Car chassis Skoda Octavia Tour (A5) is known for its reliability, but even that doesn't last forever. One of the critical components responsible for comfort and handling is the rear shock absorber strut, into which the upper mount is integrated. This part takes on significant dynamic loads when driving over uneven surfaces, and over time its service life is exhausted.
Ignoring signs of wear can lead to the destruction of the body glass, which will entail expensive repairs of body parts. Therefore, timely diagnosis and replacement rear shock absorber mounts - this is not just a recommendation, but a necessity to maintain the safe operation of your car. Owners often confuse knocking noises in the suspension with control arm problems, but the source of the noise is often the upper part of the strut.
The role of the upper support in the suspension system
The upper shock absorber mount performs several functions at once, ensuring the stability of the rear suspension. The main task is to connect the strut housing to the car body and transfer forces from the wheels to the frame. This element also serves rolling bearing, allowing the rack to rotate when turning the steering wheel if we are talking about the front wheels, but on the rear axle Octavia Tour it works primarily as a vibration damper.
Structurally, the unit consists of a metal body, a rubber-metal damper and a bearing. The rubber part dampens high-frequency vibrations, preventing noise transmission into the cabin. If the rubber hardens or cracks, all the impact energy is transferred directly to the body. This leads to a characteristic metallic knock, which intensifies when driving over speed bumps or potholes.
It is important to understand that the support works in conjunction with the shock absorber itself and the spring. Incorrect installation or use of non-original spare parts may damage the suspension geometry. This affects the wheel alignment angle, which in turn accelerates tire wear and reduces vehicle stability on the road. Suspension diagnostics should include checking the status of this particular node.
Symptoms of wear and signs of failure
A faulty shock absorber support can be determined by a number of characteristic signs that appear during operation. The most obvious symptom is a thud or thud in the rear that occurs when driving over bumps. The sound is often localized specifically above the rear wheel and does not disappear even when the speed decreases.
In addition to noise, the driver may notice a deterioration in handling. The car may begin to "float" at high speeds or overreact to steering inputs. If the support is destroyed, the rack loses its rigid fixation, which creates play. In some cases, a squeaking sound appears when cornering, which indicates wear of the bearing inside the support.
A visual inspection can also answer questions about the condition of the part. With the wheel removed and the suspension partially unloaded, you can see cracks on the rubber part of the support or traces of corrosion on the metal body. If you see that rubber-metal element delaminated, replacement is required immediately. Ignoring the problem may result in the shock absorber rod falling into the body.
โ ๏ธ Attention: If you hear a strong metallic knock that does not go away after replacing the shock absorbers themselves, the problem almost certainly lies in the upper mount or its bearing. Don't delay diagnostics.
- Thud
- Metal clang
- Creak
- Steering wheel vibration
DIY node diagnostics
Checking the condition of the rear shock mount does not require sophisticated equipment, but it does require attention and access to the suspension. Start with a visual inspection. Raise the car on a lift or use a jack with secure supports. Inspect the top of the rack in the area where it attaches to the body. Look for traces of oil, rust, or visible damage to the rubber.
Use a pry bar to check the play. Place the tool against the bottom of the stand and try to rock it up and down. If you feel significant play at the top where it attaches to the body, the support is worn. You can also ask an assistant to rock the body while listening to the source of the noise.
Pay special attention to the condition of the shock absorber cup. Often corrosion eats away at the metal, making the support unable to be securely fixed. Check the integrity of the shock absorber rod where it exits the support. Any burrs or deep scratches on the rod indicate that the support can no longer ensure the tightness of the seal.
- Use a powerful flashlight to inspect hard-to-reach areas in the wheel arch.
- Check the condition of the shock absorber boot - its damage is often accompanied by destruction of the support.
- Pay attention to the gap between the support and the body - it should be uniform.
How to check a support bearing?
To check the bearing, you need to hold the rod with a wrench and try to turn the support. If it rotates with binding or play, the bearing requires replacement. On the rear axle this is more difficult to do due to the design, so the assembly is replaced more often.
Choice of spare parts: original or analogue
The auto parts market offers a huge selection of options for Skoda Octavia Tour. The original is a guarantee of quality, but often overpriced. Manufacturers of original parts such as SKF or Lemfรถrder, supply them under the VAG logo. However, there are also high-quality analogues that are not inferior to the original in terms of resource.
When choosing an analogue, pay attention to the brand. Companies like Monroe, Sachs or TRW, have established themselves as reliable suppliers of suspension elements. It is important to avoid the cheapest Chinese analogues, since the rubber in them quickly hardens in the cold, and the metal is susceptible to corrosion. Savings on this unit can result in repeated repairs in six months.
There are also kits that include the support itself, a boot and a travel stop. Such sets are convenient for replacement, since all parts fit together perfectly. If you are replacing a shock absorber, it is recommended to install a new mount immediately, as the old bolts may not be removed without damaging the threads. Complete replacement saves time and effort.
| Manufacturer | Product type | Indicative resource | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| VAG (Original) | Kit with bolts | 100,000+ km | Ideal geometry, high price |
| Monroe | Support assembly | 80,000 - 90,000 km | Excellent tires, average price tag |
| Sachs | Support bearing | 70,000 - 80,000 km | Solid rubber, durable metal |
| Racks (cheap analogues) | Support separately | 20,000 - 30,000 km | Rapid wear, risk of destruction |
Buy mounts from trusted brands (Monroe, Sachs, VAG) and avoid cheap sets, as the quality of the rubber critically affects comfort.
