Suspension Strut, Servicing: Servicing

The shock absorber combination installed in the vehicle is indicated by the corresponding PR number on the vehicle data plate.

Fig 1: Coil Spring, Removing

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

1. Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Tensioner VAG1752/1
2. Shock Absorber Set - Extension SW6 T10001/7
3. Shock Absorber Set - Reversible Ratchet T10001/11
4. Shock Absorber Set - Socket T10001/3
5. Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Retainer w/Inserts VAG1752/7

-- Clamp the suspension strut in the vise with the shock absorber fork installed.

-- Mark the installation location of the mounting bracket to the T-pin on the shock absorber tube (use a felt-tip pen).

-- Preload the coil spring with the Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Tensioner VAG1752/1 and Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Retainer w/Inserts VAG1752/7 until upper suspension strut is free.

-- Make sure the coil spring is seated in the spring holder -2- correctly.

Fig 2: Ensuring Coil Spring Is Seated In Spring Holder Correctly

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

1. Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Tensioner VAG1752/1
2. Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Retainer w/Inserts VAG1752/7

-- Remove the nut from the piston rod using the tools -2-, -3- and -4-.

Fig 3: Coil Spring, Removing

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

1. Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Tensioner VAG1752/1
2. Shock Absorber Set - Extension SW6 T10001/7
3. Shock Absorber Set - Reversible Ratchet T10001/11
4. Shock Absorber Set - Socket T10001/3
5. Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Retainer w/Inserts VAG1752/7

-- Remove the individual components of the pretensioned suspension strut and coil spring with the Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Tensioner VAG1752/1.

Fig 4: Identifying Protective Cap, Bottom Spring Washer, And Spring Plate

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Remove the cap -1- and the lower spring support -2-.

-- Loosen suspension strut -3- using plastic hammer and remove upward.

-- Drive the spring plate onto the new shock absorber using a plastic hammer.

Fig 5: Identifying Protective Cap, Bottom Spring Washer, And Spring Plate

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Install the lower spring support and the cap.

-- Position the pretensioned coil spring on the lower spring support. End of spring coil must rest against stop -arrow- (permissible play maximum 2 mm).

Install mounting bracket with spring washer onto pre-loaded spring so that spring washer makes contact on end of spring coil -arrow- (permissible play max. 2 mm).

Fig 6: Identifying Mounting Bracket With Spring Washer On Pre-Loaded Spring

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Position individual suspension strut components.

-- Tighten the nut using special tools. Refer to -item  1- Nut (See Figure).

-- Align the marking on the mounting bracket to the T-pin on the shock absorber tube and release the tension in the spring.

Mounting Bracket Installation Position 

Fig 7: Identifying Spring Mounting Tool VAG 1752/2

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Install the Spring Compressor Kit - Strut Holder VAG1752/2 as shown in the illustration.

1. Spring Compressor Kit - Supplementary Set - Slider VAG1752/18-3
2. Spring Compressor Kit - Supplementary Set VAG1752/19
3. Spring Compressor Kit - Strut Holder VAG1752/2
4. Spring Compressor Kit - Supplementary Set - Clamp Plate VAG1752/19-1

-- Tension the suspension strut with spring compressor vertically in the Spring Compressor Kit - Strut Holder VAG1752/2.

-- Tension the suspension strut so the pin -1- or T-pin engages in the clamping jaw opening -2-.

Fig 8: Tension Suspension Strut So Pin Engages In Clamping Jaw Opening

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- In vehicles with electronic damping, make sure the Front Damping Adjustment Valve -- -1- or the wire connection -2- does not rest on the suspension strut tower mount -3-.

Fig 9: Identifying Front Damping Adjustment Valve -1-, Electrical Wiring Connection -2- & Suspension Strut Mount -3-

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Disengage the locking lever and set the pointer to the 0° position -arrow-, then tighten the locking lever.

Fig 10: Disengaging Locking Lever And Set Pointer To 0 Degrees Position And Seizing Locking Lever

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Adjust the mounting bracket so the Spring Compressor Kit - Supplementary Set VAG1752/19 for the respective side of the vehicle can be bolted to the mounting bracket.

Left Side 

Fig 11: Bolt Adjust Gage For Suspension Strut VAG 1752/19 Onto Mounting Bracket

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Bolt Spring Compressor Kit - Supplementary Set VAG1752/19 onto mounting bracket -arrows L-.

Right Side 

Fig 12: Attach Adjust Gage For Suspension Strut VAG 1752/19 To Mounting Bracket

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Bolt Spring Compressor Kit - Supplementary Set VAG1752/19 onto mounting bracket -arrows R-.

-- Now release tension on the Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Tensioner VAG1752/1 and remove.

-- Check adjustment, repeat procedure if necessary.

Permitted deviation: ±2°