Hi ,

 

Since one of my rear shocks started leaking (115k km on not so great roads) I am thinking of replacing the rear OEM shocks with a softer alternative as my kids have been complaining about rough ride at the back. Would anyone have a recommendation that doesn't break the bank? I drive a 2016 1.6tdi saloon, ambition version. 

 

 

thanks for all responses

Assuming the existing parts are worn, new shocks will improve the ride. Fitting weak shocks (what you might call soft) will likely ruin the ballance and could well make it worse. If your car has done a decent amount of miles then replacing with new should be enough.

I suspect as Marky says the defective suspension is causing the discomfort. I have upgraded to Bilstein B6 and the last passengers commented on how smooth the car is

24 minutes ago, Macsamillion said:

I suspect as Marky says the defective suspension is causing the discomfort. I have upgraded to Bilstein B6 and the last passengers commented on how smooth the car is

thanks that's very helpful. B6 are supposed to be stiffer and sportier than the new OEM shocks, is this correct? Would there be shocks that are better at dampening than OEM's, I don't mind loosing some of the handling in exchange for comfort. Also noting that a set of 4 Billsteins would set me back around a grand - I am driving a pleasant but boring 1.6tdi with 120bhp and not a 280bhp TSI so would prefer to spend a significantly lower amount, especially that the car will soon be 8yrs old

17 hours ago, lukk said:

Since one of my rear shocks started leaking (115k km on not so great roads) I am thinking of replacing the rear OEM shocks with a softer alternative as my kids have been complaining about rough ride at the back.

 

This makes no sense at all, if the shock absorber has leaked enough to affect the damping then of course rear seat passengers will feel a rough ride, you dont resolve the problem of a lack of damping by fitting softer (your words) units.

 

I will bet you a pound to a penny that your rear springs are weakened and have probably broken coils, that the rear ride height is low and give you even better odds that the foam bump stops have long ago decomposed to nothing and the suspension is hitting the bump stops when you carry rear seat passengers.

1 hour ago, J.R. said:

 

This makes no sense at all, if the shock absorber has leaked enough to affect the damping then of course rear seat passengers will feel a rough ride, you dont resolve the problem of a lack of damping by fitting softer (your words) units.

 

I will bet you a pound to a penny that your rear springs are weakened and have probably broken coils, that the rear ride height is low and give you even better odds that the foam bump stops have long ago decomposed to nothing and the suspension is hitting the bump stops when you carry rear seat passengers.

why it doesn't make sense? I am just looking for a somewhat softer / smoother ride alternative to the OEM shocks since I need to replace them anyway. I'll check with the mechanic about the springs / coils but he mentioned that the oil leak isn't dramatic and I can continue driving with it for some time. So I don't think the shock has been seriously gone or gone for a  long time

53 minutes ago, lukk said:

why it doesn't make sense? I am just looking for a somewhat softer / smoother ride alternative to the OEM shocks since I need to replace them anyway. I'll check with the mechanic about the springs / coils but he mentioned that the oil leak isn't dramatic and I can continue driving with it for some time. So I don't think the shock has been seriously gone or gone for a  long time

 

Just take the car's rear suspension back to new condition. The car when new was very comfortable especially on 16" tyres.

 

Edited 26 October, 20232 yr by Carlston

It doesnt make sense because if what you relate is true the rear of your car is bouncing around and IMO hitting the bump stops because it has little or no damping and no longer existant bump stops.

 

Your solution is to search for softer (your words) less damped shock absorbers which might give you a partial improvement over your current leaking damper(s) but not the result you are searching for, comfort for rear seat passengers, but quite the opposite.

I bought these from Autodoc last year. They work fine, easy to fit and comfortable enough. I paid £58 each but they've now gone up to £74. As you said, your 1.6tdi is pleasant and boring, not worth spending a grand on. 

 

BTW the recommended dust cover kit ( 900 203 ), isn't 100% correct. The rubber cones fit but the dust covers don't. I just re-used the old ones.

 

SACHS 318 202 Shock Absorber
Rear Axle, Gas Pressure, Twin-Tube, Telescopic Shock Absorber, Top pin, Bottom eyeArticle number: 318 202

Just replace with OEM shocks and you'll be fine. Worn shocks affect ride quality. 

2 hours ago, Gammyleg said:

I bought these from Autodoc last year. They work fine, easy to fit and comfortable enough. I paid £58 each but they've now gone up to £74. As you said, your 1.6tdi is pleasant and boring, not worth spending a grand on. 

 

BTW the recommended dust cover kit ( 900 203 ), isn't 100% correct. The rubber cones fit but the dust covers don't. I just re-used the old ones.

 

SACHS 318 202 Shock Absorber
Rear Axle, Gas Pressure, Twin-Tube, Telescopic Shock Absorber, Top pin, Bottom eyeArticle number: 318 202

 

Amazon.de (the German version of Amazon) are listing two Sachs 318 202 for 132.46 Euros (about £115.29) including shipping to the UK. That's under £58 each including shipping to the UK.

 

Sachs 318 202 rear shock absorber

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/gp/product/B083BJKS8V/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3JWKAKR8XB7XF&psc=1

Just now, Carlston said:

Amazon.de (the German version of Amazon) are listing two Sachs 318 202 for 132.46 Euros (about £115.29) including shipping to the UK. That's under £58 each including shipping to the UK.

 

 

That's a good price. I think Sachs were an OE option also.