Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
VW PASSAT (3B3) 1.6, VW PASSAT (3B3) 1.9 TDI, VW PASSAT (3B3) 1.9 TDI, VW PASSAT (3B3) 2.3 V5, VW PASSAT (3B3) 2.0, VW PASSAT (3B3) 2.5 TDI, VW PASSAT (3B3) 1.8 T 20V, VW PASSAT (3B3) 2.0, VW PASSAT (3B3) 1.8 T, VW PASSAT (3B3) 2.5 TDI, VW PASSAT (3B3) 2.0 TDI, VW PASSAT (3B3) 2.8, VW PASSAT (3B3) 2.8 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 PASSAT (3B3) and other VW models
Tools
Replacement: shock absorbers – VW PASSAT (3B3). Tools you'll need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Drive socket # 13
Drive socket # 16
Drive socket # 17
Combination spanner #16
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Locking pliers
Shock absorber socket №5
Vice
Hydraulic transmission jack
Wheel chock
Replacement: shock absorbers – VW PASSAT (3B3). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
  • 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.
  • Please note: all work on the car – VW PASSAT (3B3) – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Shock Absorber on VW Passat 3bg Saloon 2000 - free PDF and video manuals
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace VW PASSAT (3B3) 1.9 TDI 2001 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  3. Step 3
    Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
    Step 4
    VW Passat 3bg Saloon 1.8 T 20V 2002 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: shock absorbers – VW PASSAT (3B3). Tip:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  4. Step 5
    Changing Shock Absorber on VW PASSAT (3B3) 1.9 TDI 4motion 2003 by yourself
    Remove the wheel.
  5. Step 6
    How to remove VW PASSAT 2.0 2004 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Clean the shock absorber fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  6. Step 7
    How to replace Shock Absorber on VW PASSAT (3B3) 2005: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Support the rear suspension beam. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  7. Step 8
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on VW Passat 3bg Saloon 2.5 TDI 2000 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the lower fastener of the shock absorber. Use a combination spanner #16. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
  8. Step 9
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on VW PASSAT 2001? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Remove the fastening bolt.
  9. Step 10
    Changing of Shock Absorber on VW Passat 3bg Saloon 2002 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the mounting from under the rear axle beam.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: shock absorbers – VW PASSAT (3B3). Lower the transmission jack smoothly, without jerks, to avoid damaging components and mechanisms.
  10. Step 11
    VW PASSAT 1.9 TDI Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Clean the shock absorber fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  11. Step 12
    Replacing Shock Absorber on VW Passat 3bg Saloon 2004 1.9 TDI by yourself
    Unscrew the upper fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
    Replacement: shock absorbers – VW PASSAT (3B3). Professionals recommend:
    To avoid injuries, hold the shock absorber when undoing the fastening bolts.
  12. Step 13
    PASSAT (3B3) 2.0 2005 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the shock absorber.
  13. Step 14
    How to change Shock Absorber on VW PASSAT (3B3) 2000 - tips and tricks
    Grip the shock absorber in a vice.
  14. Step 15
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement VW Passat 3bg Saloon 2001 2.0 Shock Absorber
    Clean the shock absorber rod fastener. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  15. Step 16
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on VW PASSAT (3B3) 1.6 2002 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Remove the shock absorber piston rod fastening. Use a shock absorber socket #5. Use a drive socket #17. Use a ratchet wrench.
  16. Step 17
    How to change Shock Absorber on VW Passat 3bg Saloon 2000 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the shock absorber mount, boot and bump stop.
    Replacement: shock absorbers – VW PASSAT (3B3). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
    Examine the shock absorber dust cap and the bump stop. Replace them if necessary.
  17. Step 18
    How to replace VW PASSAT (3B3) 1.9 TDI 2001 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Install the mount, boot and bump stop onto a new shock absorber.
  18. Step 19
    VW Passat 3bg Saloon 1.8 T 20V 2002 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Screw the shock strut piston rod upper fastening. Use a combination spanner #17. Use locking pliers. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 25 Nm torque.
  19. Step 20
    Changing Shock Absorber on VW PASSAT (3B3) 1.9 TDI 4motion 2003 by yourself
    Release the vice and take out the shock absorber.
    Replacement: shock absorbers – VW PASSAT (3B3). AUTODOC recommends:
    Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
  20. Step 21
    How to remove VW PASSAT 2.0 2004 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Clean the shock absorber mounting seats. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  21. Step 22
    How to replace Shock Absorber on VW PASSAT (3B3) 2005: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Place the shock absorber in the wheel arch and secure it.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the shock absorber while screwing in the fastening bolts. VW PASSAT (3B3)
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DIY VW PASSAT (3B3) Shock Absorber replacement - online guide
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