Thread Locking Compound*
*(Req'd for Proper Reassembly)
Blausport Autobahn Series Vw Shock Kits
We've packaged these kits using over 20 years of service knowledge and experience. Blausport Vw Beetle shocks meet/exceed the quality construction of Vw Beetle KYB GR2 shocks, Boge shocks, and Bilstein shocks (Touring Class Brand). Our kits are packaged to include all the necessary shock mounts, bump stops, dust boots, and shock related hardware to ease installation. You won't have to run to the hardware store when you strip that seized bolt during old shock removal. When replacing all critical components you can be assured of that new Vw Beetle feel again! With decades of specialized Vw experience we understand how important the Vw Beetle driving experience is. Be assured that Blausport's shock kits make it better. "Feel The Road" with Blausport's Autobahn Series Vw Beetle shocks!
Features:
1) Blausport Autobahn Series Vw Beetle shock absorber kits make shock installation easier because they include the necessary related components (i.e. mounts, stops, boots) and assembly hardware that is commonly needed for successful Passat shock replacement.
2) Blausport Vw Beetle shock absorber valving is designed specifically for each individual vehicle application.
3) Blausport Vw Beetle shock absorbers feature both Japanese mono tube and twin tube designs. These designs allow for a free floating shock shaft piston with chambers inside the shock separating the oil from a high-pressure gas charge. You can expect reduced body roll when cornering and excellent dampening characteristics while you conquer demanding road conditions.
4) Blausport Vw Beetle shock absorbers are filled with Nitrogen gas, delivering superior performance. Nitrogen gas lessens aeration of the shock's dampening fluid. This maintains continuous shock dampening performance, reducing shock fade, resulting in less tire wear and longer suspension component life.
5) Unlike other popular name brand shocks, Blausport Vw Beetle shock absorbers are filled with a long life, multi viscosity oil containing Mos2 moly lubricant. Mos2 helps resist fluid breakdown and maintains year round shock fluid performance under all weather driving conditions. Mos2 greatly reduces wear on all internal shock components, extending the shock life for years of great shock performance.
6) Advanced internal self-lubricating shock components from Japan result in less shock shaft friction combined with a Fluon banded shock shaft piston, increasing Vw Beetle shock life and improving dampening sensitivity.
7) Blausport Vw Beetle shocks meet/exceed the quality of original equipment. We're so confident of the superior quality over any other brand that we offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty. They are ISO/TS 16949 certified. This is part of ISO 9001 standards and specific to the automotive industry.
Proper Fitment Of Blausport Shocks on Vw Beetle Models
1998-2007 Vw Beetle sedan models never came with a factory sport suspension option. These models all came with the same suspension set-up and ride hight. Only certain suspensions on select Vw Jetta VR6, Golf VR6, and Passat models were offered with two suspension options from the factory. A 'Comfort' suspension systems (stock ride height), or a 'Sport' suspension system (lowered ride height).
PLEASE NOTE: Blausport Vw Beetle shocks are NOT intended or designed to be used on vehicles equipped with AFTERMARKET lowering sport springs (i.e. H&R, Eibach or others). These spring kits tend to lower the vehicle more than 1” which make them dimensionally not compatible with Blausport's Vw Beetle shocks. We've received many telephone calls from customers who ask, “If my vehicle is lowered just a smidgen more than 1 inch will your shocks work?” Our answer is, “No.” Do not purchase our strut shock kit if your vehicle is lowered even a little over an inch.
Blausport's Vw Beetle shock absorber kits are designed to replace worn out shocks on vehicles with a suspension system having a stock ride height.
You'll appreciate that Blausport Vw Beetle shocks have been engineered to provide firmer ride characteristics than that of the stock setup. Experience Blausport's firm sporty ride without the harshness that is often associated with some sport suspension upgrades. Blausport Vw Beetle shocks supply the perfect amount of firmness to help you "Feel The Road". As a result of Blausport shocks being gas charged, they're approximately 20% firmer versus the OE 'Comfort' suspension.
Vw Beetle Shock Suspension Set-up
The Vw Beetle shock absorbers are a substantial part of the suspension system. Vw Beetle shocks go beyond providing mere comfort. Shocks affect other related suspension components, along with steering, tire wear and responsiveness.
Front Vw Beetle Strut Set-up: The Vw Beetle strut mounts, strut bump stops, strut dust boot, upper strut bearing, and strut nuts/bolts make up the front suspension.
Rear Vw Beetle Shock Set-up: The rear Vw Beetle shocks, bump stop, shock sleeve, and shock mount make up the rear suspension.
How Do I Know My Vw Beetle Shocks Are Bad?
Is it time for new Vw Beetle shocks? According to a 2009 AASHTO summary report only 1/2 of US major roads are in what is said to be 'good' condition, with more than 60% of roads in major cities in poor condition. This translates into an estimated $335 (across the board nationwide) and up to $746 (major cities) in vehicle maintenance and operation costs each year.
Bad road conditions may be out of your control, but you can be more prepared for them by replacing your worn out Vw Beetle shocks. The importance of new shocks goes beyond mere comfort. Worn shocks can affect steering, tire wear and your Passat's responsiveness. New Vw Beetle shocks and related suspension components (i.e. ball joints etc.) can improve your vehicle's ability to maintain traction, respond to quick turns, and emergency stops.
It's easy to tell when your brakes or wipers need replacing. Determining if your Vw Beetle shocks need to be replaced isn't as simple. There is no "replace them every x amount of miles" service interval standards here. Customers in need of Vw Beetle shock replacement often notice a soft spongy ride feeling around 90,000 miles. Although this soft feel may not seem that bad, it indicates that the Vw Beetle shocks have already begun to loose their ability to dampen. In our own Vw service shop, experience has shown that between 90,000-130,000 miles you'll begin to see a considerable deterioration in ride quality. When going over a bump a good Vw Beetle shock should compress and spring up / rebound only once. Whereas, a worn out Vw Beetle shock compresses and rebounds several times, causing a bouncy springiness. Due to this loss in dampening performance a worn out Vw Beetle shock begins to significantly increase the wear on the related suspension components (control arm bushings, mounts etc.) quickly reducing their service life. Why? To reiterate... instead of 1 compression, the shock is compressing 3 or 4 times before it brings the wheel back into control. Customers seem to stretch their Vw Beetle shock replacement out a little longer than other scheduled maintenance. Do you really want to run the risk of wearing other suspension components or your whole front end? As you can see, it's very important to install a fresh new pair of shocks in your Beetle when you reach this high mileage.
This spongy feeling and slow bump recovery time is one of the first signs that you're in need of new Vw Beetle shocks. Other symptoms include bald patches on your tires, tire cupping, excessive strut oil seepage, vehicle pulling, poor steering response, or sharp knocks, such as when going over railroad tracks. It is a difficult task to diagnose front end problems on these Vw Beetle suspension systems, even for the most experienced mechanics. Only automotive technicians that are familiar with the complexity of your specific Vw front suspension should troubleshoot and repair it.
Do I Really Need To Replace My Vw Beetle Shock Mounts, Stops, and Boots?
The importance of servicing your Vw Beetle suspension the correct way can not be overstated! In this economy many are trying to save wherever possible. However, think carefully before cutting corners in this department. When replacing Vw Beetle shocks in our own service facility, we've seen that other suspension parts (i.e. Vw Beetle shock mounts, stops, boots, and hardware) show significant signs of wear or have already begun to deteriorate and are not reusable. Many customers who've replaced only their Vw Beetle shocks, have found that they're still experiencing similar suspension problems as well as random front end suspension noises. This may be because other worn shock related components can simulate the same symptoms as bad shocks. Why go through the significant labor to replace the Vw Beetle shocks only to realize a failure in one or more of the related items. Consequently needing to redo your suspension job? Many wish they would have spent the extra money up front than face this labor intensive job a second time. Consider the following:
Vw Beetle Bump Stops and Dust Boots. Usually when a Vw Beetle shock begins to go bad the seals start to seep oil. This shock oil leaks onto the bumpstop eating away at the rubber foam material, affecting its density and ability to perform its job properly. If the bump stop isn't replaced, your new shocks have the chance of bottoming out, causing internal shock damage and premature failure. Replacing the stops helps protect new Vw Beetle shocks from bottoming out when hitting potholes and rough roads. Leaking shock oil can also get onto the dust boots. Over time this eats away at and weakens the rubber causing it to deteriorate and eventually rip. Ripped dust boots allow road grime and dirt to contaminate the shock causing scarring of the shock shaft and seals, resulting in premature shock failure. Replacing the boots protects new Vw Beetle shocks (shock shaft and seal) from dirt and dust, ensuring their long lifespan.
Vw Beetle Shock Mounts. Nearly all Passat models that we've had in our facility for shock replacement needed new shock mounts. Vw Beetle shock mounts are made of a rubber material and with age, collapse and deteriorate. This is especially noticeable in the front of the car since it supports the engine and endures the brunt of road impact. Worn Vw Beetle shock mounts often cause a conspicuous clunking noise when going over bumps. Play at the top of the spring perch while the suspension is loaded (not un-sprung) may also be evident.