Advice on Shock Absorber Leak.

**Alpha4** · 28-07-2010,03:07 PM

Hello, I wonder if some of you experienced VW owners can help please?

I have my '06 2.0 TDI Passat in for service today and the VW Service Dept have just phoned me to say that one of my shock absorbers is leaking.

I don't know what this means, are they filled with oil or something?

Anyway VW say that they are just issuing an 'Advisory' on this as it's only slight at the moment. They also say that it will cost £252 + VAT to replace the shock.

Should I get it done sooner rather than later and how will I tell when it gets worse?

I'd appreciate any thoughts on cost and urgency please?

Many thanks.

DSG4ME · 28-07-2010,03:15 PM

Its a hydraulic fluid, it gets past the rubber seal and deflates the shocker in some cases.

For that money you will be better off getting a set of Bilsteins or similar, or GSF do them for £40 a corner, and it's a better shocker than VW fit iirc, £300 for a shock is rediculous imo.

BTW, do them in pairs, bad practice to do just one side.

**Alpha4** · 28-07-2010,03:23 PM

Thanks DSG4ME.

What's GSF please?

**Alpha4** · 28-07-2010,03:27 PM

Sorry, I should say that I will not be doing any Shock Absober changing myself
(No skills, no inclination and no time).

If you can recommend where I can get them done at a lower cost (but professionally) that would be great.

Thanks.

DSG4ME · 28-07-2010,03:34 PM

GSF = German,Swedish & French.

You could try Kwik Fit of F1 Autocentres, but wherever you go it won't be £300 a corner like VW want.

**rapport25** · 28-07-2010,03:34 PM

Originally Posted by Alpha4

Sorry, I should say that I will not be doing any Shock Absober changing myself
(No skills, no inclination and no time).

If you can recommend where I can get them done at a lower cost (but professionally) that would be great.

Thanks.

I know a great independent garage just based outside Tamworth near junc 11 off the M42. He would supply and fit if required,

Rappy

**Alpha4** · 28-07-2010,03:45 PM

Thanks Rappy.

I am near Wolverhampton, so it's not too far for me. I would prefer something a bit closer though, as it's problematic to get picked up/dropped off in Tamworth.

If you could pm me a phone number, that would be great.

Cheers

**Alpha4** · 28-07-2010,07:20 PM

Update:

Now confirmed with VW Dealer: £504 for two front Shock Absorbers (Fitted)

.

Seems a bit expensive to me but I don't know anything about the price of shocks.

DSG4ME · 28-07-2010,07:22 PM

If that's £504 inc vat, it's not bad for main dealer, the fronts take a lot more doing than the rears, so there's extra time for that.

**martin1810** · 28-07-2010,07:56 PM

B6 front shocks from a dealer are about £125 each. I would be careful with aftermarket shocks on this car. VW make a whole range, depending on model but aftermarket people only do a few. You can ruin the car by fitting unsuitable shocks.