Hi volks, Struggling to get standard replacement front shocks for my ‘91 valver. Part number on ETKA is 191 413 031 K. Called local dealer and familiar old story, this part is now obsolete. I just want to check, when I look at replacements I’m looking for a gas shock, right? Thanks.
You might want to repaint the front spring seats. Mine started to weep orange out of the seat drain hole after 3K. The springs were new eibach with the sleeved ends.
Wow 3k! Where they the Bilstein B4’s? Do you think the springs are too strong for the dampers causing the leak?
I think he meant "orange" as in rust, hence painting the spring seats. Just to address your original question I think the originals are oil filled but the new billies are gas. Not to worry though, gas is better.
I was looking for Bilsteins for my mk5 and they have B4 on offer at Demon Tweeks - worth checking for your car.
Sorry yes Phil is correct. I'm not sure what it was in time maybe 1-2 years, but I know the mileage. I mentioned the springs being new and sleeved as it's unlikely they seeded the rust.
Ah right, got you. The B4’s are listed as gas but as I understand it they are still oil damped but pre-pressured with gas which just make them a bit stiffer in response to being shock loaded. Think that’s the difference between the 16V and other Golf’s as the 16V has part number 191413031K as opposed to same part number but with A or J.
That's who I got mine from, worth replacing as much as possible while getting it all apart, bushes, mounts etc.
Yep, bought them from tdcautomotive on eBay (as in GVK’s link). Really nice looking kit and arrived next which was brilliant. Hopefully fit them tomorrow and then see how she rides. I previously replaced the rear shocks, but must have been twenty years ago. As for the fronts, I’m certain they’re original from factory which is amazing given the car handles fine and doesn’t bounce all over the road.
Got the new shocks all fitted and they ride great. I found even though they’re stiffer (due to being new and the gas hasn’t escaped) it’s smoothed the ride, especially over bad bumps and ruts that no longer are transferred to the interior, so it’s all round a better drive. Only slight -ve is that the front rides slightly higher that it did on the old shocks. It used to look lowered but now looks factory again. Well pleased though, thanks to all for the input and advice on this thread.
