Rear shock absorbers for the Bus

Rear Shock Absorbers / Mounting Parts

The perfect foundation for every drive – rear shock absorbers and mounting parts for your VW Bus T2

An intact rear shock absorber and accurately fitting mounting parts are the be-all and end-all for a safe driving feel and precise cornering behavior of your classic car – and should be in focus both during regular inspections and complete restorations. Different dampers and fastening materials can be used depending on driving style, load, and personal comfort requirements. In addition to daily wear and tear from bumps, potholes, and co., a complete replacement including new strut mounts, protective covers, and bolts may become necessary after many years on the road. Then nothing stands in the way of a relaxed and safe classic car tour. We reveal why the topic of rear shock absorbers and mounting parts should be regularly on the agenda, which steps need to be considered during assembly – and which versions are used for various applications. We also specifically address standard dampers and sports shock absorbers.

Why are rear shock absorbers and mounting parts an important step in chassis maintenance?

Permanent road grip and reliable suspension comfort form the basis of every classic car drive – only when the rear shock absorber works without play and is fixed with intact mounting parts can the Bulli roll safely and solidly over the asphalt. Simply ignoring spongy driving behavior or rattling noises is not enough. While this briefly masks symptoms, wear, vibrations, and an insecure driving feel stubbornly persist – for the latter, you should also rely on accurately fitting mounting parts such as bump stops, fastening bolts, and co. These are professionally renewed with the right tool and fresh grease.

When should I check my rear shock absorbers and mounting parts?

Before every classic car season & regularly during inspection! During the check on the rear axle, traces of hard asphalt are eliminated: porous boots, decreasing damping force, and worn joints. In addition, imprecise driving behavior and annoying background noises disappear directly in the workshop instead of spoiling the driving fun on the tour.

How does the replacement of rear shock absorbers and mounting parts work?

These four elements belong to the basic equipment:

• Rear shock absorbers of choice as well as new mounting parts
• A classic workshop manual for your T2
• Fresh assembly grease and high-strength fastening bolts
• Jack, jack stands, and torque wrench

For most assembly work, a clean surface is recommended as a foundation for a professional replacement. Install the new shock absorbers and mounting parts without tension and tighten all screw connections to the prescribed torque. Gently dry your hands with a cloth that you only use for fine screw work. Afterwards, you can check the firm connection and correct fit. Please note that you always carry out work on the suspension with utmost care – otherwise track stability will suffer or critical driving situations may occur. After the procedure, a careful test drive is recommended. This gives your classic car the necessary smooth running and a secure steering feel.

Which rear shock absorbers and mounting parts suit me?

Actually, asking a counter-question is impolite. But in order to choose rear shock absorbers or the right mounting parts for the ideal setup, we would like to know from you: Which application would you assign your Bulli to? Are you looking for original driving comfort, reinforced components for heavy loads, or sporty stiffness? Because there is a suitable variant for every driving style.

• Standard dampers: Your Bulli adapts perfectly to all standard components in everyday life. Whether classic oil-pressure shock absorbers, original springs, or standard rubber mounting parts: You have the free choice for an authentic and faithful restoration.
• Reinforced version (Heavy Duty): To ensure the rear axle doesn't sag even under high payloads or long holiday trips, you should rely on robust heavy-duty parts. These keep the vehicle safely in lane even under heavy load. Also ensure that cheap and inferior replicas do not end up on your spare parts list. Particularly durable for long distances are, for example, reinforced damping elements paired with high-quality assembly accessories. We say goodbye to bottoming out and imprecise steering. Tip: For demanding use, a complete overhaul kit including all mounting parts is recommended. This sustainably protects nerves and keeps the bus safely on course.
• Sports shock absorbers: For lowered Bullis or an ambitious driving style, you can design the suspension specifically firmer. Optimized sports shock absorbers and harder connections are recommended here. These suppress unwanted rolling movements and simultaneously provide direct feedback from the road.
• Restoration version: This application demands uncompromising attention to detail down to the last bolt. Therefore, equipment that exactly matches VW factory specifications is just right for you. At Hoffmann Speedster, you will find these true-to-original shock absorbers and mounting parts directly in the matching section.