1991 Jetta rear shock project - what to replace

Joe Stewart · Post by **Joe Stewart** » Sun May 18, 2008 12:06 pm

1991 VW Jetta GL 1.6 liter naturally aspirated engine

Hello, my rear shocks are going "clunk clunk" everytime I pass over the smallest bump. I have already purchased the new shocks. Before I take the old ones out, I wanted to buy all the small parts, so I'll have everything I need on the day of disassembly.

What do you ROUTINELY replace EVERY TIME you replace your rear shocks?

I notice from the Bentley manual that there is a rubber bushing, a spring seat, a snubber, a dust boot and a couple of beveled rubber bushings. Do all of these parts necessarily "wear out" and require replacement?

I peeked under there and the dust boots and snubbers appear ok. I noticed that one of the "rubber bushings" is half rotten and is herniating out from the top of the spring. I can't really see the rest of the parts in question.

I suppose I could replace all of the parts, but in looking up some prices, I noticed that not all of these parts are what I would call inexpensive.

Also of note, NONE of these parts appear to be available in town. So I'd have to special order them, with the attendant several day delay.

All input appreciated. Joe Stewart

Ziptar · Post by **Ziptar** » Sun May 18, 2008 2:57 pm

Having just had the suspension re-done in my A2 I think I can tell you. I ordered my parts from here are well.
A2/A3 Rear Upper Shock Bushing Set, Rear Bump Stop * 2, and Rear Dust Cover *2 should do it.

bvolks · Post by **bvolks** » Sun May 18, 2008 8:37 pm

I'd look at your rear axle bushings too. I replaced a set of shocks on mine once thinking that's where the noise was coming from and it turned out to be the bushings.

Post by **Fatmobile** » Sun May 18, 2008 10:56 pm

I've taken apart A1 rear shocks and found the top spring seat to be rotted out.
Don't remember how my A2 spring seats looked.

Joe Stewart · Post by **Joe Stewart** » Wed May 21, 2008 2:23 pm

Alright thanks, I'm ordering all the stuff from parts4vws.com. Might as well buy everything I guess. The spring seat is apparently made out of steel (as far as I can tell) and I think mine is ok, so I won't get that. I'll check the rear axle bushings, but again I think those are ok.

All of this started after I got a blow out on the freeway, and those flaps of rubber from the exploded tire slapped my rear shock several times before I could stop. I think the piston in that shock is bent.

Thank you to all for your input on this topic.

82vdub · Post by **82vdub** » Wed May 21, 2008 2:42 pm

You should probably check with Jack, the owner of this site to get your parts from him first.

Joe Stewart · Post by **Joe Stewart** » Wed May 21, 2008 4:03 pm

Great idea! I'm emailing jack right now! J. Stewart

Brian Rages · Post by **Brian Rages** » Fri May 23, 2008 1:59 pm

Fatmobile wrote:I've taken apart A1 rear shocks and found the top spring seat to be rotted out.
Don't remember how my A2 spring seats looked.

My A2 spring seats were totally rusted out.