Volkswagen Golf Service & Repair Manual: Checking shock absorbers when removed

Volkswagen Golf Service & Repair Manual / Running gear, axles, steering / Technical data / Evaluating accident vehicles / Checking shock absorbers when removed

Defective shock absorbers can be identified by loud rumbling noises when driving, caused by wheel hopping, especially on bad roads. Heavy fluid leakage is an additional visual indication.

Note

Shock absorbers are maintenance-free; shock absorber fluid cannot be topped up.

After removal, a shock absorber can be checked by hand as follows:

–	Compress shock absorber by hand.

The piston rod should move smoothly over the entire stroke with uniform resistance and without jolts.

–	Release piston rod.

If the shock absorber has sufficient gas pressure the piston rod will return by itself to its original position.

Note

If this is not the case, the shock absorber does not necessarily need to be renewed. Provided there has been no major loss of fluid, it will still be as effective as a conventional shock absorber.

Even without gas pressure, the shock absorber will provide full damping effect as long as there has been no major loss of fluid. However, it may produce more noise.

Noises from shock absorbers

Shock absorbers are often replaced because of noises (rumbling, etc.) experienced by the customer. Inspections on the test rig and in the vehicle have shown that in a ...

Steering rack

To achieve the desired results when performing repairs on the steering rack it is important to work with the greatest possible care and cleanliness, and to use proper ...

Other materials:

Work instructions
Unbolt relevant brake line at brake caliper or wheel brake cylinder; catch escaping brake fluid and dispose of this as per regulations. – Cut through brake line at a suitable point (straigh ...

Assembly overview - door
Note Only the left side is shown. The right side is similar After renewal of A-pillar, the specified torque for bolts -2 and 5- as well as for -14 and 17- changes 1 - Front door Removing and installing → Chapter Adjusting ...

Changing headlights over from driving on left to driving on right (gas discharge headlights)
If a right-hand drive vehicle is driven in a left-hand drive country, or vice versa, the headlights must be converted. This is necessary in order to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic with the asymmetric low beam headlights. Note ...