2004 Golf GT TDi front supension strut.

[Sly]

I've been looking after this Golf for someone while they're in NZ, don't want to give it back to be honest.

Just failed it's MOT for the NSF shock absorber strut excessive fluid leakage. Indeed, all the caked on mud looks wet around it.

Picking a new one up later for £45+vat and gonna be changing it myself this week. Is there anything I should know about that isn't covered by Haynes?
Can't find anything in the forums about changing them apart from one person mentioned this has been an old MOT testers' trick in the past and that they are gas filled not oil?!?!

Cheers for the help.

Car is a 2004, 1K, 2.0l GT TDI Sport, 103kw, BKD engine.

Ta, Sly.

[Teflon]

Many year ago, when cars were so unreliable every man carried a box of tools or a towrope in the boot, it always used to be a favourite at *cough* major tyre suppliers, who also do exhausts, brakes and shockers. You had to look out for a old fashioned oil can squirter in the bottom of the pit or by the ramp. They just happened to spot your "leaking" strut when fitting new tyres or doing the pads. Maybe the growth into MOT testing has brought an old friend back to life?

I've seen it done (but not at the one with the blue logo, it was a smaller outfit, who were nevertheless nationwide and have now been absorbed by one of the chains). The guy who's car it was wasn't as dumb as they expected, spotted the con straight away and I thought he was going to punch someone! The halfwit who did it had even left the can there for him to spot. It only ever seemed to happen on cars that were easy to swap shockers on .................

That's why I always get my MOT at a dedicated centre that does no repairs.

Chances are, all is kosher, but if in doubt clean it all off, degrease with meths or something similar and take it for a thrash before re-inspecting.

[Sly]

Cheers Teflon, I think I trust this garage as they know I do repairs myself so have nothing to gain.

Never easy though is it?! One of the bottom ball joint bolts sheared and I can't get the drop link top nut off, joint just spinning and allen key hole rounded out. Looks like it's gonna be an angle grinder job. VW also seem to have put on nuts that need double depth 16 and 18mm sockets, standard in anyone's tool kit, NOT!

[zollaf]

a gas shock is still full of oil, it just has some pressurised gas above it to help prevent foaming, so they still leak just the same as normal oil shocks do.
i would do both sides though, or the front of the car will be unbalanced, increasing your chances of crashing.

[Sly]

a gas shock is still full of oil, it just has some pressurised gas above it to help prevent foaming

That explains it then! I just read the responsible disposal notes with the new strut and had sort of worked it out.

i would do both sides though, or the front of the car will be unbalanced, increasing your chances of crashing.

I love how matter-of-factly you say that! This side first to win the MOT then I go away for a month and will do the other side when I get back. Just bought the extra tools needed for this so at least they'll get some more use then...

[zollaf]

[QUOTE=Sly;807059]
I love how matter-of-factly you say that!
i don't beat around the bush. brake really hard, one front wheel is planted because the shock is new and works. the other side bounces a little, due to an old worn shock. this inbalance sends the car into a spin. it happens.