Replacing Left or Right Rear Shock Absorber

Removing And Installing/Replacing Left Or Right Rear Shock Absorber
Special Tools Required:
^ 31 3 341
^ 31 3 353

It can only be determined whether a shock absorber must be replaced by checking it with a shock tester while it is installed or with a shock absorber test machine while it is removed.





Support trailing arm on workshop lifter and remove bolt (1).
Rear arm damper to trailing arm
M14 x 1.5 140 Nm





Release ABS sensor (1) and brake hose (2) from brackets on shock absorber.

Caution: Ensure ABS sensor grommet (1) and brake hose grommet (2) are refitted correctly on installation.





Remove bolts (1) securing shock absorber top plate to wheel arch.

Support and remove shock absorber.
Rear top mount to body
M10 x 1.5 56 Nm





Clamp special tool 31 3 341 at guide (1) in vice.

Slide in special tools 31 3 353 in each case from chamfer of special tool 31 3 341

Locking pins (2) must be heard and felt snapping into place.

Caution: Prior to each use, check special tool for functional capability. Do not use damaged tools. Do not make any modifications whatsoever to special tools.

Warning: Spring retainers must each be inserted from chamfer (1) of special tools 31 3 341 . Locking pins must be felt and heard snapping into place.

Check seating of spring retainers 31 3 353





Position spring between spring holders. When tensioned in the spring holder the spring coil (1) must rest completely in the recesses (2).





Compress spring so there is no tension on mounts and remove top mount fixing nut (1).
Use new self-locking nut.
Rear top mount to piston rod
M10 x 1 30 Nm
Note: Use only once.





the end of the spring must contact the stop on the spring seat (1). Location on the seat should sit in recess on plate (2).





Ensure top mounting plate is correct for side of vehicle and in correct orientation to hose brackets.