Front Shock Absorbers, Venting And Emptying

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 18 other vehicles, including the 2016 Audi S4, 2016 Audi A4 Quattro, 2016 Audi A4, 2015 Audi S4, and 2015 Audi A4 Quattro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Pipe Cutter, Commercially Available

A - Venting through Drill Holes

Fig 1: Emptying Front Gas-Filled Struts

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Secure gas-filled shock absorber vertically in vise, with piston rod facing down.

WARNING:

Wear protective eyewear while drilling.

-- Drill a 3 mm hole -arrow A- through the shock absorber outer tube.

NOTE:

Gas escapes when drilling.

-- Continue drilling until the tube inside is drilled through (approximately 25 mm deep).

-- Drill a second 6 mm hole -arrow B- through the outer and inner shock absorber tubes.

-- 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

WARNING:

Wear protective eyewear when drilling or sawing.

-- Drill a 3 mm hole -arrow- through the shock absorber outer tube or saw through the tube wall.

Fig 2: Cutting Through Outer Tube Using Pipe Cutter

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

NOTE:

Gas escapes when drilling or sawing.

-- Attach a pipe cutter (commercially available), as shown in the illustration, and cut through the outer shock absorber tube.

-- Pull the piston rod upward, hold the inner shock absorber tube in place with pliers and push it downward so that it remains in the outer shock absorber tube when the piston rod is slowly raised.

-- Remove the piston rod from the shock absorber inner tube.

-- Empty the shock absorber tube.