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When to replace struts?

4K views 15 replies 11 participants last post by  speedlaw 
#1 ·
When would you expect to replace struts on a 2010 wagon?
Handling is OK but notice bumps with more that two passengers.
Thanks, Bob
 
#7 ·
You need to get your tires off and inspect the strut, if there even a slight trace of oil, then the gas is gone. Can you drive on them with very little issues, yes.

Those issues include odd tire wear.

Measure (all four) wheel gap. Heck you may need springs too, hard to tell, if strut gas has been discharged from any strut...

My general rule; Struts 5y/50,000 miles, inspections no later than 1/5 before @ 4y/40k.
 
#12 · (Edited)
+1 Agreed.
Our MY06 Jetta TDI has had the VW/Eibach progressive springs installed since new, lowers the car about an inch. Basically *RoW progressive sport springs from the German market GLI sedan. Fast forward 8years and 154,000 miles. The OE struts/rear dampers were shot. The worn strut/damper symptoms sneaks up on ya... for our TDI it was at the 125,000 mile mark. Largely driven on the hwy, the worn character was more of a shallow movement, soft control. If that makes sense. Driving the car ya knew dampers were on the lengthening service list.

Actual strut/damper (OE Sachs) removal from the car and they were easily identifiable as kaput. Mush, possibly having waited to long for their replacement.

We're giving the newer Koni FSD style mouse trap models a try coupled with a wholesale bushing renewal; the OE LCA's were fitted w/Audi S3 bushings, OE sway bar bushings, lower links, etc. Rear axle: OE hub/arm position (squeaky) bushing, sway bar, trailing arm, etc.
Required the purchase of VW/Snap-On bushing removal/install tools; about $300. USD ouch!

The time honored Bilstein HD (B6) models are excellent units with proven longevity for less money. Time will tell for the hi-performance Koni FSD models.
 
#10 ·
It's a gradual break down of the shim stack that make up the compression side of the damper. There's a big difference between fine and worn out beyond their safe service life. My '10 JSW had 71K when I bought it. I replaced the dampers immediately and it made a world of difference.
 
#11 ·
#16 ·
I've always thought that they go @80-100k, depending on car. I always replace the end links and sway bushings while I'm there...forces seek out the weak link and kill it, so while you have the car up. Also replace the mounts...you are there, they aren't too expensive, and if the mount poops 15k into the service life of the new shock, you do the job again...yay...not.

Also, car makers cheap out on shocks, and that is one place you can buy aftermarket and make a huge difference. Even my 3 series, with OE sachs, really picked up with Bilsteins. I will be putting Bilsteins on my TDI based on the experience with the BMW....now five years, and they aren't sacked, and ride well.

I've two cars with over 120k on them (not the TDI), and they both drive new....so much of "new car feel" is bushings and end links.

Also, roadforce balance....can't say that too many times.
 
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