ล koda Octavia A5 - a car that has earned a reputation as a reliable and practical family sedan. However, even such machines have components that require periodic attention. One of them is hood gas struts, which over time lose their tightness, begin to sag or completely stop holding the lid. If you notice that the hood of your Octavia A5 began to fall when opening or requires effort to fix, itโs time to deal with the gas stops.
In this article we will look in detail at how choose the right gas stops for ล koda Octavia A5 (including restyled versions), which brands and analogues trustworthy and will also give step-by-step replacement instructions taking into account typical mistakes. We will pay special attention unique nuances of fastening the stops on Octavia A5, which are often missed in standard manuals.
What gas struts are on ล koda Octavia A5 from the factory?
On Octavia A5 (2004โ2013) gas struts from the company were installed Stabilus - a world leader in the production of gas-filled shock absorbers. Original articles depend on the year of manufacture and modification:
- ๐ง Before facelift (2004โ2008):
1Z6 823 271 A(left) and1Z6 823 272 A(right). - ๐ง After facelift (2009โ2013):
5E0 823 271and5E0 823 272(sometimes interchangeable with pre-facelift, but differ in force). - ๐ง For version Scout and RS: stops with increased length are used -
1Z6 823 271 Band1Z6 823 272 B.
Important: even if your car was produced in 2008โ2009, check the VIN code or visually compare the article numbers - both types of stops could have been installed at the junction of facelift. Original Stabilus serve on average 5โ7 years, but with active exploitation or in Russian climate conditions, the resource is reduced to 3โ4 years.
- Original Stabilus
- Analogs (Sachs, Febi, etc.)
- I already replaced it, I donโt remember the brand
- I don't know, haven't checked
How can you tell when it's time to change the gas struts?
The first signs of wear on the gas stops are often ignored and attributed to โmachine features.โ However, delay is fraught damage to the hood (if it suddenly falls) or hinge deformation. Pay attention to the following symptoms:
- โ ๏ธ The hood does not lock in the open position and requires support.
- โ ๏ธ A hissing sound is heard when opening - a sign of a gas leak.
- โ ๏ธ The stops "sag": The hood slowly lowers on its own.
- โ ๏ธ Uneven force: one stop works, the other doesnโt.
- โ ๏ธ Corrosion on the rod or cracks in the body.
You can check the stops with a simple test: open the hood and try to lift it with your hand. If he does not stay in the up position or requires significant effort to lift - the stops are worn out. Also inspect rubber boots at the ends of the rod: if they are torn, dirt gets inside, accelerating wear.
If the gas stops begin to โstickโ in winter, do not rush to change them. Try warming up the car in a warm garage - sometimes the problem is temporary and is associated with thickened lubricant.
Original vs analogues: what to choose for Octavia A5?
Original stops Stabilus for Octavia A5 cost from 2,500 to 4,000 rubles per couple (depending on supplier). However, there are worthy analogues on the market that can save up to 50% of the budget. The table below compares popular options:
| Brand | Article (left/right) | Price per pair, rubles | Resource | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stabilus (original) | 1Z6 823 271 A / 1Z6 823 272 A |
3 500โ4 000 | 5โ7 years | 2 year warranty, perfect fit |
| Sachs (Germany) | 314 140 / 314 141 |
2 200โ2 800 | 4โ6 years | Softer than the original, but reliable |
| Febi (Germany) | 22710 / 22711 |
1 800โ2 300 | 3โ5 years | Budget option, possible backlash |
| TRW (USA) | JGA1046 / JGA1047 |
2 500โ3 000 | 5+ years | Stiffer than the original, suitable for heavy hoods |
| Strong (Poland) | SF10002 / SF10003 |
1 500โ1 900 | 2โ4 years | Low price, but frequent complaints about leaks |
When choosing analogues, pay attention to folded and unfolded length, and also compression force (measured in newtons). For Octavia A5 optimal effort - 400โ500 N. Cheap stops (for example, Strong) may be valid 300โ350 N, because of which the hood will โwalkโ on bumps.
โ ๏ธ Attention! Some sellers offer "universal" gas struts with adjustable force. For Octavia A5 this is unsuitable option - they cannot withstand the load and quickly fail.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing gas struts
Replacing gas struts with Octavia A5 does not require special skills, but there is key nuancesthat are often missed. You will need:
- ๐ง 10 mm socket wrench (or ratchet head).
- ๐ง Flat head screwdriver (for prying up the fasteners).
- ๐ง WD-40 or similar lubricant (if the bolts are soured).
- ๐ง Hood support (wooden block or special stop).
Before starting work necessarily lock the hood in the open position! To do this:
- Lift the hood and secure it with the standard hook (if it still holds).
- Place a block of wood under the hood or use zip ties for temporary fixation.
- Loosen the nuts on the stops, but do not remove them completely.
Secure the hood with a support|Treat the fastening bolts with WD-40|Prepare new stops and tools|Take a photo of the location of the old stops-->
Next, follow the algorithm:
- Remove old stops:
- Unscrew the nuts securing to the hood (upper).
- Unscrew the mounting bolts to the body (bottom).
- Carefully remove the stop while holding the hood.
- Install new stops:
- Place the boots on the new stop rods.
- Secure the lower part of the stop to the body (10 mm bolt).
- Lift the hood and secure the top of the support.
- Check your work:
- Make sure the hood opens smoothly and locks in the up position.
- Check the symmetry of the forces (both stops should work equally).