Preparation for replacement and necessary tools
Before starting work, you need to prepare a workplace and a set of tools. To replace the rear shock absorber mount with Octavia Tour you will need a pit or lift as access from below is limited. Also prepare a jack and safety stands. Do not work under a vehicle supported solely by a jack.
The tools you will need are a standard set of sockets and wrenches. Main dimensions: 13mm socket for attaching the shock absorber to the body, 18mm or 21mm wrench for the shock absorber rod. You will also need a pry bar, WD-40 for treating rusted bolts, and a torque wrench for tightening new fasteners.
Be sure to check for new mounting bolts. Often old bolts stick to the body, and when you try to unscrew them they can break. If the bolts do not come out, you may need to use an angle grinder or impact wrench. In this case, stock up on new bolts in advance.
โ๏ธ Tools and preparation
Step-by-step replacement instructions
The replacement process begins with removing the wheel. Loosen the wheel bolts with the car standing, then jack up the car and remove the wheel completely. Clear access to the arch and the top of the shock absorber. If there is a plastic protection, it must also be removed.
Next you need to fix the shock absorber rod. Insert a wrench or special tool into the rod to prevent it from turning. Unscrew the nut securing the support to the body. This is done with a 13mm socket. Be careful not to drop the nut inside the arch. If the nut does not budge, generously coat it with penetrating lubricant.
After unscrewing the nuts, remove the old support. It may be necessary to jack up the arm or the strut itself to relieve the tension on the spring. Clean the seat on the body from dirt and rust. Install the new support, making sure it is level. Install the new bolts by hand and then tighten them with a torque wrench to the torque specified in the manual.
Assembly is carried out in reverse order. Install the wheel, lower the vehicle and finally tighten the wheel bolts. Check the suspension by rocking the body over the rear wheel several times. The knocking should disappear. If the noise remains, check for correct installation and for any play.
- Do not tighten the shock absorber mounting bolts until the vehicle is lowered onto its wheels.
- Use a new set of bolts as old ones may be warped.
- Check the condition of the boot after installation - it should not twist.
โ ๏ธ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to tighten the shock absorber rod nut when the suspension is unloaded (the wheel is hanging in the air). This will lead to distortion of the rubber bushing and its rapid destruction.
Before starting work, be sure to photograph the location of the old support and the direction of the bolts to avoid mistakes during reassembly.
Nuances of operation after repair
After replacing the support of the shock absorber, the car can behave a little differently in the first kilometers. Rubber elements should "get used" to the new working conditions. Do not expect all vibrations to disappear instantly if they were caused by other worn-out suspension parts.
It is recommended to visit the collapse-descending stand, especially if levers or other elements of geometry were affected during the repair. Even a slight displacement of the rack can affect the angles of the wheels. This will ensure uniform tire wear and stable vehicle behaviour on the track.
Keep track of the new part for the first 1,000 km. If there is a new knock or creak, immediately contact the service. Perhaps there was an error in the installation or defective part. A timely response will help avoid more serious suspension problems.
Do you change both legs at once?
It is recommended to change the supports with a pair, even if one of them looks whole. The resource of the parts is the same, and if one wears out, the second will soon fail. This will save time for re-disassembly.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace the back support of the shock absorber on the ล KODA Octavia Tour?
The cost of working in the service varies from 1500 to 3000 rubles per side, depending on the region and the complexity of access. The price of the spare part depends on the manufacturer: the original costs from 3000 rubles, quality analogues - from 1500 rubles.
Can only the bearing of the support be replaced?
Theoretically, yes, but in practice, it is difficult and often impractical. The rubber part of the support swells over time and loses its properties. It is better to replace the entire unit in the assembly to ensure maximum resource and comfort.
Do I need to change the shock absorbers along with the supports?
If the shock absorbers have traveled more than 80,000 km and have signs of wear (leaking, knocking), they are better replaced at the same time. This will save time for dismantling, since the work to replace the support requires removing the rack or significant suspension.
How often should the condition of the supports be checked?
It is recommended to conduct a visual inspection at each scheduled maintenance or once in 20,000 km. If there are extraneous sounds in the suspension, the diagnosis should be carried out immediately, regardless of the mileage.
Does the replacement of the support affect the collapse-convergence?
By itself, the replacement of the upper support does not change the geometry of the suspension, since the angles of the wheel installation are set by the levers. However, if the puffs were broken or the levers were damaged during the replacement, the collapse-convergence check is mandatory.
Regular inspection and timely replacement rear shock absorber mounts on your Skoda Octavia Tour - the pledge of long service suspension and comfort in the cabin. Do not skimp on the quality of spare parts and perform the work carefully, observing all technical requirements. This will keep you and your passengers safe for years to come.
Proper installation and tightening of the support only on the loaded suspension is a key factor in the long service of the unit and the absence of knocks in the future.