Trailing arm bushes

[grubby mits]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

Mrs Tannaton's 2 year old Golf went in to the dealer and had a "health check". Advised both front shock absorbers were misting and needed to be replaced. My repost was the car is still under VW new car warranty so please crack on. Guess what - on second inspection they weren't that bad...

As soon as the warranty expires they'll start misting again as if by magic!

GM

[simboc2004]

The Powerflex bushes don't need the special tool to fit them. I bought a new set for under £100, so all going well so far...

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

Mrs Tannaton's 2 year old Golf went in to the dealer and had a "health check". Advised both front shock absorbers were misting and needed to be replaced. My repost was the car is still under VW new car warranty so please crack on. Guess what - on second inspection they weren't that bad...

Are shock absorbers covered under warranty?

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

Are shock absorbers covered under warranty?

It is (or was) the manufacturer warranty on new cars, so it should cover everything.

In spite of their claims on build quality - VW's warranty is one of the stingiest in the trade.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

It is (or was) the manufacturer warranty on new cars, so it should cover everything.

In spite of their claims on build quality - VW's warranty is one of the stingiest in the trade.

“Should” & what’s covered in reality are two different things.

Shocks are classed as a wear & tear item, as are other suspension parts. They’re very unlikely to be covered under warranty based on this, so I suggest reading the small print.

I know the car isn’t old, but they’ll use the excuse of the car could have hit pot holes for example causing the shocks to leak. Any car I ever had never covered suspension parts under warranty.

[stimperley]

Does anyone happen to have a bush removal tool that they no longer need and are willing to sell or rent?

Thanks!

[simboc2004]

Doing mine today - will let you know once I have finished... and, yes, I have ended up fitting standard bushes (Lemförder from GSF for c£28.00 per side at the moment) rather than the poly bushes as I discovered one half of one bush was missing from the set I bought and I need to do it today...!

I'm using the "new" fitting tool (sold by a number of different suppliers - including Draper and Laser) that claims it can be used without removing the arm from the vehicle.... will let you know how it goes later!

[Rocinante]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

“Should” & what’s covered in reality are two different things.

Shocks are classed as a wear & tear item, as are other suspension parts. They’re very unlikely to be covered under warranty based on this, so I suggest reading the small print.

I know the car isn’t old, but they’ll use the excuse of the car could have hit pot holes for example causing the shocks to leak. Any car I ever had never covered suspension parts under warranty.

VW warranty
"Items where the lifetime of the component is or can be influenced by driving style and external factors will only be considered under the terms of the warranty for a period of six months or 6,500 miles (whichever is soonest). Beyond that limit, the defects must be classified as wear and tear and will not be covered by the vehicle warranty unless a clear manufacturing defect is identified.

Components subject to wear and tear include, but are not limited to:
Brake linings and disc pads, Clutch release bearings, Clutch pressure plates and centre plates, Tyres, Wiper blades (wiper rubbers have no warranty owing to their conditions of use), Seat and backrest covers, Floor coverings, Spark plugs, Batteries for key fobs and alarms, Light bulbs, Shock Absorbers"

https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/en/owne...car-terms.html


Volvo's has similar text ie mentions wear & tear, but doesn't specifically mention shock absorbers like VW, but also has the "but not limited to".

"The only exceptions are:
-Exhaust system (catalytic converters are covered), tyres and batteries.
-Parts replaced as a result of fair wear and tear including, but not limited to, clutch plates, brake shoes, pads and discs, wiper -blades, bulbs and fuses.
-Damage to paintwork, trim, glass or chrome work or any damage caused by any external influence including, but not limited to, bird lime and atmospheric fall-out, stone chips and scratches.
-Bodywork and wheel corrosion."

https://www.volvocars.com/uk/own/mai...hat-is-covered

[Kev0607]

Interesting. Thanks for the info.

[simboc2004]

Well, have completed the bush replacement. One was completely shot (N/S) and came out in two parts, the other appears OK (O/S). It took me 2 days on my driveway - 1.5 days for the first and half a day for the second. I learned how to do it eventually! The new style removal tool works well, however it is vital to ensure everything is perfectly lined up and fitted. I had to go and buy a second bush assembly because I mangled the first one by putting on pressure without it being seated correctly - man, it bends easily with pressure from the tool... I used Lemförder bushes and the first one I had was slightly oversized and didn't fit the tool recesses properly... I have photographed the whole process and will post a "how to" when I have time...