How long should the suspension components on a 2.0 diesel Mk II estate last in normal use?

I've got some lowering springs to fit soon and some suggestions I have read are that:

• the shocks should be replaced if the car is over 100k;
  
• the top mounts should be replaced if they are over 60k (what are top mounts).
  

Does anyone know what the official Skoda figures are (2.0 PD '07 estate) or what would be a sensible figure to replace at should be?

Thanks.

It's really going to depend on how harsh those miles were.

Just had both rear springs replaced on my Octy2 - both broken!!! I have never overloaded the car and never driven "off-road" so I was a bit surprised when I checked them out during a routine examination.

They were replaced by Dave at DSB Autocare, Nottm. (No connection - just a VERY satisfied customer) at a reasonable cost - OEM parts with 2 yr guarantee approx £130 + about 1 hr labour.

Apparently a common problem with Golf V platform vehicles - its just the last 50 - 75mm of the coil which snaps off (the bit that sits in the "cup" on the suspension arm.

HTH

Dave

Edited 12 April, 201214 yr by drefaldwyn

Just had both rear springs replaced on my Octy2 - both broken!!! I have never overloaded the car and never driven "off-road" so I was a bit surprised when I checked them out during a routine examination. They were replaced by Dave at DSB Autocare, Nottm. (No connection - just a VERY satisfied customer) at a reasonable cost - OEM parts with 2 yr guarantee approx £130 + about 1 hr labour. Apparently a common problem with Golf V platform vehicles - its just the last 50 - 75mm of the coil which snaps off (the bit that sits in the "cup" on the suspension arm. HTH Dave

Same hapened on the front springs on my wifes A150 Mercedes which I susequently found was a common fault on the model so I guess not limited to the mk5 Golf platform.

Oops wrong thread.

Edited 12 April, 201214 yr by London Les

Same hapened on the front springs on my wifes A150 Mercedes which I susequently found was a common fault on the model so I guess not limited to the mk5 Golf platform.

Not just VW and Mercedes, it was a common problem on the BMW 3 Series (E46) too, the pig tails corrode and snap.

Was the last half turn on the Merc too!

It's really going to depend on how harsh those miles were.

Agreed. But is there a 'ball park' figure or Skoda guideline in these components?

Just had both rear springs replaced on my Octy2 - both broken!!! I have never overloaded the car and never driven "off-road" so I was a bit surprised when I checked them out during a routine examination.

Thanks, but at what mileage & age did you need to do them?

My Octy 2 estate was still on its original springs at 99K miles, I did have the shocks replaced at the rears as they had become weak but not leaking.

My Audi A8 on 176K miles is still on its original front springs and shocks, the rear shocks are original but the rear springs have been replaced. Nothing wrong either, and it passed the MOT last week.

...Does anyone know what the official Skoda figures are (2.0 PD '07 estate)...

There is no stated service life (or guidelines) for these components. They are replaced when damaged or have lost performance.

Springs tend to fail where there is direct contact with the cup or spring cap. Grit and salt can get between the spring and cup accelerating damage to the protective coating.

There is no stated service life (or guidelines) for these components. They are replaced when damaged or have lost performance.

Thanks - that's the sort of info I was after.

The reason for me asking this question was that I am getting a set of Skoda / Eibach lowering springs fitted and was wondering whether to get the shocks replaced at the same time or not. (Car is on original shocks & springs having covered around 110k miles).

I'm no expert, but I have done the 'bounce test' by pushing down on each corner of the vehicle and seeing how quickly it stops bouncing. They all seem to be fine to me, as in they settle quickly without bouncing below normal height again.

If it is sensible to replace the shocks after that sort of mileage, what would be a good match for the Eibach springs that lower the standard diesel vehicle by 32mm? Standard shocks (such as Bilstein B4's) or something designed for cars that have been lowered?

You've done the bounce test. Here are a few other things to check for...

Check for signs of leakage. Very fine misting is not a reason to replace.

Does the bonnet dip unevenly when you brake hard?

Does the car tend to veer when blown from the side?

Has the ride quality deteriorated. Comparing to a similar car with new shocks is a good test.

Drive around for about 15 minutes finishing up on a bumpy/uneven road. The shocks should be warmer than the chassis. If one is cold, then it's not doing it's job.

Other things that can indicate problems are vibration and uneven tyre wear.

Don't fixate too much on the age. Concentrate on the ride quality. My guess is that you think the suspension is a little soft - hence the questions. You don't have to lower the car to take advantage of uprated (firmer) suspension.

Also the fact that fitting 'sports' springs such as from Eibach will likely make the shock absorber work harder. So if they're starting to tail off in terms of performance, then this could be accelerated by the fitting of lower, stiffer springs.

At that mileage, and seeing as you're having the springs changed anyway, labour won't be that much more to change the shocks. I would look to fit Bilstein B4s in your situation I think.