how to tell if struts are bad on my Volkswagen Golf MK7.5 (2020-Present)

Volkswagen Golf MK7.5 (2020-Present)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

519 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix bad struts on your Volkswagen Golf MK7.5. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Always use jack stands when working under a vehicle.
•Ensure the vehicle is on a stable, flat surface before lifting.

Symptoms

•Excessive bouncing after hitting bumps
•Vehicle swaying or leaning during turns
•Uneven tire wear
•A noticeable decrease in ride comfort
•Clunking or knocking noises over bumps
•Fluid leakage around the strut assembly

Diagnostic Steps

1
Visually inspect the struts for any signs of damage or fluid leaks.
2
Perform a bounce test by pushing down on each corner of the vehicle and observing the rebound.
3
Check for uneven tire wear patterns that may indicate suspension issues.
4
Test drive the vehicle on different road surfaces to assess handling and ride quality.
5
Listen for unusual noises during the test drive, particularly over bumps or turns.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•Jack
•Jack stands
•Lug wrench
•Socket set
•Torque wrench

Parts Required

•New struts
•Strut mounts

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Visually inspect the struts for any signs of damage or fluid leaks.
2
Perform a bounce test by pushing down on each corner of the vehicle and observing the rebound.
3
Check for uneven tire wear patterns that may indicate suspension issues.
4
Test drive the vehicle on different road surfaces to assess handling and ride quality.
5
Listen for unusual noises during the test drive, particularly over bumps or turns.

Solution

1. Preparation

Tools Required: Jack, jack stands, lug wrench, socket set, torque wrench.
Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface and the parking brake is engaged.
Disconnect the battery if working on electronic components nearby.

2. Lift the Vehicle

Sub-steps:
- Use a lug wrench to loosen the wheel lug nuts slightly while the car is on the ground.
- Jack up the vehicle and secure it with jack stands.
- Remove the wheel to access the struts.

3. Remove the Strut Assembly

Sub-steps:
- Locate the strut mounting bolts at the top (in the engine bay or under the dashboard) and bottom of the strut.
- Use a socket set to remove the top mounting bolts. Retain these bolts for reinstallation.
- Remove the bottom bolts while supporting the strut assembly to prevent it from falling.

4. Inspect and Replace the Strut

Sub-steps:
- Inspect the old strut for signs of wear, such as leaks or physical damage.
- If replacement is necessary, install the new strut by reversing the removal process.
- Torque the mounting bolts to the manufacturer’s specification (typically around 30-50 Nm for top bolts and 80-100 Nm for bottom bolts, but verify with service manual).

5. Reassemble

Sub-steps:
- Reattach the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
- Lower the vehicle back to the ground and fully tighten the lug nuts to manufacturer specifications.
- Reconnect the battery if it was disconnected.