Am I going mad???

[steve singh]

Golf GTI Mk5 - 56 plate.

Took it to my local tyre place to change the rear two tyres yesterday morning (Sat) - had to leave it with them as I had to go elsewhere. Picked it up later in the afternoon.

Anyhow was just checking the tyres out earlier today (Sun) to ensure everything was ok (like I always do when anyone does work on the car) and I noticed something which was strange to me.

Now I'm quite sure I'm being dumb but thought I'd check in despite the fact this is a very embarrasing question which I probably deserve to get flamed for...

I couldn't see any springs on both the rear struts when looking above the wheel into the wheel arch??? Now this car passed it's MOT 2 mths ago and I've not observed any negative handling or change in car stance.

I always thought there would be 4 springs on the car but all I can see is a strut with a red top???

Have 2 springs broken away or something???

TIA.

[K87]

this isn't going to end well....

[TheEnd]

There will be either inboard springs (ie not around the shock) or something like torsion bars/ springy trailing arms.

Most cars have the coil over shock type macpherson front struts, but the rears often have springs and the dampers in different places.

[mk2 24v]

you wont see the rear springs through the wheel on the mk5 golfs, they are tucked away in the multi link rear suspension setup

[Defcon5]

Are you suggesting half you cars suspension has fallen off and you havent noticed?

I dont know what type of suspension a mk5 Golf has, but I doubt its trailing arm. Is it a multi link setup?

[mrmr96]

steve singh said:

Golf GTI Mk5 - 56 plate.

Took it to my local tyre place to change the rear two tyres yesterday morning (Sat) - had to leave it with them as I had to go elsewhere. Picked it up later in the afternoon.

Anyhow was just checking the tyres out earlier today (Sun) to ensure everything was ok (like I always do when anyone does work on the car) and I noticed something which was strange to me.

Now I'm quite sure I'm being dumb but thought I'd check in despite the fact this is a very embarrasing question which I probably deserve to get flamed for...

I couldn't see any springs on both the rear struts when looking above the wheel into the wheel arch??? Now this car passed it's MOT 2 mths ago and I've not observed any negative handling or change in car stance.

I always thought there would be 4 springs on the car but all I can see is a strut with a red top???

Have 2 springs broken away or something???

TIA.

Quoted, just in case.

[PumpkinSteve]

Defcon5 said:

Are you suggesting half you cars suspension has fallen off and you havent noticed?

[Danbo]

steve singh said:

Now I'm quite sure I'm being dumb

End.

[poing]

You sure that you have joined the correct web site Steve??

[Caulkhead]

The barstewards have nicked your suspension and sold it!

[steve singh]

Thanks for the responses.

I definitely deserve a (cyber) beating for the question but at least my mind is at ease with the fact there is nothing to worry about!

The obvious reality is that I love driving cars but I'm not that mechanically minded (no sugar sherlock).

Re mechanics - only thing I've ever done to my cars is based on dealing with a specific issue (e.g. starter motor failed, so changed that last week but before then I probably couldn't have successfully pointed to where that motor was before I did internet research).

I'm afraid I'll probably keep asking stupid questions as I stumble upon issues - but everytime I get a response I learn!