How long shock absorbers should last?

honda boi

Hi all,

Missus car is an 08 Octavia 1.9tdi

Rear shocks were changed at the end of August this year.

Drove car home today with shopping in the boot and the rear of the car looked like a boy racer, tow bar even hitting the path when trying to reverse into drive. Soon as I took the shopping out it looks normal again.

Now I noticed one was shot before because when I was changing the rear caliper, I noticed I had to jack the car up alot higher to get the tyre of the ground.

Anyway brought it to my mechanic because I didn't have time to change them aswell.

He changed the 2 rear shocks. Car seemed fine until today.

Now since changing them the missus used a horsebox twice with only one pony inside so nothing excessive.

Am I right in thinking the shocks should be lasting alot longer?

Any comeback from the mechanic you think or Is it just a wear and tear thing?

I'm assuming it's the rear shocks again as the springs looks fine and I don't think there is anything else that it could be.

FionnK86

They should but would you've noted the mileage last time. Unlikely to be mileage nonetheless.

SEPT 23 1989

Do you live in an area plagued with speed ramps?

honda boi

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119815676#Comment_119815676

I'd say maybe around 4,000 km since they were done going by missus commute distance.

honda boi

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119815720#Comment_119815720

Nope.

One speed bump in the estate and none after that.

Speedline

Are you sure the springs are ok? The shock absorbers do just that - absorb shocks. It would be more the springs which dictate ride height. Have a closer look and see if one of the loops haven't snapped off at the top or bottom.

mk7r

What brand were fitted?

honda boi

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119815891#Comment_119815891

They look ok to me, nothing looks broken either end, both look identical. Could be wrong.

I've had springs go before and they make a loud noise when going over any bumps from my experience. And when they break a loud bang is usually heard. Dont hear anything as is. Just my limited knowledge.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119815962#Comment_119815962

Not sure, found the receipt and was €100 for the pair without labour. Not sure if that means it's a crappy brand or not.

honda boi

My limited knowledge on this is it could only be shocks or springs?

Stood my 85kg ass in the boot and the car dropped and stayed as if it had multiple horses in the boot!!

tabby aspreme

Push down hard on each corner of the car and then let go, if the shocks are ok, the car should come back to its regular height in a single motion, if there gone it will bounce up and down a few times before settling. The shocks have nothing to do with the ride height, that's the springs job.

kippy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058269848/how-long-shock-absorbers-should-last

On the horsebox side of things. How heavy do you reckon and what is the car rated to tow? A lot of shocks related issues are down to overloading the shock either over an extended term or a lot of sharp 'fast' shocks - over speedbumps at speed for example over a longer term. A bit too much of going over bumps or holes particularly with a large load in the boot or on the back will cause problems.

kaahooters

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119816134#Comment_119816134

octavia is rated ofr 1500kg ish faik, so likley overloading the shocks with teh horse box and wearing them out.

Spook_ie

I'd be looking at what and how the horse trailer fits in with this and then fitting uprated shocks and possibly spring assisters

p.s does you and your wifes license cover towing a trailer? You may have grandfather rights or no rights at all regarding a horsebox

mikeecho

In the past I've had a cracked spring, and didn't notice any difference when driving, was only brought to my attention at an NCT.

Always replace in pairs.