Volkswagen Golf Service & Repair Manual: Leaks at shock absorbers

Volkswagen Golf Service & Repair Manual / Running gear, axles, steering / Technical data / Evaluating accident vehicles / Leaks at shock absorbers

Shock absorbers are often replaced because of externally visible leakage. Inspections on the test rig and in the vehicle have shown that in the majority of cases this replacement is not justified.

Slight loss of fluid (“sweating”) at the piston rod seal is not a reason for replacing a shock absorber. An oil sweating shock absorber is acceptable under the following conditions:

Fluid seepage (as shown in the shaded part of the illustration) is visible, but the fluid is dull and possibly dried by dust.

The fluid seepage extends only from the top shock absorber seal (piston rod oil seal) down to the bottom spring plate -arrow-.

Leaks at shock absorbers

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 ...

Other materials:

Renewing LSU Lambda probe (6-pin)
Note If necessary, replace attachment parts, cable ties or marking rings to match the uniform probe to the defective probe as specified. The wires should not be crimped or cut as otherwise the function of the L ...

Removing and installing front bass loudspeakers -R21-/-R23
The front left bass loudspeaker -R21- and the front right bass loudspeaker -R23- are located in the front doors (bottom). Note Removal and installation are described for the left side. Removal and installation on the right side ...

EU general type approval number, sales type and sales or trade designation
The designations below are only applicable for VW vehicles Since 1.1.1998, all passenger cars licensed within the European Union must have a type approval corresponding to EU guidelines. Vehicles licensed for road use with single-vehicle approval according to § 21 St ...