Rear shock replacement top bolts

CrispyEdd

Member
United-Kingdom
Hello,

I need to replace the rear shocks. I know the lower bolt is replaceable item, but wanted to know if the top two bolts in the mount need to be renewed too.

Thank you all.
 
Yes. I read (somewhere here) they're Stretch Bolts and may only be used once. 😎👍

*Edit* Have some spare plastic rivet thingies ready for when a couple fly away.
 
Have never replaced them and never had any issues when refitting (across at least 10 suspension changes).

I'd caution against over tightening them anyway because the plastic nut inside can snap off and then you are in a whole world of pain.
 
THnaks for your advice guys, I will not commit to either method (replace or refit) so as not to upset people. I will of course fit the new lower bolt and when on the ground torque it up.

Thanks again for the info! invlauable and timely as always
 
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Take the bolts out and look at them. Are they stretch bolts or standard 10.9 high tensile? My money is on them being the latter, I would reuse them.
I personally wouldn't replace the lower bolt either; your choice though. I know that one is a standard 10.9, replaced both on my 89 Golf and A2, same part number, not torque to yield.
 
Take the bolts out and look at them. Are they stretch bolts or standard 10.9 high tensile? My money is on them being the latter, I would reuse them.
I personally wouldn't replace the lower bolt either; your choice though. I know that one is a standard 10.9, replaced both on my 89 Golf and A2, same part number, not torque to yield.
Are stretch bolts not rated with tensile strength markings?

I know Mercedes always supplied all bolts when doing shockers on sprinters under warranty. Top mounts bolts are M8 10.9 with a sexy inbuilt washer (I don't get out much lol)
 
Are stretch bolts not rated with tensile strength markings?

I know Mercedes always supplied all bolts when doing shockers on sprinters under warranty. Top mounts bolts are M8 10.9 with a sexy inbuilt washer (I don't get out much lol)
We should probably create a thread for this subject. For the first time ever this last week I have removed what I think are stretch bolts from any car I have owned. They came from the A2s rocker shaft and injector clamps. I don’t recall tensile markings, Ill take a look later.
 
I don’t recall tensile markings, Ill take a look later.
F19A8B05-F64C-459F-AF19-6EB1C42436C6.jpeg

No tensile marking.
 
So checked the car and oh dear one shock is doing nothing and the other is almost brand new sachs 316991. Who changes one shock!! And how did they buy just one!!
 
So checked the car and oh dear one shock is doing nothing and the other is almost brand new sachs 316991. Who changes one shock!! And how did they buy just one!!
I would get a Sachs 316991 and replace the defective shocker. Probably not going to be a popular suggestion but I'd put two new on the next time one fails.
 
Let me give you the full details of what I would have done.
I'd check the last MOT before I bought the car, that is probably when was fitted. Is it new in terms of miles then I would keep it.
If it is not on the passenger side I would move it there.
I would fit the new one on the drivers side. Drivers side shockers are worked harder because the driver, engine and fuel tank are all on the same side of the car. Unlike in Germany where they were designed.
It won't be long before the damping is equal. The drivers side, the new one, may wear out first.
Bad practice though, make sure you are comfortable.
A bit pricy https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/40403815...vOsHhCc1u3V5GbktbTFQ0eMLvN9VhksRoCr34QAvD_BwE
 
Let me give you the full details of what I would have done.
I'd check the last MOT before I bought the car, that is probably when was fitted. Is it new in terms of miles then I would keep it.
If it is not on the passenger side I would move it there.
I would fit the new one on the drivers side. Drivers side shockers are worked harder because the driver, engine and fuel tank are all on the same side of the car. Unlike in Germany where they were designed.
It won't be long before the damping is equal. The drivers side, the new one, may wear out first.
Bad practice though, make sure you are comfortable.
A bit pricy https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/40403815...vOsHhCc1u3V5GbktbTFQ0eMLvN9VhksRoCr34QAvD_BwE
Perfect I would never have thought of switching sides! So its done 20K miles since being fitted so fairly fresh...thnak you for the link.
 
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