Parts for your 2018 Volkswagen Amarok-Coil springs

2018 Volkswagen Amarok coil springs — what they do and when to replace them

Technical confirmation: The 2018 Volkswagen Amarok (type 2H) uses coil springs on the front axle and leaf springs on the rear. Volkswagen’s official Workshop Manual (ElsaWin/erWin) for Amarok MY2017–2020 specifies an independent double‑wishbone front suspension with coil spring struts and a stabiliser bar, and a rigid rear axle with semi‑elliptic leaf springs. The Volkswagen parts catalogue (ETKA, Group 4 – Front Axle) lists multiple front coil spring rates by PR‑code, while the rear listings are leaf spring packs. Trade data platforms such as Autodata and Bosch ESI[tronic] reflect the same layout. Coil springs are therefore relevant to the 2018 Amarok — on the front end.

The Amarok’s front coil springs do the heavy lifting up front, keeping ride height where it should be, supporting accessories like bull bars and winches, and helping the tyres track cleanly over rough roads. Working with the shocks and control arms, they balance comfort with control, which is why a good set of coils is key to the ute’s sure‑footed feel on bitumen, corrugations, and job sites.

While coil springs aren’t a typical “service item”, they’re worth a look at each service or every 10–15,000 km. The checks are simple: paint flaking that invites rust, cracked or broken ends, coils touching under load, or a nose‑down stance that wasn’t there before. If the Amarok starts to clunk over speed bumps, drifts in corners, or chews the outer edges of front tyres, tired coils or top mounts might be in the mix.

• Common signs they’re due: visible rust or fractures, sagging ride height, uneven tyre wear, creaks from the strut top, or poor headlight aim after adding accessories.
• Replacement tips: always replace in axle pairs, match the PR‑code/colour markings to the vehicle spec (V6 and accessory‑laden utes need the right rate), and fit new strut top mounts/bearings if there’s any play or noise.

Front coil replacement on an Amarok involves removing the coil‑over strut and requires a proper spring compressor. Many of the fasteners are single‑use stretch bolts, so fresh hardware to factory spec is a must. Once it’s back together, a full wheel alignment is non‑negotiable, camber, caster, and toe need setting to protect tyres and keep steering feel crisp.

Owners carrying extra weight up front or towing regularly can opt for higher‑rate coils, ideally matched to appropriate dampers. Just be mindful of front axle load limits and, in AU/NZ, any certification needs if chasing a GVM upgrade. Keep the coils clean (rinse off beach salt), avoid overloading, and they’ll deliver many reliable kilometres.

FAQs

Does the 2018 Amarok have rear coil springs?
No. From factory it runs front coil springs with a double‑wishbone layout and leaf springs on the rear axle. Aftermarket rear‑coil conversions exist, but they’re not OEM and may require certification in AU/NZ.

How often should the front coils be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval. Replace on condition — cracks, corrosion, sagging, or ride/handling issues. Inspect every service, and expect harder lives for utes on corrugations, mine sites, or with constant accessory weight.

Can heavier‑duty front coils be fitted for a bull bar and winch?
Yes — choose coils rated for the added mass and pair them with suitable shocks. Get an alignment afterwards and check any legal/insurance implications if changing GVM or ESC‑related specs.