GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: InsightMusic on 10 August 2016, 17:59

Title: What's all this on my rear suspension?
Post by: InsightMusic on 10 August 2016, 17:59
Hi,

Started hearing a loud whining noise coming from the rear so I thought I'd check it out. Sounds like a wheel bearing, but after checking under the rear arches, the rear passenger side suspension is all wet?? The other side is bone dry, so are the front.

Can anyone tell me what it is?

(http://i68.tinypic.com/2a9obur.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/2u4qz69.jpg)

Thanks,
Title: Re: What's all this on my rear suspension?
Post by: gazareth on 10 August 2016, 18:36
looks to me like your shocker has sprung an oil leak. are you not getting a knocking noise from it?
Title: Re: What's all this on my rear suspension?
Post by: oakgreener on 10 August 2016, 19:51
You need a new pair of shocks. :wink:
Title: Re: What's all this on my rear suspension?
Post by: lemski on 10 August 2016, 21:59
Definately new shock time
Title: Re: What's all this on my rear suspension?
Post by: The ANT on 10 August 2016, 23:32
Remember that you must replace both sides, don't just replace the leaking side, or you can end up with unpredictable handling, if one side is doing a better job than the other. A common mistake.
Title: Re: What's all this on my rear suspension?
Post by: InsightMusic on 11 August 2016, 14:15
Yeah, that looks to be the case. I actually had no idea there was oil inside these things...

Okay cool, thanks for all your help everyone, looking at replacing the rear shocks and springs hopefully this weekend!

I've heard that replacing the rear isn't so bad, but it's the front that's the most awkward!

Thanks,
Stefan
Title: Re: What's all this on my rear suspension?
Post by: lemski on 11 August 2016, 14:17
Rears easy. 2 nuts on top. A lock nut then under that plate another nut and a bolt down bottom. You can get gas shocks that I find a better ride but its all down to preference
Title: Re: What's all this on my rear suspension?
Post by: InsightMusic on 12 August 2016, 14:43
Lemski, any idea if there are any specific/specialised tools I might need to tackle the rear shocks and springs this weekend?

Are spring clamps a must?

Thanks,
Stefan
Title: Re: What's all this on my rear suspension?
Post by: lemski on 12 August 2016, 15:35
If you buying the shock and spring seperate or just the shock clamps are a good idea.
I normally swap to coilovers and ive never had to use special tools.
There might be a locknut with 2 slits in it like the front setup has but I just use a old socket and cut it to fit if there is.
Title: Re: What's all this on my rear suspension?
Post by: Craigwilson on 12 August 2016, 18:43
no special tools or needed just 17mm sockets and spanners :)

when you have the spring ready to go on the new shock, while off the car I usually place the spring, Spring cap and lower bush on the shock, use my body weight to compress it enough to get a nut on just to hold it together while I bolt it to the rear axle, then I lower the car back onto its wheels using the weight to compress the spring then complete the assembly of the top from inside the boot with no clamps needed atall
Title: Re: What's all this on my rear suspension?
Post by: oakgreener on 13 August 2016, 11:23
Take note of the order and way up of all the top mount bits as you remove them. Take pics as you go as I remember from the last time I did mine I couldn't remember which way up some bits went. Especially a dished washer If I recall.
Title: Re: What's all this on my rear suspension?
Post by: InsightMusic on 15 August 2016, 16:17
Had my first attempt at the job yesterday, completely failed haha

Two problems occurred..

The rear passenger side wheel was completely stuck and wouldn't budge. This was a nightmare and something I wasn't even considering to be a problem. It was stuck and I mean stuck, I tried almost everything in hoping to budge it, but it wasn't having any of it.. I left this side and went to the other.

So everything was going smoothly, the wheel came off with ease and I was ready to start undoing the 17mm bolt and the bottom of the strut.. With a wrench and a spanner this thing would not budge either, WD-40 didn't help, this thing was not going to move.

That was it, I called it a day.

A first failed attempt, but I'll try again at the weekend.

Title: Re: What's all this on my rear suspension?
Post by: oakgreener on 16 August 2016, 09:03
If at first you don't succeed..........................Put some heat on the bugger. :wink:
Title: Re: What's all this on my rear suspension?
Post by: lemski on 16 August 2016, 09:19
And use a bigger bar
Title: Re: What's all this on my rear suspension?
Post by: sparkplug on 19 August 2016, 21:42
looks like your bump stop has failed , then the shocker has to much travel & gives in
mine did the same , i bought these... http://intermotiv.com/9388-large_default/volkswagen-golf-models-powerflex-bump-stop-kit-rear.jpg

as the originals don't seem to last long.

good luck