VW Polo 2007 Petrol 1.4 80Hp - 3rd rear shock absorber gone again same side

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Mon 29 Feb 2016 19:15
VW Polo 2007 Petrol 1.4 80Hp - 3rd rear shock absorber gone again same side - Troyminator

Hi, I have replaced on the rear passenger side the shock absorber it will be 3 times tomorrow? Last year in March 15 I replaced both rear shock absorbers as the rear passenger had gone! In November it started making the same noise again and got worst in January 16. It sounds like a golf ball is moving around in the boot anyway I replaced it with the old rear drivers side shock absorber and again it was fine however yesterday driving over a small speed bump slowly I heard a pop in the back of the car and now I have the same problem again but the noise is worst than ever? I have purchased a new shock absorber but before replacing it is something else causing the problem with the shock absorber? I was thinking that the coil spring might be defective however it seems fine on close inspection? Thank you in adavance for your help

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 29 Feb 2016 19:34
VW Polo 2007 Petrol 1.4 80Hp - 3rd rear shock absorber gone again same side - Cyd

So you've had 2 shocks fail in this way, the second of which was already worn and the same make as the first. What make? And what mileage did they have?

TBH i'm not finding any real concern here.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 29 Feb 2016 20:02
VW Polo 2007 Petrol 1.4 80Hp - 3rd rear shock absorber gone again same side - Troyminator

When I replaced the two rear shock absorbers in March 2015 it was with Continential Direct shock absorbers. Then in November 2015 the noise returned again rear passenger side and I replaced it with the orginal shock absorber from the other side that was in good order? Now after a few weeks that shock absorber has gone? I have only done 11000 miles and its not on bad roads? The other shock absorber on the drivers side is still fine. So to have two shock absorbers go in less than a year and in just 11000 miles on good roads seems like a problem elsewherein the car

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 29 Feb 2016 21:26
VW Polo 2007 Petrol 1.4 80Hp - 3rd rear shock absorber gone again same side - Cyd

Continental Direct are a UK distribution company. Nothing to do with Continental Tyre Company of Germany except that they do distribute ContiTech products.

I can find nothing explicit that says they are made by Continental Tyre and at £30 a pair they are way too cheap to be any good IMO. About £30-£50 each would be much more like it.

I'd suggest getting a pair of Monroe or Sachs standard shocks.

However, if you've had to replace the rears it is likely the fronts need replaced too. If you decide to do all four (I believe you should to ensure the handling balance and safety of your car), then go for Bilsteins if you can afford them or Monroe Reflex. I have 4x Monroe Reflex on my 9-3 with Maptun sports springs and a mix of standard and HD bushing and am very very pleased with the shocks (but do not fit just a pair as these are uprated). Again Monroe or Sachs standard if you're after standard OE spec.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 29 Feb 2016 21:34
VW Polo 2007 Petrol 1.4 80Hp - 3rd rear shock absorber gone again same side - Big John

Can I ask have you kerbed that wheel at all on that side, or has a bush failed? - it almost sounds as though someting is in tension

Double check rear wheel balancing

Edited by Big John on 29/02/2016 at 21:36

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 29 Feb 2016 21:49
VW Polo 2007 Petrol 1.4 80Hp - 3rd rear shock absorber gone again same side - Troyminator

The only thing was the speed bump that seemed to make a pop sound from the back of the car? It was working fine up till that point. I was thinking that the coil spring on that side is fautly and not spreading the load correctly so the tension over speed bumps falls a lot more on the shock absorber on that side causing it to fail?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 29 Feb 2016 22:12
VW Polo 2007 Petrol 1.4 80Hp - 3rd rear shock absorber gone again same side - dafskipman

Maybe your best bet would be to get it checked over by your local independent VW specialist/expert. Could be a problem they've come across before.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 16 Apr 2018 09:02
VW Polo 2007 Petrol 1.4 80Hp - 3rd rear shock absorber gone again same side - Stone76
Hi there,, did you ever find out what the problem was you were having, I am currently dealing with what sounds like the same issue and wondered if you could shed some light at all?? Many thanks in advance
Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.

The Good Garage Guide

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....