Suspension strut or top mount

[fozziie]

okay, since i bought my lovely golf, iv had a bit of an issue with the suspension. Basically its like a bloody boat over un-even road, and if you show it a roundabout, it'll slide round it rather steer round it. At first i thought it might be the drivers side suspension strut thats knackered...but on closer inspection im starting to think it may be the top mount, it does look a little knackered.

Anyway, figured id stick some pics up, see if you guys could advise me.
Heres the passenger side...this side seems to be okay...



and heres the knackered side...im thinking the top mount is seriously past it...



Any advise will be helpful 

[Ben Lessani]

Normally top mounts sit a little proud, but that is f**ked. Turn your steering lock to lock when stationary, if it clicks/pops - that's a sign of worn top mounts, they also give a loose front end sensation when pulling out of junctions and turning.

Just get a pair of new Lemfoerder ones, should be under £40 from GSF, and its only a 20 minute job.

Body roll/dipping and wallowing is an indication of a failed shock/snapped drop link. Do the bounce test to confirm shocks and inspect the wishbone for the drop links.

[fozziie]

done the bounce test and checked the wishbone, wishbones fine thankfully, but the bounce test was...erm...interesting, so im thiniking its probably a good time to change the strut and the top mounts, seeing as its MOT time next month 

still, on the positive side, its nearly time to turn my attention to the bodywork 

[Wayne]

As Ben said it has had it.

Better to replace the pair to be honest.

[fozziie]

yeah, think im just gonna order a couple of new top mounts and a new strut for the drivers side. The strut on the passenger side is still in good condition

[Wayne]

yeah, think im just gonna order a couple of new top mounts and a new strut for the drivers side. The strut on the passenger side is still in good condition

I know funds maybe tight but shocks should be replaced in pairs.

[fozziie]

hmm, true. might see if i can get a set on ebay as a short term remedy until i can get some oem monroe ones.

[fozziie]

okay, im looking on the GSF website, and im a bit lost lol.

is this part the one im after...455VG0352 SHOCK STRUT FR

just wondering because the price is about 25 quid!! thought thats a bit cheap for a shock absorber?? or am i looking at the wrong thing entirely?

[Wayne]

okay, im looking on the GSF website, and im a bit lost lol.

is this part the one im after...455VG0352 SHOCK STRUT FR

just wondering because the price is about 25 quid!! thought thats a bit cheap for a shock absorber?? or am i looking at the wrong thing entirely?

Sounds about right or look for Boge which are excellent quality.

[Deano2711]

Just working from memory Mate but when I was looking at shockers £25 was about right. Have you though of investing in a lowering kit either shocks and springs or coilovers to fit while you are doing the top mounts. This will make the world of difference to the handling and you will think you are in a different car Buddy