Introduction to the Suspension Problem
Suspension system Skoda Octavia Tour It is one of the most reliable in its class, but the life of any shock absorbers is finite. After 100-120 thousand kilometers of mileage, you may notice a characteristic deterioration in handling, the appearance of knocks on irregularities or an increase in the braking distance.
Operating a car with worn racks is dangerous not only for comfort, but also for safety. Depreciation plug stops extinguishing the body fluctuations, which leads to the loss of contact of the wheel with the road in critical situations. If you hear a thud knocking while passing by a speeding cop, then a replacement is inevitable.
Selection of quality components and preparation
Before starting work, it is critical to determine the type of spare parts. For Skoda Octavia Tour MacPherson racks are often used, where the shock absorber and spring form a single node, but in some versions they are separate. It is recommended to install original parts or quality analogues from proven brands, such as: KYB, Sachs or Bilstein.
Do not try to save money by buying cheap non-original racks of unknown origin. Low-quality shock-liquid It quickly flows out, and the oedle loses its tightness after a couple of thousand kilometers. It is better to spend more once than to change the knot every six months.
You will need a special set of tools to work. It is necessary to have a jack, support posts (goats) and, most importantly, a spring remover. Without a spring remover, trying to disassemble the rack can lead to injury or breakage of the thread.
- π§ Capable keys and heads for 13, 15, 17, 21 mm
- π¨ Hammer and chisel for knocked bolts
- π οΈ The springs are removed (required!)
- π§Ό WD-40 or similar penetrating lubricant
β οΈ Warning: Never start unscrewing the shock absorber rod until the rack is compressed by the spring remover! The spring is under tremendous stress.
Step-by-step algorithm for dismantling the old rack
The replacement process begins with lifting the car on the jack and removing the wheel. Make sure the car is firmly on the supports before climbing under it. Unscrew the caliper mount bolts and hang it on the wire so as not to damage the brake hose. Next, it is necessary to disconnect the rack of the lateral stability stabilizer from the shock absorber.
The next step will be to unscrew the lower mount of the shock absorber to the swivel fist. Usually these are two bolts that can be heavily rusted. Pour them with penetrating lubricant and let them stand for 10-15 minutes. If the bolt fails, use a heating or percussion tool, but be careful not to damage the thread in the swivel fist.
After the lower mount is released, three shock absorber nuts must be unscrewed to the body in the engine compartment. It is important to remember or photograph the location of the bearings. At this stage, the rack is completely free and can be removed from the car.
- Original (VAG)
- KYB
- Sachs
- Bilstein
- Cheapest option
Disassembly and assembly of shock absorber
If you change only the shock absorber insert, and not the entire assembly, you will need a complete dismantling. Set the rack in the vise (with gaskets made of wood or rubber so as not to damage the coating) and gently squeeze the spring with the removable until the load is completely removed from the support.
Unscrew the nut of the rod with a special key, keeping the rod itself from scrolling. Remove the upper support, bearing and anther. Take a closer look at all the details: if top-hold If you have cracks or backlash, you also need to replace it, even if it looks whole.
Put the knot back together, but with new details. Make sure the spring is installed correctly and its ends fall into special slots on the top and bottom cups. This is a critical point for the suspension to work properly and for the absence of vibrations.
βοΈ Check before installation
Why do they change the rack?
Changing the rack in the assembly (ready-made node) is much faster and easier, since it does not require the use of a spring removable. This reduces the risk of build error and eliminates the need to purchase additional tools that may only be needed once.
β οΈ Warning: When assembly, make sure that the marks on the spring and body match. Incorrect installation of the spring can lead to a drawdown of the body on one side or the car rolling in corners.
