Rear Shock Absorbers, Venting And Emptying

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A - Venting through Drill Holes

Fig 1: Emptying Rear 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 the shock absorber over an appropriate container for catching oil and move the piston rod repeatedly through the 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 through the shock absorber outer tube or saw through the tube wall.

NOTE:

Gas escapes when drilling or sawing.

-- Attach a pipe cutter (for example, 150/3 Stahlwille Express) as shown in illustration, and cut through outer shock absorber tube. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Cutting Through Outer Tube Using Pipe Cutter

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- 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.