Front strut leaking - replace with OEM?

[da.hs]

2010 Golf - one front strut leaking. Suggestions for replacements? I'm not looking for a big change in handling. A lot of rough and broken pavement in my area, occasional gravel - certainly do not wish to lower it.

Is this a fairly straightforward DIY task or best left to a shop? Tools needed?

Thanks..

 

[d2305]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux5TbjwJ9_c

 

[kcny]

It's fairly easy. Slight more involve than your basic brake work. You will definitely need a spring compressor. Having an impact wrench will make the job much easier. One of those 1/2" electric impact wrench from harbor freight works fine. Takes me roughly 4 hrs to do the front.

 

[> Luke <]

And full alignment ?????

 

[d2305]

Too hard for home gamer.

 

[frugality]

2010 Golf - one front strut leaking. Suggestions for replacements? I'm not looking for a big change in handling. A lot of rough and broken pavement in my area, occasional gravel - certainly do not wish to lower it.

I would replace with stock OE struts. Personally, they give a perfect balance of ride vs. handling.

The Mk4's OE struts were notoriously short-lived, needing replacement by 150k km. But we're seeing few damper replacements on Mk5/6's. They just seem to be a lot more durable. Your blowout is a rare exception.

If you liked the ride of the OE dampers, then I wouldn't change anything. I once changed to Bilstein TC's on my Mk4 Golf because folks here were raving about them, and I found them too harsh. Replaced them with Koni FSDs, which ride very comparably to my current Mk5.5 JSW's dampers.

 

[da.hs]

Will probably do just that. The road I live on was badly broken 2010-2013 (4 miles) , somewhat better from last year. They have some excuse for wearing out, I think.