Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.9 TDI, VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.6, VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.9 TDI, VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.9 SDI, VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.4 16V, VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.8, VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.8 T, VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 2.3 V5, VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 2.0, VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.9 TDI, VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.6 16V, VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.9 TDI, VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.9 TDI, VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 2.3 V5, VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.9 TDI, VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.8 T GTI, VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.6 FSI, VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.6 View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change rear shock absorber on VW GOLF 4 (1J1)  [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Shock Absorber for Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) and other VW models
How to change Shock absorber on Golf 4 1.4 16V – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Shock absorber
How to change Suspension Strut on Golf 4 1.4 16V – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Suspension Strut
Tools
Replacement: shock absorbers – VW Golf 4. Tools you might need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Combination spanner #16
Combination spanner #21
Drive socket # 16
Drive socket # 21
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Tap wrench
Crow bar
Vice
Locking pliers
Hydraulic transmission jack
Wheel chock
Replacement: shock absorbers – VW Golf 4. Tip from AUTODOC:
  • Both shock absorbers of the rear suspension should be replaced simultaneously.
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right shock absorbers of the rear suspension.
  • All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Replacement: shock absorbers – VW Golf 4. Recommended sequence of steps:
  1. Step 1
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
    Step 2
    How to change Shock Absorber on Golf 4 1997 - free PDF and video manuals
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  2. Step 3
    How to replace VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.4 16V 1998 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
  3. Step 4
    Golf 4 1.6 1999 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: shock absorbers – VW Golf 4. Professionals recommend:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  4. Step 5
    Changing Shock Absorber on VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.9 TDI 2000 by yourself
    Remove the wheel.
  5. Step 6.1
    How to remove VW GOLF 1.8 T 2001 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Clean the shock absorber fasteners.
    Step 6.2
    How to replace Shock Absorber on VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 2002: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  6. Step 7
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Golf 4 1.4 16V 2003 - download illustrated guide
    Support the rear suspension beam. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  7. Step 8
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on VW GOLF 2004? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Unscrew the lower fastener of the shock absorber. Use a combination spanner #21. Use a drive socket #21. Use a tap wrench.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the shock absorber while unscrewing the fastening bolts. VW Golf 4
  8. Step 9
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Golf 4 2005 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the fastening bolt.
  9. Step 10
    VW GOLF 1.6 16V Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Remove the mounting from under the rear axle beam.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    VW Golf 4 – Do not lower the transmission jack sharply to avoid damaging components and mechanisms of the car.
  10. Step 11
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Golf 4 1998 1.4 16V by yourself
    Unscrew the upper fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
  11. Step 12
    Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.8 T 1999 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the shock absorber.
  12. Step 13
    How to change Shock Absorber on VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 2000 - tips and tricks
    Grip the shock absorber in a vice.
  13. Step 14
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Golf 4 2001 1.8 T Shock Absorber
    Remove the protective cap of the shock absorber mount. Use a crowbar.
  14. Step 15
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.6 16V 2002 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Clean the shock absorber rod fastener. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  15. Step 16
    How to change Shock Absorber on Golf 4 1997 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the shock absorber piston rod fastening. Use a combination spanner #16. Use locking pliers.
  16. Step 17
    How to replace VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.4 16V 1998 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the shock absorber mount, boot and bump stop.
    Replacement: shock absorbers – VW Golf 4. AUTODOC experts recommend:
    Τhoroughly examine the shock absorber mount, dust boot, bump stop. Replace them if necessary.Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
  17. Step 18
    Golf 4 1.6 1999 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Install the mount, boot and bump stop onto a new shock absorber.
  18. Step 19
    Changing Shock Absorber on VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.9 TDI 2000 by yourself
    Screw the shock strut piston rod upper fastening. Use a combination spanner #16. Use a drive socket #16. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 25 Nm torque.
  19. Step 20
    How to remove VW GOLF 1.8 T 2001 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Release the vice and take out the shock absorber.
  20. Step 21
    How to replace Shock Absorber on VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 2002: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Install the protective cap of the shock absorber mount.
  21. Step 22
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Golf 4 1.4 16V 2003 - download illustrated guide
    Clean the shock absorber mounting seats. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
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DIY VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) Shock Absorber replacement - online guide
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