Front gas-filled strut, venting and emptying

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A - Venting through drill holes

Fig 1: Venting Through Drill Holes

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Clamp gas-filled strut vertically in vise, with piston ends facing downward.

CAUTION: Wear protective eye wear while drilling.

Drill a 3 mm diameter hole - arrow A - through outer strut tube.

NOTE:

Gas escapes when drilling.

Continue drilling until tube inside is drilled through (approx. 25 mm deep).
Drill a second hole, 6 mm diameter - arrow B - , through outer and inner strut tubes.
Hold strut over oil collecting pan and move piston rod back and forth several times over entire range until no more oil escapes.

B - Open with pipe cutter

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Pipe cutter, e.g. Stahlwille Express 150/3

CAUTION: Wear protective eye wear when drilling or sawing.

Fig 2: Cutting Through Outer Tube Using Pipe Cutter

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Drill a 3 mm diameter hole - arrow - through outer strut tube or saw through tube wall.

NOTE:

Gas escapes when drilling or sawing.

Position a pipe cutter (e.g. Stahlwille Express 150/3) 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 strut tube.