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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: nise on 07 July 2011, 12:21

Title: Rear shock killed!
Post by: nise on 07 July 2011, 12:21
Right then lads and lasses, i am having to spend more queens paper on the mk 3. Rear shock has failed on drivers side, any advice on how/what/when is best to change this? I.E do I have to replace the springs etc?

Any help will be apopreciated highly.


Title: Re: Rear shock killed!
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 07 July 2011, 12:29
You will need to replace the shocks as an axle set, so both sides on the back.
Check everything else such as springs, mounts, plates, if in good condition then re-use.
Title: Re: Rear shock killed!
Post by: SoundillusioN on 07 July 2011, 12:31
Right then lads and lasses, i am having to spend more queens paper on the mk 3. Rear shock has failed on drivers side, any advice on how/what/when is best to change this? I.E do I have to replace the springs etc?

Any help will be apopreciated highly.




You don't have to change the springs due to a dodgy shock although it's a good opportunity to check their condition.  I would also recommend changing items like this in pairs.

If you haven't changed a shock before I wouldn't recommend it, you will need spring compressors,  do it wrong and you're asking for trouble. However, if you were to bin the current setup and go for coilovers then it's far easier as you don't have to bother disassembling the old shocks etc, just remove them as complete units.

Not sure what you mean by when?.... now if it's failed.  :grin:
Title: Re: Rear shock killed!
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 07 July 2011, 12:34
You won't need spring compressors for rear struts..
Title: Re: Rear shock killed!
Post by: nige_s on 07 July 2011, 12:39
Was just going to say that.

Swap in pairs though, it's not a difficult job provided you've got spanners, jack, axle stands and common sense.  Would expect the top mount/bush be fine to reuse, but probably only peanuts to replace anyway.
Title: Re: Rear shock killed!
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 07 July 2011, 12:52
Bumpstops will probably need to be replaced.
Bushes are normally ok, surprisingly i found the top spring plates corrode quite badly.
Title: Re: Rear shock killed!
Post by: nise on 07 July 2011, 12:53
Thank you chap's very much appreciated, this will be a first time replacement for me, so all advice is sound.

I bought the car already lowered by 60mm, am I able just buy 2 new shocks if the springs are in good nick and replace? Whats this about spring conpression?


Thank you.

Title: Re: Rear shock killed!
Post by: Wayne on 07 July 2011, 13:04
Thank you chap's very much appreciated, this will be a first time replacement for me, so all advice is sound.

I bought the car already lowered by 60mm, am I able just buy 2 new shocks if the springs are in good nick and replace? Whats this about spring conpression?


Thank you.



If it is lowered 60mm you will need shorter travel shocks, standard shocks will be no good.
Title: Re: Rear shock killed!
Post by: SoundillusioN on 07 July 2011, 13:11
You won't need spring compressors for rear struts..

FAIL... didn't pay attention to the bit where it said REAR!  :grin: