Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 1.4 16V, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2.0 TDI 16V, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2.0 FSI, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 1.9 TDI, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 1.6 FSI, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 1.4 FSI, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2.0 SDI, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 1.9 TDI, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 1.9 TDI 4motion, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2.0 TDI 16V 4motion, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2.0 FSI 4motion, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2.0 GTI, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2.0 TDI, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 1.4 TSI, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2.0 TDI, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 1.4 16V, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 1.4 TSI, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2.0 TDI, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2.0 TDI 4motion, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2.0 GTI, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 1.4 TSI, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2.0, VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 1.6 MultiFuel View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change a front shock strut on VW GOLF 5 (1K1) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Shock Absorber for Golf V Hatchback (1K1) and other VW models
Tools
Replacement: suspension strut – VW Golf 5. List of the tools you'll need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Copper grease
Brake cleaner
Combination spanner #17
Drive socket # 13
Drive socket # 16
Drive socket # 18
Drive socket # 21
Drive socket # 27
HEX bit No.H6.
XZN socket bit # 12
Wheel impact socket #17
Shock absorber socket
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Tap wrench
Crow bar
Hydraulic strut spring compressor
Hydraulic transmission jack
Fender cover
Wheel chock
Replacement: suspension strut – VW Golf 5. AUTODOC recommends:
  • Both shock struts of the front suspension should be replaced simultaneously.
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right shock struts of the front suspension.
  • All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Replacement: suspension strut – VW Golf 5. Use the following procedure:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Shock Absorber on Golf 5 2003 - free PDF and video manuals
    Open the bonnet.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 1.9 TDI 2004 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
  3. Step 3
    Golf 5 1.6 2005 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the cowl grille seal.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Shock Absorber on VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 1.6 FSI 2006 by yourself
    Raise up and remove the cowl grille.
  5. Step 5
    How to remove VW GOLF 2.0 TDI 16V 2007 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Clean the fasteners of the shock strut upper mount. Use WD-40 spray.
  6. Step 6
    How to replace Shock Absorber on VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2008: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Loosen the upper fastener of the shock strut mount. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
  7. Step 7
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Golf 5 2.0 TDI 2009 - download illustrated guide
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  8. Step 8
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on VW GOLF 2003? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Loosen the wheel hub fastener. Use a drive socket #27. Use a tap wrench.
  9. Step 9
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Golf 5 2004 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  10. Step 10
    VW GOLF 1.9 TDI Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
  11. Step 11
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: suspension strut – VW Golf 5. Tip:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
    Step 12
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Golf 5 2006 1.9 TDI by yourself
    Remove the wheel.
  12. Step 13
    Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2.0 TDI 16V 2007 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Disconnect the wiring and the brake hose from the bracket on the shock strut. Use a crowbar.
  13. Step 14
    How to change Shock Absorber on VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2008 - tips and tricks
    Clean the stabiliser link fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  14. Step 15
    Clean the fasteners connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Step 16
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Golf 5 2009 2.0 TDI 16V Shock Absorber
    Unscrew the nut and remove the stabilizer rod from the shock strut. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
  15. Step 17
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2.0 GTI 2003 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Remove the stabilizer rod.
  16. Step 18
    How to change Shock Absorber on Golf 5 2003 - free PDF and video manuals
    Unscrew the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a drive socket #18. Use XZN #12. Use a ratchet wrench. Use a tap wrench.
  17. Step 19
    How to replace VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 1.9 TDI 2004 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the fastening bolt.
  18. Step 20
    Golf 5 1.6 2005 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Clean all joints of the arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: suspension strut – VW Golf 5. After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.Wear protective goggles.
  19. Step 21
    Changing Shock Absorber on VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 1.6 FSI 2006 by yourself
    Unscrew the fastener connecting the ball joint to the suspension control arm. Use a drive socket #16. Use a tap wrench.
  20. Step 22
    How to remove VW GOLF 2.0 TDI 16V 2007 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Disconnect the spherical joint from the arm.
  21. Step 23
    How to replace Shock Absorber on VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2008: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Unscrew the fastener connecting the drive shaft to the wheel hub. Use a drive socket #27.
