MK 6 golf suspension
Discussion
Hi, I have a 2012 2.0tdi Golf with a remap. We bought it in 2015 with with 40,000kms on the clock, now sitting at 230,000kms. It has always been serviced and even though I can hear a knock coming from underneath, it passed the NCT (MOT) here in Ireland. Other than a rear wishbone, nothing suspension related has ever been changed. The handling feels a bit sloppy and I have noticed a bit of dive under braking and the nose lifting while accelerating. It is now our second car and we intend on keeping it as long it is viable as it has been a great servant.
My dilemma is: Should I replace all shocks and bushes to bring it back closer to OEM standard? Should I leave it be and just replace parts when completely failed? Or should I go for an aftermarket solution? We are looking for comfort 1st, handling 2nd and the car is mainly used on bumpy backroads. Any thoughts appreciated.
My dilemma is: Should I replace all shocks and bushes to bring it back closer to OEM standard? Should I leave it be and just replace parts when completely failed? Or should I go for an aftermarket solution? We are looking for comfort 1st, handling 2nd and the car is mainly used on bumpy backroads. Any thoughts appreciated.
Never yet failed to notice a marked improvement in ride quality from new dampers.
I'm not that familiar with VW's other than the cursing about the job from people who have worked on front suspensions especially of Passats and Golfs over the years, mainly through rusted bolts shearing off, so maybe an idea to start soaking all likely bolts in Plus Gas over the next few weeks to help soak in, if you are DIYing some direct heat may be worth investing in too.
Also consider tyres, the improvements in ride and much lower noise levels on our Forester following the fitting of Vredestein Quatrac Pro all season tyres is remarkable.
Don't know how the roads are in your area (third world standards here) but a few years ago visiting family out in West Clare we regretted having a brand new hired Focus bone shaker on low profile tyres.
I'm not that familiar with VW's other than the cursing about the job from people who have worked on front suspensions especially of Passats and Golfs over the years, mainly through rusted bolts shearing off, so maybe an idea to start soaking all likely bolts in Plus Gas over the next few weeks to help soak in, if you are DIYing some direct heat may be worth investing in too.
Also consider tyres, the improvements in ride and much lower noise levels on our Forester following the fitting of Vredestein Quatrac Pro all season tyres is remarkable.
Don't know how the roads are in your area (third world standards here) but a few years ago visiting family out in West Clare we regretted having a brand new hired Focus bone shaker on low profile tyres.
At that mileage, especially on bumpy roads, the dampers will be shot.
One major safety factor related to this is that under heavy braking, with the nose diving as you’ve noticed, the rear tyres will have very little contact with the road, so the abs will kick in early. That extends the braking distance and can, on a spirited drive, cause the front brakes to work harder and get hotter than they otherwise would.
Yes, get them changed, and any bushes as you’ve said. You’ll enjoy the car again
One major safety factor related to this is that under heavy braking, with the nose diving as you’ve noticed, the rear tyres will have very little contact with the road, so the abs will kick in early. That extends the braking distance and can, on a spirited drive, cause the front brakes to work harder and get hotter than they otherwise would.
Yes, get them changed, and any bushes as you’ve said. You’ll enjoy the car again
jimmy156 said:
Surely this cost to change all the dampers and bushings on a 2012 high mileage golf would not be a cost effective thing to do?
This is coming from someone with a Mk6 GTi with 150,000 miles on the clock whose suspension is very clonky at the moment!
If it means the car stays in the family for another few years, it makes complete sense. This is coming from someone with a Mk6 GTi with 150,000 miles on the clock whose suspension is very clonky at the moment!
“The cheapest car to own is the one you already have” and all that.
Tony1963 said:
If it means the car stays in the family for another few years, it makes complete sense.
“The cheapest car to own is the one you already have” and all that.
I'm all about that. But there does usually come a point where its best to cut ties with a car. Its just hard to know when that point is! I am currently doing bits and bobs as they arrise, but if i suddenly had a £2k bill (for example) on a £4k car when I know there would still be stuff that needed doing afterwards, it would be hard to justify!“The cheapest car to own is the one you already have” and all that.
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