anyone change rear shocks on a 97 Passat?

[RuneTDI]

hello all, I have a cracked spring on one side on the rear. I got a set of used Springs online for a hundred bucks and I ordered new shocks, bilstein TC, and a strut mount kit for each side. I was wondering if anyone has done this and if there is anything tricky or is it straight forward? Thank you

 

[tdidieselbobny]

I'll be doing same thing-did you get new dust boot covers as well? I was waiting to get some bump stops(? if they are original)and wasn't going to pay the $40+ each that vendors and dealer want-got them from NAPA for under $8(work discount)they are almost $9 without discount. I've read that the seat belt retractor plastic can be tricky to release in order to get to the top bolts. I believe that jackstands go under the rockers,not on axle beam. Did you get new bottom bolts and nuts for the shocks? They can be a b*tch to get out sometimes,I ended up cutting them when I did the rears on the Jetta I used to have.

 

[Abacus]

I've done this a ton on all sorts of B4's. It's an easy job but can take some time, especially doing it the first time. I recommend new dust boots and upper mounts, since they like to compress and oblong.

Start hitting the lower bolt with penetrant now if you haven't yet.

 

[yakko]

The black plastic cap over the seat belt is unreal to get out. I have broken most of mine. I use some double sided sticky tape to hold them in. Works good.

 

[yakko]

The manual says to use a big flat screw driver. They are supposed to pop out.
LOL!!

 

[RuneTDI]

good info so far. spray the lower bolts and get dust boots. thanks. should have the shocks tomorrow.

 

[Abacus]

Yes, the seatbelt plastic cap just pops off from the bottom with a screwdriver.

 

[vixentd]

Make sure to not jack up or support the car on the axle beam otherwise your shock will not drop down far enough.

 

[Mcgink]

Yes, the seatbelt plastic cap just pops off from the bottom with a screwdriver.

I had a tough time getting some them out with a screwdriver. Last time, on Sprinta's B4, I used one of those paint can lid openers and it worked flawlessly IMO. It fits right into the slot and pulls the little plastic tab forward.