2007 Multivan suspension

[Kiels3927]

I've had this girl since new and she only has 180000 plus on the clock. It's been the road trip car, not the town runner. I'm no spring chicken myself - if I didn't have a fixed abode, I'd be branded a grey nomad.

The question is - when you've grown old with a car, how do you decide when the suspension needs refreshing?

[Syncrotek]

Hi,
It will depend on what sort of a life you've given her, mostly motorway or rough roads,
These are some indicators - when you are travelling on a country sealed road at a 100KPH and you cross a deep dip the front or rear bottoms out.

And to measure these measurements taken from the govt. "Road Descriptor_T5 MULTIVAN 2010" should be close enough to 2007.

Vertical Measurement wheel centre to top of wheel arch opening at unladen mass
Front (mm) 455 Rear 452

Vertical Measurement wheel centre to top of wheel arch opening at full bump
Front (mm) 409 Rear 390

Minimum acceptable vertical measurement wheel centre to top of wheel arch
Front (mm) 440 Rear 431

Measurements for a Transporter are approx. 20-30mm more than a Multivan, but either one will depend on what was optioned to the specific vehicle.

HTH.

[Kiels3927]

Thanks. It's a tad different from jumping on a bumper bar and counting the rebounds.

[Gold Coaster]

Thanks. It's a tad different from jumping on a bumper bar and counting the rebounds.

... but that's the first test that I'd do?

[Syncrotek]

... but that's the first test that I'd do?

Yes, but only as effective as testing a tyre by kicking it.

[Gold Coaster]

I'm no expert but doesn't the 'bounce' test give you a good indication of the condition of your shock absorbers?

[phaeton]

I asked a Pedders suspension expert this, he recommended every 120K or 6 years.
My Jetta qualifies for this but I have not done it yet, it has a weird bounce when I go through spoon drains.