Air Spring Damper, Emptying

Fig 1: Residual Pressure Valve & Connecting Piece

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Slowly open residual pressure retaining valve - 2 - on the front air spring damper and allow the air pressure to escape.

Fig 2: Residual Pressure Valve & Connecting Piece

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Slowly open residual pressure retaining valve - 2 - on the rear air spring damper and allow the air pressure to escape.

Illustrations show a conventional shock absorber. The procedure for an air spring damper is the same.

A - Open by drilling

CAUTION: Wear protective eye wear while drilling.

Fig 3: Venting Through Drill Holes

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Drill a hole 3 mm in diameter - arrow A - through outer tube of strut.
Continue drilling until tube inside is drilled through (approximately 25 mm deep).
Drill a second hole 6 mm in diameter - arrow B - through outer and inner tubes of strut.
Hold shock absorber over appropriate container for catching oil and move piston rod repeatedly through entire stroke until no more oil flows out.

B - Open with pipe cutter

CAUTION: Wear protective eye wear while sawing.

Fig 4: Cutting Through Outer Tube Using Pipe Cutter

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Attach a pipe cutter (e. g. 150/3 Stahlwille Express) as shown in illustration, and cut through outer tube.
Pull piston rod upward, hold inner tube in place with pliers and push it downward so that it remains in outer tube when piston rod is slowly raised.
Remove piston rod from inner tube.
Empty shock absorber tube.