MK5 Jetta Suspension (2009 TDI) 2.0L

[patelutsav2001]

I am having troubles finding a decent expert who knows about suspensions in Sydney West.

I have a MK5 Jetta 2009 TDI and the car has done about 140,000 kms.

The front and rear shocks seems to have worn out. I have been having bad clunking noise from the front shocks when it goes over pot holes or speed bumps at slower speed. I don't feel the clunk on the steering at all but the noise is really bad. Even had just all 4 tyres replaced about month ago and still hasn't reduced the noise at all.

Another thing is I always carry about 120kgs of tools most of the time in my boot. So I might need stronger springs and shocks for rear.

Can anyone suggest where to buy new OEM shocks with springs and sway bar end links which would fit my VW Jetta ?
Or suggest a best place to have it inspected and get it replaced ?

I was thinking to go to Heasman Steering in Sydenham but they seem to be working on very high end cars and they might give me a repair bill which could be worth my car itself.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Bora Sport]

I'm going through a similar project at the moment on my wife's 2010 Jetta 125 tdi Highline. It has done 225,000k's. The things that I am going to replace include the rear lower control arm bushes (one each side). The OEM ones have holes in them that invariable chop out. Currently I am trying to track down some Audi S3 replacement bushes but only the centre section. VW will want to sell the whole mount at around $150 a side and I haven't been able to get a price off Audi as these days you have to give them a VIN number to get anything and I don't have an S3. Its looking like I might have to get them off EBay at around $40.00 a side delivered. Poly is an option but as it is my wife's car I'm not keen to do that. I am also replacing the top strut mounts from VW they are about $100 each.

I am currently looking at Koni FSD shock absorbers which currently because of the Brexit ructions are currently considerably cheaper than a week or so ago. I'm looking at paying around $1,100 for the complete set of 4. Plus fitment of all the above. I have mates who are mechanics and they will do it for me for a reasonable price. Doing the struts and top mounts are pretty easy. I've done it myself before on other VW's but these days its easier to pay somebody. A wheel alignment after is also recommended.

You can get cheaper shockies/struts, Koni 'yellows' (adjustable) are around $1,000 and the "reds' are cheaper again. I couldn't work out which Bilsteins to get and I prefer Koni anyway. There are much cheaper options around also.

I'm in Brisbane so that probably doesn't help with where to get it done but otherwise I hope this helps.

I'm also up for any suggestions or advice.

[brad]

I am having troubles finding a decent expert who knows about suspensions in Sydney West.

I have a MK5 Jetta 2009 TDI and the car has done about 140,000 kms.

I was thinking to go to Heasman Steering in Sydenham but they seem to be working on very high end cars and they might give me a repair bill which could be worth my car itself.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Sydney Suspension and Autocare in Penrith. They are excellent.

Heasemans know how to charge but they would quote you before proceeding (as any good workshop should).

Keep in mind that dampers, springs and a few extra bits won't leave much change from $1500. There should be no real reason to change the springs. You are probably better fitting some bags to help things stay even.

Don't buy OEM. Aftermarket are much better value for money.

[gldgti]

mk5 platform cars, you can get OEM bilstein kits on ebay for about $400aud for the set of shocks. I replaced them in my octy wagon and it was money well spent.

[Bora Sport]

Can you supply Bilstein part or kit number(s) please. I found it quite confusing finding which Bilsteins would be appropriate.

[Ryeman]

Is this info applicable to petrol also?.

[gldgti]

you would have to check with the seller ofcourse - the seller is the person who is grouping individual shocks into a kit.

At least in my experience, the important thing is to make sure you get the correct diameter shocks for the front (50 or 55mm) and you cant go too far wrong after that. The springs are really model specific but I dont believe there is very much variation in the shocks.

mk5 55mm 2.0TDI...
Bilstein B4 Full KIT 4X Shock Damper VW Golf MK5 1K 04 08 2 0TDI 16V �55STD | eBay

mk4...
bilstein damper kit vw mk4 | eBay

[Bora Sport]

Thanks. Yes I had found a similar listing on EBay for slightly more $'s. After much digging it appears that these would be the correct fit but they are "comfort" whereas I want to go a bit better to maybe "sport". The 125 TDI already has slightly lower and stiffer suspension I believe and I want to if anything put stiffer shocks in. I can get the Koni yellows for around $1,000. The Bilsteins for $450ish got my attention but I think the sports are much closer to the same price as the Konis.

[patelutsav2001]

Thanks all for your comments on this thread really helped me to narrow down my options.

By the way I went to Heasman today and they test drove the car and advised me that front shocks with top mounts needs to be replaced and they would also check the sway bar end links once they have pulled everything apart.
Also they initially suggested to get thicker coils for the rear end but then I asked them if they can fit airbags to it and they said that would be possible as well as the coils are independent.

Still waiting on the quote for the shocks but they told me airbags would be $295 plus 2 hours labor.
Will let you know how much would be the total once they provide me with final quote.

[patelutsav2001]

Hey brad, When you say aftermarket which kits do you particularly refer to ? Any specific brands ?

[neil]

I was thinking to go to Heasman Steering in Sydenham but they seem to be working on very high end cars and they might give me a repair bill which could be worth my car itself.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks![/QUOTE]

Can recommend Heasman , especially old man Heasman who still works there. Had the jetta there for front and rear alignment , all
he could find was the camber out slightly $125.00 , he knows his stuff so was happy to pay.

[Ryeman]

A 'high end' workshop might have the financial ability to see your situation also.

[patelutsav2001]

Hi everyone,

Here is the quote I got from Heasmans.

Genuine Front shocks - $737, Genuine strut mount and bearing - $220, 2 hours labour - $220 and Alignment - $132. Total = $1309.

Bilstein OEM's-
Front shocks $ 330
Struts and bearing $ 220
labour $ 220
Alignment $ 132
Rear shocks $ 264
Rear shocks labour $ 220
Total = $1386

Bilstein sports front shocks $ 704

If i get the airbags for rear then it would cost me $300 for airbags and $220 for labour.

Hope this information helps anyone in future..