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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Willo on 09 October 2012, 16:43

Title: Changing rear shocker
Post by: Willo on 09 October 2012, 16:43
Will I be needing spring compressor to do this job ??
Title: Re: Changing rear shocker
Post by: Callum_K on 09 October 2012, 18:44
Nope not for the rear I've found. The springs aren't under much tension. Easy job. :)
Title: Re: Changing rear shocker
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 09 October 2012, 18:44
No. Front struts only.
Title: Re: Changing rear shocker
Post by: Willo on 09 October 2012, 22:00
So a definite no then can ya give me a brief summary of the process please
Title: Re: Changing rear shocker
Post by: Callum_K on 10 October 2012, 11:09
It's pretty easy.
1)Jack up rear and support on axle stands. Remove wheel
2)In the boot, put seat backs down to enable easy access, and remove any plastic trim pieces so you can get to the top mount. Remove top nut, washers, rubber mount etc. Think it's 17 or 18mm off the top of my head. Remember how it all goes on!
3) Remove bolts at the bottom of the shock after soaking in WD40 as they are most likely rusted tight. This is deffo 18mm. You can now remove the shock.
4) To strip the shock, it' just a case of removing the top nut. The spring isn't under much tension, you can compress it by hand. Then remove the spring plate, washer, bump stop etc etc.

Reverse for reassembly. Attach the shock at the bottom first then use a trolley jack to lift it in to place. If you're replacing a shock, replace the rubber mounts as well as they're most likely worn, and cheap as chips.
Title: Re: Changing rear shocker
Post by: Willo on 10 October 2012, 14:24
Is this the right part for the rubber mounts you described ?

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Volkswagen_Golf_1.4_1995/p/car-parts/suspension-and-steering/suspension/suspension-mounting/?610440690&1&92202907fcdbccfccc8d6e0670a035b12693ce9c&000872
Title: Re: Changing rear shocker
Post by: Willo on 10 October 2012, 14:36
Says rear axle upper in mounting position
Title: Re: Changing rear shocker
Post by: madmanmart on 10 October 2012, 19:12
It's pretty easy.
1)Jack up rear and support on axle stands. Remove wheel
2)In the boot, put seat backs down to enable easy access, and remove any plastic trim pieces so you can get to the top mount. Remove top nut, washers, rubber mount etc. Think it's 17 or 18mm off the top of my head. Remember how it all goes on!
3) Remove bolts at the bottom of the shock after soaking in WD40 as they are most likely rusted tight. This is deffo 18mm. You can now remove the shock.
4) To strip the shock, it' just a case of removing the top nut. The spring isn't under much tension, you can compress it by hand. Then remove the spring plate, washer, bump stop etc etc.

Reverse for reassembly. Attach the shock at the bottom first then use a trolley jack to lift it in to place. If you're replacing a shock, replace the rubber mounts as well as they're most likely worn, and cheap as chips.

As above, although both mounts are 17mm  :wink:
Title: Re: Changing rear shocker
Post by: Willo on 10 October 2012, 20:32
Are they the right ones I've put in the link above for the rubber mounts please
Title: Re: Changing rear shocker
Post by: madmanmart on 10 October 2012, 20:34
Yes they are.
Title: Re: Changing rear shocker
Post by: Willo on 10 October 2012, 23:28
Thank you for all of the advice everyone
Title: Re: Changing rear shocker
Post by: Callum_K on 11 October 2012, 10:07
It's pretty easy.
1)Jack up rear and support on axle stands. Remove wheel
2)In the boot, put seat backs down to enable easy access, and remove any plastic trim pieces so you can get to the top mount. Remove top nut, washers, rubber mount etc. Think it's 17 or 18mm off the top of my head. Remember how it all goes on!
3) Remove bolts at the bottom of the shock after soaking in WD40 as they are most likely rusted tight. This is deffo 18mm. You can now remove the shock.
4) To strip the shock, it' just a case of removing the top nut. The spring isn't under much tension, you can compress it by hand. Then remove the spring plate, washer, bump stop etc etc.

Reverse for reassembly. Attach the shock at the bottom first then use a trolley jack to lift it in to place. If you're replacing a shock, replace the rubber mounts as well as they're most likely worn, and cheap as chips.

As above, although both mounts are 17mm  :wink:

Ah yes you are right I was getting mixed up with when I did the rear shocks on my 6n Polo.  :smiley: