The left side rear suspension"strut" thing got blown off its top mount last week going over a pothole.

The top mounting fixutre has totally gone, leaving a round hole behind.

The question is:

1) who can supply a new fitting - my local VW guy said only a Panel Beater could do it as the part is impossible to get?
2) I've been driving it around since on short trips, and it doesn't seem to make a blind bit of difference! Obviously VW and every other manufacturer wouldn't stick those things on if vehicles didn't need them, but what actual damage am I doing by only having 1 side connected? My VW guy said poor handling, but really haven't noticed much of a change at all. I presume tyre wear would be an issue the longer I left it?

Cheers

Ian

Hi Ian, and welcome to the forum. Always like to see more kombi drivers here.
Sounds like your mechanic’s got it about right. The top mount for the shock absorber is a casting that is part of the body, so not replicable as such.
So, some one that can repair by welding in a new mount/re-attach the broken part is the only option. No easy task.
Also driving without it is not good for many reasons, as your mechanic said, poor handling, braking, excessive wear on the car (bearings/tires/suspension etc), not to mention it’s illegal.
I’d also be wondering why it broke? Are the wrong shocks fitted? You may not notice the handling effects in normal driving, and yes you can get away without them, but they will make a difference if your going to fast into a bumpy corner or doing an emergency breaking maneuver, just when you need it most.
It definitely needs fixing. Oh, don't forget it's always worth getting a couple of quotes before handing out any hard earned dollars.
Andy
:thumb

I assume you mean that you have lost a rear shock absorber. Their function is to dampen the motion of the suspension and yes you *can* drive with them missing or non-functional, but your handling and braking performance will be reduced. The problem is you may not notice the difference until an emergency situation arises...:o:o:o

I can't shed any light on how to fix them, but I'm sure somewhere here can.

havent had a look under mine recently, but if i remember right the mount was welded on? if it was welded you would probably be best to get a steel plate welded across the front or back of the hole, then a new mount welded to it. maybe u can snag the mount from a wreckers? how old are your shocks? is the one that broke off seized? seems odd that it could apply that much force to the mount.

A belated thanks for all the replies.

the shock mount was whacked off when I hit a pothole on a local dirt road in Adelaide, most probably quite a bit of downward force sheared the mount off, although it has left quite a neat hole behind, not a big rip like you might expect..

Haven't driven it since, but did get some wear on the front tyre as sugegsted.

I'll see if I can get the mount from the wreckers as suggested.

Thanks again.

Ian

i had this problem with my old magna ( iknow not vw - ive been converted, it was a long time ago) any way i delayed in getting it replaced and it ended up braking an engine mount off and cracking the radiator. i know there is know radiator but it would seem to suggest that there is no cushioning for the engine. if you are handy with an angle grinder grind of the plate, complete with mount and then just get a mechanic or panelbeater to weld it on for you. or you could put up a post. im sure someone was an old bus for parts and could cut off the mound and plate for you. cheers John.