Servicing

Servicing suspension strut

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required





^ Spring compressor V.A.G 1752/1
^ Spring mounting tool V.A.G 1752/2
^ 2 Spring holders (80-165 mm) V.A.G 1752/4
^ Spring holder for A8 V.A.G 1752/6





^ Shock absorber set T10001/3
^ Shock absorber set T10001/4
^ Shock absorber set T10001/7
^ Shock absorber set T10001/11

Assembly overview





1 - Collared nut, 50 Nm
^ Always replace

2 - Shock absorber mount
3 - Washer
4 - Mounting bracket
^ Installation position

5 - Coil spring
^ Removing and
^ Installing
^ Note different suspension versions; see vehicle data sticker
^ For correct version refer to Parts catalog

6 - Auxiliary spring
7 - Protective sleeve
8 - Protective cap
9 - Lower spring support
10 - Lower spring plate
^ Installation position

11 - Shock absorber
^ Replacing
^ Note different suspension versions; see vehicle data sticker
^ Defective shock absorbers must always be degassed and drained before disposal

Explanatory notes on weight codes used in production (PR numbers)
The shock absorber combination installed in the vehicle is indicated by the corresponding PR number on the vehicle data sticker.





Example of a vehicle data sticker
- - A - is the PR No. for front axle
- - B - is the PR No. for rear axle

The vehicle data sticker can be found in the spare wheel well.





The PR numbers can be used to identify the correct shock absorber combination.
The PR No. for the different suspension versions is indicated by the arrow in the illustration.
1BA = Standard suspension
1BE = Sports suspension
1BD = Sports suspension (Audi S4)
1BR = Comfort / heavy-duty suspension
1BV = Sports suspension (quattro GmbH)





Removing coil spring
- Clamp suspension strut in a vise.
- Compress coil spring using spring compressor V.A.G 1752/1 and spring retainers V.A.G 1752/4 until top spring plate is free.





Removing coil spring
- At the same time ensure that coil spring is correctly seated in spring retainer V.A.G 1752/4 - arrow -.





Removing coil spring
- Remove collared nut from piston rod using special tools T1 0001/3, T10001/11 and T10001/7.
- Remove suspension strut components and compressed coil spring together with spring compressor V.A.G 1752/1.





Replacing shock absorber
- Remove protective cap - 1 - and bottom spring support - 2 -.
- Mark position of lower spring plate in relation to shock absorber.
- Loosen spring plate - 3 - using a plastic hammer and lift up to remove.





Installation position of lower spring plate
A - Center line of bolt connection between shock absorber and track control link
I = Left: B = 65° ± 2°
II = Right: C = 87° ± 2°
- Drive spring plate downward using a plastic hammer to the mark previously made.
If installing a new shock absorber, transfer mark from old shock absorber.
Note different installation positions on left and right sides.
The flat cut-away on the spring plate - arrow - must allow access to body.





Installing coil spring
- Install spring plate, lower spring support and protective cap.
- Position compressed coil spring with spring retainer V.A.G 1752/4 on bottom spring seat. End of spring coil must make contact with stop - arrow -.
Permissible deviation: ± 2°.





Installation position of upper spring seat
Install mounting bracket with spring seat on compressed spring so that spring seat makes contact with end of spring coil - arrow -.
Permissible deviation: ± 2°.





Installing coil spring
- Install individual parts for suspension strut. Make sure end of spring makes contact with stop on upper spring seat.
- Tighten collared nut with special tools.

Note:
^ Do not loosen spring yet.

Installation position of mounting bracket





- Clamp suspension strut with spring compressor vertically in spring mounting tool V.A.G 1752/2.





- Release bottom locking lever and turn upper spring plate until scale on spring mounting tool V.A.G 1752/2 is set to 7°.
- Make sure that ends of spring are in contact with stops on upper and lower spring seats.
- Lock locking lever.





Viewed in direction of travel:
I = Left
II = Right
A - Center line of bolt connection between shock absorber and track control link
- Adjust angle B as shown.
B = 7°





- Arm of spring mounting tool V.A.G 1752/2 - arrow - must be in line with center of mounting bracket.
- Loosen and remove spring compressor 1752/1.
- Check adjustment and repeat procedure if necessary.
Permissible deviation: ± 2°.