Suspension Strut And Mounting Bracket, Servicing

Special tools and workshop equipment required 

• Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Tensioner VAG1752/1
• Spring Compressor Kit - Strut Holder VAG1752/2
• Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Retainer w/Inserts VAG1752/7
• Spring Compressor Kit - Supplementary Set VAG1752/18
• Spring Compressor Kit - Supplementary Set - Slider VAG1752/18-3
• Spring Compressor Kit - Supplementary Set - Clamp Plate VAG1752/19-1
• Spring Compressor Kit - Supplementary Set VAG1752/19
• Shock Absorber Set - Socket T10001/3
• Shock Absorber Set - Socket T10001/4
• Shock Absorber Set - Extension SW6 T10001/7
• Shock Absorber Set - Reversible Ratchet T10001/11

Overview 

Fig 1: Overview Of Strut Assembly

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1. Nut
   • 50 Nm
   • Always replace if removed
2. Shock absorber mount
3. Washer
4. Mounting bracket
5. Upper Spring Support
6. Coil Spring
   • Removing, refer to Fig 2
   • Installing, refer to Fig 6.
   • There are different versions of the suspension, refer to PRODUCTION CONTROL NUMBER (PR NUMBER) EXPLANATIONS .
   • Allocation, refer to parts.
7. Spring
8. Protective Sleeve
9. Protective cap
10. Lower Spring Support
11. Lower spring plate
12. Shock Absorber
    • Replacing, refer to Fig 5.
    • There are different versions of the suspension, refer to PRODUCTION CONTROL NUMBER (PR NUMBER) EXPLANATIONS .
    • Always release gas and drain malfunctioning shock absorbers before disposal.
    • Allocation, refer to parts.

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

Fig 2: Coil Spring, Removing

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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. (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 3: Ensuring Coil Spring Is Seated In Spring Holder Correctly

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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 4: Coil Spring, Removing

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

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-- 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 6: Identifying Protective Cap, Bottom Spring Washer, And Spring Plate

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-- 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 max. 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 7: Identifying Mounting Bracket With Spring Washer On Pre-Loaded Spring

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-- Position individual suspension strut components.

-- Tighten the nut using special tools, refer to -item 1- Nut (See Fig 1).

-- 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 8: Identifying Spring Mounting Tool VAG 1752/2

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-- 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 that the pin -1- engages in the opening of the Spring Compressor Kit - Supplementary Set - Clamp Plate VAG1752/19-1 -2-.

Fig 9: Tension Suspension Strut So Pin Engages In Clamping Jaw Opening

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-- When tensioning, make sure the front damping adjustment valve -1- or the wire connection -2- does not sit on the Spring Compressor Kit - Strut Holder VAG1752/2 -3-.

Fig 10: Identifying Front Damping Adjustment Valve -1-, Electrical Wiring Connection -2- & Suspension Strut Mount -3-

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

Fig 11: Disengaging Locking Lever And Set Pointer To 0 Degrees Position And Seizing Locking Lever

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-- 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 of vehicle

Fig 12: Bolt Adjust Gage For Suspension Strut VAG 1752/19 Onto Mounting Bracket

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

Right side of vehicle

Fig 13: Attach Adjust Gage For Suspension Strut VAG 1752/19 To Mounting Bracket

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

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

-- Check adjustment, repeat procedure if necessary.

Permitted deviation: ±2°