1996 Volkswagen Jetta Rear Suspension/Strut

1996 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
200,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • MANUAL
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BCARPENTER055
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I believe my Passenger Rear suspension/strut has gone bad. It started about two weeks ago when the weather dipped below freezing. I would go over the littlest of bumps, even small cracks in the road and I would get a big thud out of the rear tire area. I assumed it was a bad strut. Which i do believe is what my car has. I went and priced them last week but couldn't order them until earlier this week due to thanksgiving(no one had them in stock) So i decided to wait and order them this week. About 2 days later as the weather warmed i noticed that the sound became less and less pronounce, until eventually it was completely gone. No big thud even over railroad tracks whatsoever went well for the whole week, until today. The weather went cold again last night and the thud is back. Do i have water in them that freezes? Are they bad? and Are my suspicions correct? I have checked over the owners manual nothing about whether it's a strut or a shock, it has a coil so I assume it's a strut. Is it an easy fix? and what tools will i need in order to fix it?
Dec 6, 2013 at 8:33 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Yes, it is a strut. No, there is no water in them. Listen, it could be a strut, but when they go bad, it doesn't matter what the temp is outside. Based on everything you mentioned, I would recommend that you check bushings to make sure one isn't worn and causing a noise. If the strut is dry, chances are it is okay.
Dec 6, 2013 at 9:31 AM
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EXOVCDS
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You are correct, you have water in them which freezes when cold... common issue with age.

Here are two videos I made that might help. If you need specific info, just send me a pm via youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMyqmw00Sxc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wquwZrVtKX0

Thomas
Dec 6, 2013 at 4:16 PM
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EXOVCDS
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Had a '98 Golf on the hoist today with frozen shocks... water got past the shaft seal and froze. Winter cold will do that.

Thomas
Dec 10, 2013 at 4:37 PM