โ ๏ธ Attention! On Octavia A5 after 2010, the lower mountings of the stops may be hidden under plastic covers (near the radiator grille). To get to them, you will have to remove the clips and bend the trim.
What to do if the bolts securing the gas stops are soured?
If the bolts do not come out:
1. Spray them generously with WD-40 or rust remover (such as Liqui Moly MoS2).
2. Wait 10-15 minutes and try to unscrew again.
3. If that doesnโt help, use an impact wrench or heat the bolt with a hair dryer (do not overheat the paintwork!).
4. As a last resort, cut the bolt with a grinder, but be careful - wires and hoses pass under the stop.
Typical mistakes when replacing gas stops
Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to repeated breakage of stops or damage to the hood. Here are the most common:
- ๐จ Incorrect tightening torque. If you overtighten the bolts, you can break the threads in the body. The optimal moment is 10โ12 Nm.
- ๐จ Left and right stops are mixed up. They are not interchangeable! There is usually a marking on the body
L(left) andR(right). - ๐จ Ignoring anthers. If you donโt put on new boots, dirt will get into the stop, and it will last 2 times less.
- ๐จ Using stops from other models. For example, stops from Golf V They are similar in appearance, but have a different force.
- ๐จ Replacing only one stop. Even if one is broken, the second one will soon fail - replace it in pairs!
Another common problem is loose hood fit after replacement. This occurs if the new stops are of greater length or force. In this case:
- Check that the stops are installed correctly (the sides are not mixed up).
- Adjust the stops on the hood hinges (they may move when replaced).
- If the hood โwalks,โ try slightly loosening the stops and adjusting their position.
If, after replacing the stops, the hood begins to close with force, this is a sign that the new stops are too powerful. In this case, they need to be replaced with models with lower force (for example, from 500 N to 400 N).
How to extend the life of gas struts?
Average life of gas struts - 50โ80 thousand opening/closing cycles. But with proper care, this period can be increased by 30โ50%. Here's what the experts recommend:
- ๐ ๏ธ Clean the stems regularly from dirt and lubricate them with silicone grease (do not use lithol or grease - they attract dust!).
- ๐ ๏ธ Avoid sudden movements when opening the hood, especially in cold weather. The gas at the stop is compressed faster than it has time to warm up, which leads to microcracks.
- ๐ ๏ธ Check the anthers every 10โ15 thousand km. If they are torn, replace them to prevent dirt from getting inside the stop.
- ๐ ๏ธ Don't leave the hood open in the rain. Moisture penetrates the seals and accelerates rod corrosion.
- ๐ ๏ธ Store your car in a garage in winter. Temperature changes reduce the service life of the stops by 20โ30%.
If you open the hood frequently (for example, to charge the battery or check the oil), install additional fasteners - they will reduce the load on the gas stops. Magnetic holders or mechanical latches are suitable.
Where to buy gas struts for Octavia A5?
When purchasing gas struts, the main thing is to avoid fakes. Original Stabilus and high-quality analogues (Sachs, TRW) are sold in the following places:
- ๐ฌ Official ล koda dealers - guarantee of original parts, but the price is higher than the market.
- ๐ฌ Specialized online stores:
- Exist.ru - wide range, trusted suppliers.
- Autodoc.ru โ convenient selection by VIN code.
- Emex.ru โ there are often discounts on analogues.
- ๐ฌ Retail auto parts stores (for example, ATL, AutoSpetsCenter) - you can touch the stops before purchasing.
- ๐ฌ Bazaar or Avito - only if the seller provides a receipt and a guarantee (risk of running into a fake).
When purchasing, be sure to check:
- Availability holograms or markings on the packaging (at Stabilus this is the serial number and QR code).
- Compliance articles your modification Octavia A5.
- Integrity anthers and seals (they should not be dry).
- Date of manufacture (fresh stops last longer).
โ ๏ธ Attention! There are often counterfeits of the brand on the market Stabilus, especially on AliExpress or in small shops. You can distinguish them by:
- Lack of markings on the stop body.
- Too light weight (the original weighs ~500 g, the fake - 300โ400 g).
- Uneven seam welding on the body.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about gas struts ล koda Octavia A5
Is it possible to restore old gas struts?
Theoretically yes, but this is a temporary solution. Some workshops offer recharging stops (injecting new gas), but such repairs cost 60โ70% of the cost of new parts and last a maximum of 1โ2 years. It is better to immediately buy high-quality analogues.
What happens if you drive with broken gas stops?
Main risks:
- The hood can fall unexpectedly on your hands or head.
- Hood hinges deformed from constant loads.
- When opening while moving (for example, to check the oil), the hood may damage the windshield.
Are gas struts suitable? VW Golf V or Audi A3?
Partially. Stops from Golf V (articles 1K6 823 271/272) are similar in appearance, but have less effort (350โ400 N vs. 400โ500 N Octavia A5). This will cause the hood to โwalkโ on uneven surfaces. Stops from Audi A3 (8P) are not suitable due to different mounting geometry.
Which brand of gas struts is the most reliable?
Based on test results and owner reviews Octavia A5:
- Stabilus (original) - the best price/quality ratio.
- Sachs โ a little softer, but serve consistently for 5+ years.
- TRW โ rigid, suitable for heavy hoods (for example, with additional sound insulation).
Budget options you can consider Febi, but be prepared to replace it after 3-4 years.
Do new gas struts need to be lubricated?
No, new stops already contain lubricant inside the housing. Enough periodically clean the stem from dirt and apply silicone grease on the visible part (once a year). Do not use oils or lithol - they corrode rubber seals!