Hi All,

 

Just bought some new tyres and the garage has advised me that the rear shocks and protective covers are all knackered.  I'm not really into modding cars; I just want to keep it running, although it has become decidedly "wallowy" over the last few years and I'd like to get back some of the firmness it used to have.  (It's a 51 plate 4x4 estate and has done 165,000 miles.)  A few questions:

 

1. I understand 4x4s have different rear shocks to the rest of the range.

 

2. Any preference on brand? Most of the ads I've seen are either for Anschler or Monroe, such as these:

 

http://www.mister-auto.co.uk/en/rear-shock-absorber/skoda-octavia-combi-1u5-1-8-t-4x4-150hp_v16087_g900002.html

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SKODA-OCTAVIA-1-9-TDI-1-9-TDI-4X4-1-8-T-RS-1-8-T-Anschler-Rear-Shock-Absorber-/400596195741

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-Rear-Shock-Absorber-Audi-A1-A3-TT-Seat-Leon-Toledo-Skoda-Fabia-Octavia-/200965841531

 

3. I understand the covers that come with this bump stop kit are the ones the garage are saying are knackered:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Skoda-Octavia-Mk1-1U-96-04-Powerflex-Bump-Stop-Kit-BS2006K-/321219384517

 

4. Are there any other parts I should replace at the same time?

 

5. Can this be done on axle stands or do I need a lift?

 

Thanks in advance.

Edited 17 August, 201411 yr by will_

Not sure on the parts but Monroe shocks are brill

Also they can be done on axel stands and a jack I have done plenty of shock changes

If all suspension has done mega miles why not replace the fronts too along with springs?  Depends on your budget.

Thanks, both.  I do plan to replace the fronts too - but when I can afford to!

 

How long do the springs tend to last?  Some people have said if they're that old (fronts are originals; backs have been changed once) I might as well replace them, whereas others have said that suspension springs can last a long time and if they haven't snapped, re-use them.

I'm also planning to do this myself.  I understand replacing the rear shocks (and probably springs) is much easier than the fronts.  Compressing the front springs to remove the shocks looks a bit scary!

There is nothing to it bud I'm sure depending where you are some one would lend a hand for some beer tokens I know I would but I'm up in Sunderland

I've just checked through my records and it seems the rear springs have done 70,000 miles.  The previous set failed at 95,000.  Is this typical (in which case I should replace the springs at the same time) or do springs often last longer than this?

Usually less as Ive replaced 3 spring on mine between 45,000 - 90,000 !