Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.6 BiFuel, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.6 TDI, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.2 TSI, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.4 16V, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.6 FSI, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.9 TDI, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 2.0 TDI 16V, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 2.0 FSI, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.9 TDI, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.6, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 2.0 TDI, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.4 16V, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.4 TSI, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.4 TSI, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 2.0 TDI, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 2.0 TDI, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.4 FSI, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.4 TSI, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.4 TSI, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.6 MultiFuel, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 2.0 TDI, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.6 TDI, VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.2 TSI View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

All the parts you need to replace – Shock Absorber for GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) and other VW models
Tools
Replacement: shock absorbers – VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521). Tools you might need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Combination spanner #16
Combination spanner #21
Drive socket # 16
Drive socket # 21
Hydraulic transmission jack
Copper grease
Adjustable wrench
Torque wrench
Wheel impact socket #17
Wheel chock
Replacement: shock absorbers – VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521). 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.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Shock Absorber on Golf Plus 2005 - free PDF and video manuals
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.9 TDI 2006 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  3. Step 3
    Golf Plus 1.6 TDI 2007 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Shock Absorber on VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.6 2008 by yourself
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521)
  5. Step 5
    How to remove VW GOLF 1.6 FSI 2009 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the wheel.
  6. Step 6
    Support the arm. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
    Step 7
    How to replace Shock Absorber on VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 2010: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Clean the fasteners of the shock absorber upper mount. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  7. Step 8
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Golf Plus 2.0 TDI 2011 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the shock absorber mount fastening. Use a drive socket #16.
  8. Step 9
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on VW GOLF 2012? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Unscrew the lower fastener of the shock absorber. Use a combination spanner #21.
    Replacement: shock absorbers – VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521). AUTODOC recommends:
    To avoid injuries, hold the shock absorber when undoing the fastening bolts.
  9. Step 10
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Golf Plus 2013 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the support from under the rear arm.
  10. Step 11
    VW GOLF 1.9 TDI Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Remove the shock absorber.
  11. Step 12
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Golf Plus 2006 1.9 TDI by yourself
    Remove the protective cap of the shock absorber mount.
  12. Step 13
    GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.6 FSI 2007 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the shock absorber piston rod fastening. Use a combination spanner #16. Use an adjustable wrench.
  13. Step 14
    How to change Shock Absorber on VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 2008 - tips and tricks
    Remove the shock absorber mount, boot and bump stop.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.Replacement: shock absorbers – VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521). Carefully inspect the mount, the boot, and the bump stop of the shock absorber. Replace if necessary.
  14. Step 15
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Golf Plus 2009 1.6 FSI Shock Absorber
    Install the boot and a bump stop onto the shock absorber.
  15. Step 16
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 2.0 TDI 16V 2010 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Install the shock absorber upper mount.
  16. Step 17
    How to change Shock Absorber on Golf Plus 2005 - free PDF and video manuals
    Screw the shock strut piston rod upper fastening. Use a combination spanner #16. Use an adjustable wrench. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 25 Nm torque.
Was this manual helpful?
Please rate this manual on a scale from 1 to 5. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us.
Users voted – 0
Searching for the right tyres?

Find out which tyre and wheel sizes are compatible with the VW Golf Plus / Crossgolf (5M1, 521) model.

Your profile is your personal assistant.

It can track car expenses, keep a car log and replacement schedule, and save favourite materials, notes and documents

Install the AUTODOC CLUB app!
Your personal car expenses manager, maintenance tips, reminders about upcoming appointments and service intervals, DIY repair instructions – all this on your phone.
VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) Shock Absorber replace by yourself - Scan QR-code and download AUTODOC CLUB app
Scan

To download the app:

  • - scan the QR code
  • - download from App Store
  • - download from Google Play
DIY VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) Shock Absorber replacement - online guide
Tips & tricks for your VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521)
View more
  • How to change Shocks on VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 2.0 TDI 16V - replacement tricks
    How to fix your car with AUTODOC CLUB
  • Changing Shock absorbers Golf Plus 1.9 TDI - Replacement Tips
    How to detect vacuum leaks using a smoke machine | AUTODOC
  • Maintenance Hacks - VW GOLF PLUS (5M1, 521) 1.6 TDI Struts replacement guide
    Checking the starter without removing it | AUTODOC tips
  • Replace Struts and shocks on Golf Plus - free video tips
    5 car interior cleaning mistakes | AUTODOC tips