Table of recommended analogues for the Skoda Octavia Tour
The choice of manufacturer depends on your preferences for suspension stiffness and budget. The original is often labeled VAG, but it is the same product as the partner manufacturers. Below is a comparative table of the most popular options.
| Product type | Manufacturer | Characteristics | Approximate resource (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | VAG (LemfΓΆrder/Sachs) | Comfort, softness | 120 000 - 150 000 |
| Analog (Sport) | Bilstein B4/B6 | Rigidity, manageability | 100 000 - 120 000 |
| Analogue (Comfort) | KYB (Kayaba) | The Golden Mean, Price/Quality | 80 000 - 100 000 |
| Budget | ASVA, CTR | Medium hardness | 40 000 - 60 000 |
Note that for cars with a mileage of more than 150 thousand kilometers, it is often recommended to install stiffer shock absorbers, since worn springs and Silent blocks may not cope with soft racks. This will improve handling, but reduce comfort on bad roads.
Installation of a new unit and final assembly
The installation of the assembled rack is carried out in reverse order. First, in the engine compartment, three nuts of attachment to the body are twisted, but they are not fully tightened. Then the rack is inserted into the rotating fist, and the lower bolts are tightened.
After all the bolts are twisted, it is necessary to lower the car to the ground and tighten all the fasteners with the force provided by the manufacturer. This is important, since when attached under load, threaded connections can self-unwind.
Donβt forget to connect the ABS sensors and check the brake system before the first exit. Scroll the steering wheel to the end in both directions to make sure that the new shock absorber does not touch the elements of the body or wire.
Before installing new shock absorbers, it is recommended to replace brake pads and discs, if their resource is close to exhaustion, since this affects the overall braking efficiency.
Proper tightening of the bolts of the shock absorber attachment on weight and on the ground is the key to the durability of threaded joints and the absence of extraneous noise.
β οΈ Note: After replacing the front shock absorbers, the collapse-convergence procedure is required. Ignoring this stage will lead to rapid uneven wear of the tires and deterioration of course stability.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Many craftsmen make the mistake of trying to replace only one shock absorber. This is unacceptable, as the suspension works in pairs. The difference in the stiffness of the left and right wheels will lead to the skidding of the car during emergency braking and uneven wear of rubber.
Another common problem is the wrong tightening of the shock absorber rod. If it is not twisted, the support will begin to luft and make a knock. If you twist - you can tear the thread or damage the sealing rings, which will lead to oil leakage.
It is also worth paying attention to the state of the Bushings of levers. If they are worn, then even new shock absorbers will not ensure proper operation of the suspension. It is better to carry out a comprehensive diagnosis and replace all worn suspension elements at once.
- β Do not replace only one rack.
- β Do not tighten the nut of the rod without a special key
- β Don't ignore the crash-convergence check
- β Do not use old bolts if they have traces of corrosion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to replace front shock absorbers?
For an experienced craftsman, replacing a pair of front shock absorbers takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. If you need to replace the entire assembly and there are no problems with rust, the process may take less time. When replacing yourself, taking into account the preparation and search for tools, lay down 3-4 hours.
Can I drive a car with a faulty shock absorber?
Technically yes, but highly undesirable. This greatly increases the braking distance, especially on wet roads, and can result in loss of control of the car in a sharp maneuver. In addition, riding on a faulty rack destroys other suspension elements such as levers and ball supports.
Do shock absorbers need to be replaced in pairs?
Yes, it's a mandatory rule. Shock absorbers shall have the same stiffness and damping characteristics. Installing a new rack on one side and an old one on the other will create an imbalance, which will lead to unstable behavior of the car on the road.
What to do if the stem nut does not unscrew?
Use a special hexagonal key for the rod and a cap key for the nut. If the nut is boiling, try heating it with a building hair dryer or a gas burner (carefully with the oil inside). In extreme cases, you can use a removable, but it is better not to bring to the breakdown of the thread.
Does the change change after the replacement?
Absolutely. Any interference with suspension elements that affect the angles of the wheels installation requires adjustment. After replacing shock absorbers, especially if the bolts of the collapse adjustment were changed, you need to visit the collapse-descend stand.