Replacing rear springs on a ŠKODA Octavia A5: step-by-step instructions with photos and tips

Rear springs on ŠKODA Octavia A5 (2004–2013) - one of the key elements of the suspension, which over time loses elasticity, sags or breaks. If your car has become worse at “swallowing” potholes, there is a roll when cornering or uneven wear of the rear tires, it’s time to check the condition of the springs. Unlike the front struts, replacing the rear springs with Octavia A5 technically simpler, but requires accuracy and knowledge of the nuances - especially if we are talking about a version with air suspension or a sports modification RS.

In this article we will analyze the entire process from diagnostics to installation of new springs, including the selection of spare parts, the necessary tools and common mistakes. The material is relevant for all bodies Octavia A5 (liftback, station wagon Combi, as well as restyled models 2009–2013). If you plan to carry out the work yourself, pay attention to security — improperly securing the vehicle or violating the technology can lead to injury or damage to the suspension.

Signs of wear on the rear springs on the ŠKODA Octavia A5

Springs do not fail suddenly - they wear out gradually, and many drivers get used to the deterioration in handling. Here are the key symptoms that indicate the need for replacement:

• 🔍 Rear body sagging — it is visually noticeable that the car has “squatted” on the stern, especially when loading the trunk. Normal rear axle clearance Octavia A5 - about 140 mm (without load).
• 🚗 Deterioration in handling — the car rolls more when cornering, “yaws” on uneven surfaces, and a “rocking” effect appears after driving over bumps.
• 🔧 Knocks in the rear suspension - often confused with wear of shock absorbers, but if the knock is metallic and radiates into the body, the springs are to blame (especially if they are broken or cracked).
• 🛞 Uneven rear tire wear - subsidence of the spring changes the angles of collapse-convergence, which leads to "eating" the inner or outer part of the tread.

Special attention should be paid to the springs, if your Octavia A5 It is operated with constant overload (for example, as a family car with a trailer) or in bad roads. The average resource of the rear springs is 100–150 thousand kmBut if you drive aggressively or corrosion, they may fail sooner.

Which springs to choose for replacement: original vs analogues

When choosing rear springs for ŠKODA Octavia A5 It is important to consider not only the brand, but also rigidityheight, as well as compatibility with the type of body. Original springs from VW Group (article 1Z0 511 107 for the standard version or 1Z0 511 107C for Octavia RS) guarantee an ideal fit, but their price can reach 5-7 thousand. A rouble apiece. Alternative options from proven manufacturers will cost less, but require careful selection.

Brand	Article	Hardness	Notes	Price per piece, rubles
VW/SKODA (original)	1Z0 511 107	Standard	For liftback/wagon without air suspension	5 000–7 000
Lesjöfors	553517	Standard/+20 mm	Reinforced, suitable for loaded cars	3 500–4 500
Boge	511 107	Standard	Quality is close to the original, popular in Europe	4 000–5 000
Febi	22996	Standard	Budget option, possible deviations in height	2 500–3 500

If you plan to tuning suspension (for example, installing lowering springs), pay attention to the sets from the H&R (50440-2) or Eibach (E10-40-012-02-22). They reduce clearance by 30-50 mm, but require simultaneous replacement of shock absorbers for sports (for example, the scorching equipment). Bilstein B4). For Octavia A5 with air suspension (4x4 or RS) spring selection should be done using the VIN code, in which case it is better to contact the official dealer.

⚠️ Attention: Springs from Octavia A4 (1U) not suitable for A5 - different diameter of turns and the point of attachment. Avoid cheap Chinese products (for example, the Chinese). Sasic or nameless brands, as they often sag after 20-30,000. km.

Tools and preparation for replacement of rear springs

To replace the back springs with ŠKODA Octavia A5 No special equipment is required, but some tools are not necessary. Here is a complete list of what you will need:

• 🔧 Jack and stops - it is better to use a hydraulic jack with a carrying capacity of at least 2 tons and "goats" for reliable fixation.
• 🔩 Set of sockets and socket wrenches - it is necessary to have a head on 16 mm (for shock absorber attachment bolts) and 13 mm (for stabilizer).
• 🛠️ Clamps for springs - necessary for safe compression of the spring before removal. You can use universal rodsin or specialized, for example, Hazet 4962-1.
• 🧲 Magnetic holder - will help keep bolts and nuts in hard-to-reach places.
• 🧴 Penetrating lubricant — WD-40 or Liqui Moly MoS2 for unscrewing stuck bolts.

Before starting work, complete the following steps:

Remove pressure from the rear suspension (put the car on a flat surface and rock the body)

Relax the wheel bolts (but don’t remove the wheel completely)

Treat all threaded connections with penetrating lubricant 1-2 hours before work

Prepare the workspace (lighting, rags, container for small parts)->

If you work in a garage with a hole, fix the car with a hand brake and place stops under the front wheels. If there is no hole, lift the back of the car with a jack and install it on reliable supports (see below).Never work under a car that only runs on a jack!).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear springs

The process of replacing springs Octavia A5 It takes about 2-3 hours (on both sides). If you have never repaired a suspension, it is best to invite an assistant – especially for the compression phase of the springs. Below is a detailed instruction:

Step 1: Dismount the wheel and access to the suspension

1. Raise the rear of the car and remove the wheel.

2. Unscrew two bolts of braking caliper mount (key on the key) 13 mm) and hang it on a wire so as not to damage the hose.

