With the onset of cold weather, many car owners Skoda Octavia A5 are faced with an unpleasant problem: the trunk lid no longer holds in the open position. It either slowly lowers under its own weight, or does not rise to the end at all without outside help. This is not just an inconvenience, but a signal that gas struts (shock absorbers) have completely lost their working properties. In this situation, operating the car becomes uncomfortable and even potentially dangerous, since the lid can slam shut at any moment.
Timely replacement of these items is an important part of maintaining your Skoda Octavia. Ignoring the problem leads to increased wear on the hinges, deformation of the seals and, in the worst case, damage to the paintwork or the glass itself. We will look at how to correctly diagnose a malfunction, which parts to choose for replacement, and how to do the work yourself without resorting to the services of a car service.
Reasons for failure of trunk shock absorbers
Gas struts are sealed devices containing high pressure nitrogen and oil. Over time, the O-rings wear out, gas slowly escapes, and the liquid changes its viscosity characteristics. On Octavia A5 The resource of such elements usually ranges from 5 to 7 years of active operation, but climatic conditions can significantly shorten this period.
The main enemy of shock absorbers is extremely low temperatures. In severe frost, the oil inside the cylinder thickens, creating resistance, and the metal contracts, breaking the tightness of the seals. Constant vibration and contact with road chemicals on the rods also have a negative impact. If you notice that one side of the trunk is performing less well than the other, this is often a sign of uneven wear due to misalignment of the body or improper installation of the cover in the past.
The quality of the product itself is also a critical factor. Cheap analogues often do not withstand the declared loads after just a year of use. Therefore, when choosing spare parts, it is important to focus on trusted manufacturers specializing in auto parts for VAG groups. Savings on this unit may result in repeated replacement and additional costs for repairing hinges.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to repair or refill old stops yourself. This is dangerous due to the high pressure inside the cylinder and can result in personal injury or rupture of the housing.
Selection of original spare parts and high-quality analogues
When selecting new parts, it is important to consider that the right and left sides may require different part numbers, especially if you have an additional option installed - a sound system or a panoramic roof, which adds weight to the structure. For Skoda Octavia A5 (facelift and pre-facelift) have their own catalog numbers. Original from the manufacturer Skoda or Stabilus (the main supplier to the conveyor) is considered the standard of reliability.
However, the market offers many worthy replacements. Brands like SWAG, Mapco or Febi Bilstein often manufactured in the same factories as the original, but at a more affordable price. The main requirement is compliance with the compression force (measured in Newtons, N) and the length in the compressed/stretched state. An error in these parameters will result in the trunk either not closing completely or being too difficult to open.
The following table will help you navigate the main parameters when choosing:
| Manufacturer | Article (example) | Force (N) | Service life (years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda (Original) | 1Z0 827 553 D | 420 | 5-7 |
| Stabilus | 6744Q | 420 | 5-7 |
| SWAG | 30 93 5803 | 420 | 3-5 |
| Kraft Automotive | 1720150 | 400 | 2-3 |
Please note that 420 N is the most common force for the standard version of the rack. If you have installed additional soundproofing material or heavy acoustics, a pair with a force of 450 N or higher may be required. Always check the parameters with the instruction manual or measure old stops before purchasing.
- Stabilus (Original)
- SWAG/Mapco
- Budget analogues (Kraft, Sat)
- I only buy original Skoda
Necessary tools and preparation for work
The replacement process does not require complex equipment or special mechanic skills. You will need a minimum set of tools that most car enthusiasts have. The main thing is to ensure safety, since the old stops are under pressure and can bounce off if dismantled incorrectly. It is better to work in a dry room at temperatures above 0°C so that the rubber seals are elastic.
You will definitely need: pliers or round nose pliers for removing circlips, thin screwdriver (preferably flat) for prying up the latches, and, preferably, an assistant who will hold the trunk lid. If the stops are stuck or stuck, a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) may be useful, although in most cases it is not required.
