Replacing shock absorbers (VW Golf 1)

The condition of the rear shock absorbers is checked in the same way as described in the previous chapter for the front shock absorbers.

Replacement

The rear shock absorber is removed from the car together with the suspension spring as a single unit (figure H:11).

To remove the shock absorber, remove the upper mount cap in the luggage compartment, unscrew the nut, then remove the disc washer and rubber bushing from the rod.

Raise and support the rear of the vehicle. Remove the bolt and nut (figure H:7) lower shock absorber mount and disconnect the shock absorber from the rear axle arm. Remove the shock absorber with the spring from under the car. Remove the lower rubber bushing of the shock absorber.



Compress the coil spring with two spring compressors. Loosen the rod's round crown nut (figure H:8) using a special tool or a gas wrench. Hold the rod from turning by the flats on its end.



Remove the spacer sleeve, upper spring plate and spring. Remove the rubber buffer and boot from the rod (if available).



Transfer the removed parts to the new shock absorber. If the old shock absorber did not have a boot, be sure to install it on the new shock absorber - this is important. Tighten the round castle nut to 2.0 kg·m and remove the compression devices from the coil spring.

NOTE: Since August 1977, new style upper strut mount components have been installed (figure H:11), while the thread length on the shock absorber rod has been increased. The new upper mount can be installed on cars of previous releases together with new-model shock absorbers.

Install the assembled strut onto the vehicle in the reverse order of removal. Tighten the upper and lower fasteners to the torque specified in Section "Technical data".