Rear shock killed!

[nise]

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.

[AudiA8Quattro]

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.

[SoundillusioN]

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.  

[AudiA8Quattro]

You won't need spring compressors for rear struts..

[nige_s]

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.

[AudiA8Quattro]

Bumpstops will probably need to be replaced.
Bushes are normally ok, surprisingly i found the top spring plates corrode quite badly.

[nise]

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.

[Wayne]

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.

[SoundillusioN]

You won't need spring compressors for rear struts..

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