MoT called out some misting on the rear shocks so I was planning on changing them out. I hadn't appreciated quite what a minefield it was, figuring out part numbers. Would appreciate any help / validation of my list.

 

Shocks themselves seem to be 5Q0513029KF based on PRs ON4, 1JE, 1X0, K8D. Bilstein don't list an exact equivalent as far as I can see, instead they point me to their 19-230559 (B4s) which covers a broader range of models

 

Aside from the shocks themselves I have

• N10628301 (lower mounting bolt)
• N10106402 (nut)
• N90648402 (upper mounting bolt)
• 5Q0513425J (dust cover)
• 5Q0511357G (bump stop)

 

I assume I may be able to re-use the existing dust covers.

 

Does that seem like an accurate list. Any thoughts on the "correct" shocks?

 

Thanks!

 

Aftermarket shock absorbers are mainly aimed at standard ride height. Hence, a lack of Bilstein and Sachs rear shock absorbers that closely match 5Q0513029KF.

 

Bilstein B4 19-230559 could probably be used, but looking at some of the OEM part numbers that it is sold to replace it's not specific to lowered ride height cars. In fact, it's sold for increased ride height cars, standard ride height cars, and lowered ride height cars. I can't see OEM part numbers from the Octavia MK3 listed against it, but many OEM part numbers from the Golf MK7 are listed against it.

 

If it was me, I would look at the Bilstein B8. This is specifically made for lowered ride height cars. Some say you really need a drop of 30mm to 40mm for the Bilstein B8 to work, but I did look recently at the difference in the uncompressed lengths of some standard ride height springs and some lowered ride height springs, and the difference was about 36mm to 41mm. So I doubt you would have a problem using Bilstein B8 shock absorbers with lowered ride height Skoda springs. In the worst case scenario, you would simply have to purchase some Eibach pro-kit springs or something similar to go with the Bilstein B8 shock absorbers, but I doubt that would be necessary.

 

Skoda parts catalogue

7	5Q0513029FL	Rear shock absorber for vehicles with sports suspension D >> - 05.10.2015	rear	2	PR-1JE+1X0 K8D RS
7	5Q0513029KF	Rear shock absorber for vehicles with sports suspension D - 05.10.2015>>	rear	2	PR-1JE+1X0 K8D

https://www.lllparts.co.uk/catalogs/skoda/CZ/OCT/753/5/511/511003

 

Bilstein B8 24-229937 rear shock absorbers on autodoc.co.uk

Today (Tuesday, 30 May 2023), these Bilstein B8 24-229937 rear shock absorbers are listed on autodoc at £108.69 each (it's a 35% off day).

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/bilstein/7522727

 

Bilstein B8 24-229937 rear shock absorbers on ebay.de

https://www.ebay.de/itm/185868995039

 

Edited 30 May, 20233 yr by Carlston

I think the main benefit to the shorter B8 is a reduced droop so it keeps geometry under full extension. It also should allow for reduced body roll as the inside would in theory lift less as you change direction.

Thanks for the replies. The car is "standard" ride height for a VRS. I assume when you say lowered you mean lowered vs a standard, non-VRS car? ie you're classing my car as lowered hence the recommendation for B8s.

 

I wonder if there are any other options beyond Bilstein that may be a better match for OEM. I've no plans to fit lower springs. 

1 hour ago, MikeO68 said:

Thanks for the replies. The car is "standard" ride height for a VRS. I assume when you say lowered you mean lowered vs a standard, non-VRS car? ie you're classing my car as lowered hence the recommendation for B8s.

 

I wonder if there are any other options beyond Bilstein that may be a better match for OEM. I've no plans to fit lower springs. 

 

The VRS normally comes with lowered ride height, aka sports suspension...as standard...so not to be cofused with standard ride height.

 

When you order a new VRS, you can sometimes tick a standard ride height box, if you don't want the lowered/sports suspension.

 

If you input the 1JE build code into the "VW Codes Decoder", you will see that it means sports suspension, ie. lowered ride height.

 

VW Codes Decoder

1JE = Rear sports shock absorption

http://igorweb.org/equidec.aspx

 

Apart from Bilstein B8, I suspect most other aftermarket shock absorbers for the Octavia MK3 are made for standard ride height...although many of these will also be sold for lowered suspension...as in you can bolt them on and it will pass an MOT.

 

Note that the VRS has multi-link rear suspension, like the 4WD models. Lesser models don't have multi-link rear suspension. Cars with multi-link rear suspension use different rear shock absorbers.

 

Edited 30 May, 20233 yr by Carlston