  22. Step 24
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Golf 5 2.0 TDI 2009 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the fastening bolt.
  23. Step 25
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on VW GOLF 2003? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Remove the drive shaft.
  24. Step 26
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Golf 5 2004 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Prop up the steering knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  25. Step 27
    VW GOLF 1.9 TDI Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Clean the fasteners connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  26. Step 28
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Golf 5 2006 1.9 TDI by yourself
    Release the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a special drive socket to remove the shock absorber. Use a ratchet wrench.
  27. Step 29
    Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2.0 TDI 16V 2007 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber strut.
  28. Step 30
    How to change Shock Absorber on VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2008 - tips and tricks
    Unscrew the top fastening of the shock strut mount.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the suspension strut while unscrewing the fastening bolts. VW Golf 5
  29. Step 31
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Golf 5 2009 2.0 TDI 16V Shock Absorber
    Remove the suspension strut.
  30. Step 32
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2.0 GTI 2003 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.
    Replacement: suspension strut – VW Golf 5. Tip from AUTODOC:
    Note that when using a spring compressor, spring coils need to be securely gripped, compressing the spring on the opposite sides.Ensure the correct position of the spring in the retainer.Make sure that the spring coils tightly entered the lock handles.
  31. Step 33
    How to change Shock Absorber on Golf 5 2003 - free PDF and video manuals
    Compress the spring.
  32. Step 34
    How to replace VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 1.9 TDI 2004 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Treat the shock strut rod. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  33. Step 35
    Golf 5 1.6 2005 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use HEX No.H6. Use a drive socket #21. Use a ratchet wrench.
  34. Step 36
    Changing Shock Absorber on VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 1.6 FSI 2006 by yourself
    Remove the top strut mount.
  35. Step 37
    How to remove VW GOLF 2.0 TDI 16V 2007 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Release the coil spring.
  36. Step 38
    How to replace Shock Absorber on VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2008: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Remove the shock absorber dust cap and the bump stop.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: suspension strut – VW Golf 5. Carefully inspect the mount, the boot, and the bump stop of the shock absorber. Replace if necessary.
  37. Step 39
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Golf 5 2.0 TDI 2009 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the spring.
  38. Step 40
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on VW GOLF 2003? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Remove the old shock absorber from the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
    Replacement: suspension strut – VW Golf 5. Tip from AUTODOC:
    Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
  39. Step 41
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Golf 5 2004 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Install the new shock absorber on the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
  40. Step 42
    VW GOLF 1.9 TDI Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Install the spring on the shock absorber.
  41. Step 43
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Golf 5 2006 1.9 TDI by yourself
    Install the dust sleeve and the bump stop on the new shock absorber.
  42. Step 44
    Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2.0 TDI 16V 2007 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Compress the spring.
  43. Step 45
    How to change Shock Absorber on VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2008 - tips and tricks
    Install the upper strut mount and the strut mount bearing.
  44. Step 46
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Golf 5 2009 2.0 TDI 16V Shock Absorber
    Tighten the shock strut piston rod nut. Use HEX No.H6. Use a drive socket #21. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 60 Nm torque.
    Replacement: suspension strut – VW Golf 5. Professionals recommend:
    Check to make sure the spring is positioned correctly. Avoid its misalignment.
  45. Step 47
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2.0 GTI 2003 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Decompress the spring.
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 V Hatchback (1K1) 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 V Hatchback (1K1) 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 V Hatchback (1K1) Shock Absorber replacement - online guide
Tips & tricks for your VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1)
View more
  • How to change Shocks on VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 2.0 GTI - replacement tricks
    Things you should never do with your manual transmission | AUTODOC tips
  • Changing Shock absorbers Golf 5 1.9 TDI - Replacement Tips
    Top 5 reasons why your car squeals | AUTODOC Tips
  • Maintenance Hacks - VW Golf V Hatchback (1K1) 1.6 Struts replacement guide
    Checking the starter without removing it | AUTODOC tips
  • Replace Struts and shocks on Golf 5 - free video tips
    What to check when buying a used car | AUTODOC tips