Weeping Shock Absorber

[jonfun21]

Car (Mk6, 1.4 TSI 122, SE) has just been in for 50,000 service (actual mileage is 47,000) and I have an amber advisory note saying "Suspension Wear / Condition = O/S/R shock absorber weeping". After some views on the following having not seen this before on other cars:

a. Does this need to be rectified straight away (assume a new one is the remedy)?

b. What are the implications of not sorting it now (i.e. will it just fail and can then be replaced anyhow, or will it do further damage to the chassis in the meantime)?

c. Do I need to replace both rear shock absorbers or can you replace individually?

Quote from the dealer to sort is £115.29, not sure if this is for one or two.

Thanks in advance, Jon

[c4a5er]

It's not a cause for immediate concern a slight weep or oil stain is acceptable as long as the damper still functions normally which must be the case to pass an MOT. If it was wet with oil indicating a burst seal it would fail an MOT.

It won't cause damage to other components at all but eventually if oil loss became significant it will effect damper performance and become a safety issue. When you decide to fix I would renew both sides to keep things balanced and reliability equal, don't want to be messed around replacing the other side a few months later.

[jonfun21]

Thanks that is useful.....sounds like a wait and see issue, I guess I will notice if the damper starts to fail via handling (nothing noticed as yet)

[Crasher]

That will be each, really they should be replaced in pairs but I had to do just one today as it was a cost sensitive job.

VW describe a light leak as misting and also say that is in beneficial in lubricating the piston rod seal.

[james_tiger_woo]

Is your car out of warranty? I thought a shocker was a warranty part - I had one replaced on my Bora a few years back under warranty.

[Doctle Odd]

If it's weeping you could try consoling it but really you need to replace it and it's twin. Eventually it will start knocking and generally effecting handling. 50 k miles is very good

[Crasher]

If it was under warranty they would have to follow the VW guide for "misting" as if the stating was deemed within acceptable limits, VAG would kick back the warranty bill.

[jonfun21]

Out of warranty (I have bought the extended warranty but the excess is £100).

Sounds like I get it replaced in a couple of months, but it doesn't need doing tomorrow.

[ajmoir36]

Supposedly the mk6 shocks are supposedly lubed, a dealer told me mine needed replacing at 22K took it to another dealer and they said there is a bulletin about it stating no fault.

[Crasher]

Of course they are lubed, they are filled with oil....and gas which is what your dealer is full of! An abreviated version of the TPI without pretty pickies

Technical product information Transaction No.: 2026853/1


Service info: shock absorber assessment in case of leaks Release date: 20-Jul-2011


Customer statement / workshop findings: One or several shock absorbers have an oily deposit.


Technical background


A slight oil film on the piston rod of the shock absorber is not only unavoidable but essential for the lubrication.



This is normal. No fault in the sense of warranty.


Production change


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Measure



Information for assessing whether a shock absorber leaks or not.


• Only assess dry and clean vehicles.

• Make sure that the oil is not from other components (for example hydraulic pipe).


Leaking shock absorbers:


• An oil film that runs down the shock absorber pipe indicates a leak.


‒ Replace leaking shock absorbers according to the repair manual.


Shock absorber with oil film/marks:


• A slightly dried oil film or oil marks on the shock absorber pipe (illustration 3 and 4) do not indicate a leak.


‒ This can be caused by residues from the shock absorber filling during the installation or a slight sweating around the seal.