Front suspension rock solid? help please!!!

The suspension on one side at the front of my GTI was rock solid, hardly any compliance when you push it down other than the top mount movement.  The other side bounces quite nicely.  I stripped it down, found the top mount was knackered, but when i had it apart the damper seemed fine, moves in and out no problem, nice and evenly.  So i put it together with a new top mount, back on the car and same problem.  Rock solid !
I would guess it needs a new damper but it seemed fine when it was off the car?  Anyone any ideas :dontknow:

What was the spring like?

new shock absorber matie - it will run smoothly when subjected to a constant pressure as the oil is passing through the valve - but when subjected to a sharp shock (like hittig a bump) the valve is not releasing the oil pressure fast enough to provide a damping action - be my guess.

MP

why not do both sides whilst you have your srewdrivers out………

Spring seems fine, compressed ok with the compressors and looks ok?

When i say rock solid, it doesnt even move if i try and bounce the corner or lean on it (constant pressure) it just doesnt move, yet the car sits level…  just a bit worried that there could be something else jamming?

Might bite the bullet and go uprated !

mine does the same thing on the front nearside and i have pretty new spax kit fitted 8O
I might get one bounce but then its solid or just wont move from the first try, mine seems to have dropped a little though
Will be stripping the car soon so will investigate then but if you find the prob on yours then share the findings please