3. Remove the brake disc - it may interfere with access to the shock absorber.

Step 2: Unconnect the stabilizer and shock absorber

1. Unscrew the nut of the mount of the stabilizer (key to the 16 mm).

2. Disconnect the lower bolt of the shock absorber attachment to the lever (key to the 18 mm).

3. Reduce the top nut of the shock absorber rod (you will need a key to the shock absorber). 16 mm and keeping the rod from turning.

Step 3: Compress and remove the spring

1. Set the rods on the spring and squeeze it until the upper coil is freed from the support cup. Critical error: never squeeze a spring without rods - it can "shot" and cause serious injuries!

2. Carefully remove the spring from the landing place.

3. Check the condition of the bearing and rubber gaskets - when worn, they also need to be replaced.

Step 4: Installation of a new spring

1. Place a new spring in the rods and squeeze it.

2. Set the spring in place, combining the lower turn with the ledge on the lever.

3. Smoothly loosen the rods so that the spring sits in the support cup.

4. Tighten all bolts in reverse sequence (moment of tightening: 50 Nm for the stabilizer, 70 Nm for shock absorber.

After replacing the springs on both sides necessarily Check and, if necessary, correct the collapse-development of the rear wheels. Even a slight displacement can lead to accelerated tire wear.

What to do if the spring is not compressed by rods?

If the rods cannot compress the spring to the desired state, try the following methods:

1. Use more powerful rods (such as hydraulic ones).

2. Heat the spring with a building hairdryer - this will make the metal more malleable.

3. Contact the service where there is a special stand for compressing springs.

Don’t use force – it’s dangerous!

Typical mistakes when replacing springs and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to re-repair or deterioration of handling. Here are the most common mistakes:

• ❌ Incorrect selection of springs Installation of parts from another model (for example, from the Golf V) or with incorrect rigidity results in an imbalance of the suspension.
• ❌ Ignoring support bearings If they are worn out, new springs will serve less, and creaks will appear in the cabin.
• ❌ Incorrect bolt tightening - weak puff leads to backlashes, and excessive - to a cut of thread.
• ❌ Working without strubs Attempts to compress the spring with “grandfather” methods (for example, rope) are fraught with injuries.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the springs, the car began to “fall” in one direction, check the correctness of the installation - perhaps the springs are confused on the sides (on the other hand, the main part of the car is not the same). Octavia A5 They may be asymmetrical. Also make sure that the rubber pads do not shift during installation.

Another common problem is spring-spring after replacement. This happens due to:

• No lubrication between turns (use graphite lubricant).
• The fall of dirt or sand into the interturn space.
• Wearing plastic bushings in the support cup.

The cost of replacing the rear springs in the service vs self-repair

If you are not sure of your abilities, you can trust the replacement of springs to professionals. The cost of work in the services of Moscow and the regions varies depending on the level of service and complexity of the task:

Service type	Cost of work (per side), rubles	Lead Time	Benefits
Official dealer ŠKODA	3 500–5 000	1.5–2 hours	Warranty, original spare parts, suspension diagnostics
Independent service	2 000–3 500	1–1.5 hours	Below the price, a choice of analogues is possible
Garage foreman	1 000–2 000	2–3 hours	Minimum cost, but no guarantees
Self-replacement	0 (spare parts only)	3–4 hours	Savings, experience in repair

When choosing a service, pay attention to reviews and the availability of specialized equipment (for example, a stand for compressing springs). If you decide to change the springs yourself, the total costs will be:

• Springs (2 units) – from 5 000 to 14 000 rubles (depending on the brand).
• Support bearings (if necessary) – ~1 500 rubles per set.
• Rubber gaskets - ~500 rubles.
• Penetrating lubricant and consumables - ~300 rubles.

Total: from 7,000 to 16,000 rubles For a complete replacement with all components. In the dealership, the same work will be done in 15 000–25 000 ₽ (with spare parts).

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing the rear springs on the ŠKODA Octavia A5

Is it possible to drive with a broken spring?

Short term yes, but it is highly discouraged. A broken spring results in:

• Uncontrolled roll of the body in corners (risk of rollover).
• Metal hits metal, which will damage the shock absorber and levers.
• Uneven load on tires and bearings.

If the spring is cracked but not broken completely, replace it within 1-2 weeks.

Do springs need to be replaced in pairs?

Yes, even if the second spring looks normal. Different stiffness or height of springs will lead to:

• Uneven tire wear.
• The car pulls to the side when braking.
• Increased load on shock absorbers.

The exception is if the second spring is new (for example, it changed a year ago).

How to check springs without removing them?

Check the springs for:

• Cracks or traces of corrosion on the turns.
• The gaps between the swellings (indicates subsidence).
• Traces of friction on other suspension details.

Also, press the rear bumper - if the car is long "swinging" after pressing, the springs have lost elasticity.

Which springs are best for lowering?

For moderate understatement (up to 30 mm) suitable:

• H&R 50440-2 Stiffness 20% higher than standard, good handling.
• Eibach Pro-Kit - softer than H&RBut less durable.
• KW - Premium version with progressive rigidity.

For aggressive understatement (50 mm +) will require replacement of shock absorbers for sports (for example, Koni Sport).

What if the car becomes stiffer after replacing the springs?

This is normal if you install springs with increased stiffness (for example, from the Octavia RS or tuning. To soften the ride:

• Check the tire pressure (should be 2.2–2.4 bar).
• Install softer shock absorbers (for example, Bilstein B2).
• Use rubber pads between the turns of springs.

If the stiffness is excessive, perhaps the springs are fake, check their marking.