Front shocks leaking oil

[Don7601]

Fitted H&R springs yesterday to my 2016 GTI yesterday. Now both front shocks are leaking massive amounts of oil.

Any ideas??

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[iichel]

For starters, a bit more info would be useful.

Were they leaking oil since the fitting of the springs or was the problem already present before? Did you observe it only at the front or is there also leakage at the rear? Normal shocks or DCC?

If the lowering springs are the cause then I'd say put back the old springs and replace the shocks or get a pair of bilstein shocks (i.e b4 or b6).

[Don7601]

The car has 18k on the clock. Shocks were as new when fitting the springs. Drove for an hour after fitting and parked up. A few hours later there was a large puddle of oil on the drive.

No DCC, just normal set up.

Surely fitting std springs is not the solution? Must be loads of cars out there running (the reputable) H&R springs.

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[joe6]

Sounds as though the change in shocks working length with the shorter springs has affected the seals or you twisted the shocks body when refitting and tightening the top bearing- easily done if you slip with the spanner and key. This can break the seals.

[Don7601]

Sounds as though the change in shocks working length with the shorter springs has affected the seals or you twisted the shocks body when refitting and tightening the top bearing- easily done if you slip with the spanner and key. This can break the seals.

Yeah, I'm thinking the latter. Having run lowering springs on many cars over the years I'm aware the shocks go over time. But not after an hour on both sides.

New front shocks it is [emoji35]

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[pipsyp]

Good job they weren't DCC's....think they cost c. £250/corner! Not looking forward to having to change one on mine at that cost!

[Don7601]

I can get sachs for £45+ vat each. Seems decent value

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[pipsyp]

I can get sachs for £45+ vat each. Seems decent value

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Thats cheap!

[RUM4MO]

Sounds as though the change in shocks working length with the shorter springs has affected the seals or you twisted the shocks body when refitting and tightening the top bearing- easily done if you slip with the spanner and key. This can break the seals.

Oh, tell me more, I have a broken front spring on an equivalent SEAT Ibiza, and will be replacing both sides, so taking off the top bearing etc!

[joe6]

Sounds as though the change in shocks working length with the shorter springs has affected the seals or you twisted the shocks body when refitting and tightening the top bearing- easily done if you slip with the spanner and key. This can break the seals.

Oh, tell me more, I have a broken front spring on an equivalent SEAT Ibiza, and will be replacing both sides, so taking off the top bearing etc!

A few things to be careful with. Take care not to scratch the spindle rod that goes into the shocks body as this will damage the seal - could happen when compressing the springs; try not to turn the spindle too much when loosening and tightening to the top bearing and torque the top nut to the correct setting when refitting. Hope all goes well.

[RUM4MO]

Thanks for that advice, I've taken it onboard, I'll be using "passthrough" socket set to remove/fit the threaded bushes and top nuts and using experience to judge actual torque levels!