds of drivers. With the right care, they can last for many years and many thousands of miles, but with cars coming out of warranty, these basic repairs and services will now need to be done out of pocket. Handling these jobs yourself will save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the car, and having the right tools on hand can turn this potentially tricky process into one that any compete at-home DIY'er can tackle without issue.
Common tools you should own to work on your Mk7 VW GTI
A good basic set of hand tools is the first thing you’re going to need for working on your Mk7 GTI. Being a European brand, all of the hardware on the GTI is metric, so make sure any tools you already have are sized in ‘MM’, such as 10mm, 13mm, 21mm, and so on, versus SAE sizes which are broken down into fractions of inches such as ¼”, ⅜” or similar.
Common hand tools are going to include wrenches, ratchets, and socket sets consisting of shallow and deep sockets, extensions, at least one or two swivel options, hex-bit (Allen) and Torx options.
Volkswagen and Audi have expanded their use of triple-square fasteners over the years, and you’ll need a set of these for a number of common jobs, including the transmission, brakes, and suspension. A nice electric impact driver will make some of the jobs much quicker when it comes to disassembly. Good quality torque wrenches in all three common drive sizes of ¼”, ⅜”, and ½” are highly recommended and typically required for most jobs.
Aside from that, we would recommend having an assortment of screwdrivers, pliers, hook tools, pry bars, a decent floor jack, jack stands, and other items on hand. Some of the tools listed below aren't available on fcpeuro.com; because of this, some of the links might bring you to Northern Tool or Amazon.
Recommended ratchet and socket sets
- Gearwrench ratchet set
- Gearwrench torque wrench
- Gearwrench ratchet extension set
- Gearwrench drive adaptor/swivel set
- Gearwrench socket set - chrome shallow
- Gearwrench socket set - chrome deep
- Gearwrench impact socket set
- CTA Tools protected wheel socket set
- Torx drive set
- CTA Tools Triple Square drive set
- Hex drive set
Recommended wrench sets
- Gearwrench standard wrench set
- Gearwrench stubby wrench set
- Gearwrench ratcheting flex-head wrench set
Miscellaneous tools
- HAZET Philips/Flathead screwdriver set
- CTA Tools hook and pick tool set
- Gearwrench mixed plier/side cutter set
- Pry bar/ladyfinger tool set
- CTA Tools plastic pry bar tool
- CTA Tools flat-band hose clamp spring pliers
- Large pinch-off pliers
- Small pinch-off pliers
- Gearwrench dead-blow hammer
- Gearwrench ball pein hammer
Specialty tools you should own to work on your Mk7 VW GTI
Beyond the basic tools listed above that you should already have if you own a used German or European vehicle, the Mk7 will require some very specific tools depending on the job you're completing. While we list the specific tools you need in the descriptions of our DIY videos and in the DIY articles themselves, here is an ever-growing list as we complete more of these jobs ourselves.
Specialty tools for the Mk7 VW GTI engine:
- Autel electronic scan tool
- 32mm oil filter socket
- CTA Tools oxygen sensor wrench set
- CTA Tools no-spill oil filler funnel kit
- Oil Drain/catch pan
- Lisle spill-free funnel kit
- Baum Tools fuel injector puller/seal tool kit
- CTA Tools TSI Timing tool kit
- 034 Motorsport intake valve cleaning adapter
Specialty tools for the Mk7 VW GTI suspension:
- CTA Tools spring compressor
- CTA Tools 21mm strut nut socket (stock)
- CTA Tools 22mm strut nut socket (most aftermarket coilover suspension)
- CTA Tools spindle spreader socket
- CTA Tools 24mm 12-point axle bolt impact socket
Specialty tools for Mk7 VW GTI brakes:
- Gearwrench brake line/bleeder wrench set (flare nut wrench)
- Rotating caliper compressor tool (rear only, standard parking brake)
- Autel electronic service tool (electronic parking brake only)
- Caliper compressor tool (front)
- Motive European power bleeder
- Brake bleed catch bottle set
Specialty tools for the Mk7 VW GTI transmission:
- Autel electronic scan tool
- Fluid transfer pump with fill adaptor or gravity fill kit with fill adaptor (DSG)
- Extraction / filling pump (manual)
- 24mm oil filter housing socket (DSG)
- Drain plug wrench (or 14mm hex drive socket - DSG)
Learn More About Volkswagen's DSG Transmission
If you have any questions related to the tools that you should have on hand when owning a Mk7 VW GTI, leave them in the comments below.