☑️ Tools and materials
Before starting work, it is necessary to clean the seats on the body and cover from dirt and dust. This will ensure that the new fasteners fit snugly and prevent premature wear. Also check the condition of the ball pins on the brackets: if they have play or are damaged, they should also be replaced along with the stops.
⚠️ Caution: Never use the gas strut as a lever for lifting heavy objects or as a support for other under-hood work unless it is intended for that purpose. The effort may not be enough.
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling and installation
We start by dismantling the old stop. Open the trunk and secure it in the open position (have an assistant hold the lid, or use a special support). Carefully inspect the fasteners on both sides. On Octavia A5 ball joints with plastic latches are used, which snap off when pressed.
Insert the tip of a flathead screwdriver into the groove of the retainer at the end of the stop and apply gentle pressure while simultaneously pulling the stop itself away from the bracket. Do this first from the lower mounting point on the body, then from the upper one on the lid. Be careful not to scratch the paint with the screwdriver. The old stop will rest against the trunk floor, so carefully remove it.
Installing a new stop is done in the reverse order. First, we snap it onto the ball pin of the trunk lid, then onto the body. A clear click should be heard confirming that the latch is in place. Check the secure fit by slightly pulling the stop down. If he holds himself confidently, we move on to the second stop.
What to do if the latch is broken?
If the plastic retainer on the old stop is broken and does not allow you to remove it, you can use pliers to loosen the metal clip of the retainer, or carefully pry the retainer from both sides with a screwdriver until it comes off. Sometimes heating the retainer with a hairdryer helps to increase the plasticity of the plastic.
After installing both new shock absorbers, check the operation of the mechanism. The trunk should rise smoothly to the end and be firmly held in the upper position. There should be no sudden jerks or knocking noises when moving. If the lid closes too quickly, the stops may be too strong for your weight or they may not be installed correctly.
Always replace the stops in pairs, even if only one is faulty. The difference in force between the old and new element will create misalignment and accelerate wear of the new parts.
Typical errors and operating nuances
Many owners make the mistake of trying to install the stops in the wrong direction. Each cylinder has a marking or arrow indicating the direction of installation (usually the rod should face down). If the stop is installed upside down, oil may enter the gas chamber, causing rapid loss of pressure and failure. Also make sure that the stem is not damaged or bent.
Another common problem is installing stops with too much force. This may cause the cover to open too quickly, creating the risk of hitting your head or damaging the lock. For Skoda Octavia A5 the standard is a force of about 420 N. If you live in a region with harsh winters, you can take the 450 N option, but exceeding this limit is not recommended without compelling reasons.
It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the ball pins. If they have play, the new stop will work skewed, which will lead to its rapid failure. In such cases, it is necessary to replace the brackets themselves. Installing new stops on worn ball joints reduces their service life by 2-3 times.
Before installing new stops, wipe the ball pins on the body and cover with a clean rag. Sand and dirt can damage the O-ring on the new cylinder, causing gas to leak.
Owner Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to replace your hands?
The average process takes 15 to 30 minutes. If the stops are boiling or the fixers are rusted, the time can increase to 45-60 minutes. The main thing is not to rush and act carefully so as not to damage the fastenings.
Can I change the accents one at a time or do I need both?
It is strongly recommended to change the stops of a couple. Even if one broke, the second has already worked out its resource and is in a state close to wear. The difference in lifting strength will lead to a skewed cover and uneven load on the hinges.
Why do the new stops open the trunk too sharply?
This may be because the stress of the stops is too great for your boot weight, or they are installed incorrectly (stack up). Also check if you have confused left and right if they differ in length or angle of attachment.
How do you know if the slacks are completely worn out?
The main feature is that the trunk is not kept in the open position and slowly lowers itself. There may also be a need to make significant efforts to lift the cover, or, conversely, it rises too easily and is not fixed.
Do I need to lubricate new stops?
The cylinders themselves do not need to be lubricated. However, ball fingers and attachment locations can be lightly treated with silicone lubricant or lithole to prevent corrosion and facilitate movement. Avoid getting lubricant on rubber rod seals.