Replacing worn shocks and bushes on MK3 rear passenger side - Tips and advice needed!

[Gerard Watts]

Hello everyone,
I've been driving (Golf's) MK3's now for a solid 3 years and couldn't ask for a better car, but I've never really had any problems with them.
My current TDI needs a few bits doing to it, which I'm planning to do myself, so if anyone could give me some feedback or tips, that would be great.

I need to replace the rear passenger side shock absorber as it's started to leak, the bushes are shot and the dampener cover has (dust cap thing) seen better days, as you can hear it knocking when driving, the rubber seal is gone completely.

The rear passenger side shock absorber on the drivers side inc bushes are fine, so I'm planning on leaving them the hell alone.

Firstly, from reading up on this a lot it seems straightforward. Use Car jacks as standard and use two on the rear axel for support.

Secondly, unbolt shocks etc.

Then replace etc.

But people are stating that the bushes can be a real bitch to remove? or vice versa, put the new ones in!
Same with the spring, I've not got a spring compressor kit, but will I need one?
As I'm planning on getting most of my parts from the local breakers as they have a golf with shocks and bushes in great condition.

I've seen that the rule of thumb is to replace both, but not everyone agrees, I use my car to go to work and just general driving around.

Is there anything that I need to be aware off? I've read that I can simply do and not have to worry about bleeding the breaks or anything?

On a side note, my rear wheel disc's are rusty as be-damned, I've bought some brake cleaner etc, so would it be all good to use that and a wire brush to clean off the rust?

Thanks!

[zollaf]

if ,you are going to replace shocks, always do both sides at the same time and never buy a shock from a scrapyard. you might be lucky and find one in there with brand new shocks on it, but thats highly unlikely, so they are likely to be 15 years old and done 100k+ miles. new ones are cheap enough.

[Gerard Watts]

Hi Zollaf,

Thanks for the feedback, any idea where to find some decent standard shocks and bushes online?
Cheers!

[zollaf]

i always advise trying your local factors first, keep them in business like, after that look at gsf or ecp.

[Gerard Watts]

The local ones down here are over priced and have sweet-f-all stock! cheers, I'll look them up!