Suspension Strut, Servicing

TIP:

Because of different shock absorber valve systems, only install new shock absorbers from the same manufacturer on both axles, if possible.

Special tools and workshop equipment required 

• Spring Compressor Kit:V.A.G 1752  with Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Retainer w/Inserts:V.A.G 1752/6 
  Fig 1: Spring Compressor Kit

  Courtesy of AUDI
• Shock Absorber Set:T10001 
  Fig 2: 18 mm socket from the Shock Absorber Set

  Courtesy of AUDI

Remove the Coil Spring.

Fig 3: Spring Tensioner VAG 1752/1

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Tension the Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Tensioner:V.A.G 1752/1  -item 1- in a vise with jaw protectors.

-- Tension the coil spring shock absorber in the Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Tensioner:V.A.G 1752/1  -item 1- as shown.

Fig 4: Removing Coil Spring

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Pretension the coil spring in the spring tensioner, until the upper spring plate and the spring support are disengaged.

-- Remove nut from the piston rod.

-- Remove the individual components of the suspension strut and coil spring using the spring tensioner.

1. Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Tensioner:V.A.G 1752/1 
2. Ratchet (commercially available)
3. Shock Absorber Set - Extension SW6:T10001/7 
4. Shock Absorber Set - Reversible Ratchet:T10001/11 
5. Shock Absorber Set - Socket:T10001/5 
6. Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Retainer w/Inserts:V.A.G 1752/6 

-- Make sure that the coil spring is seated correctly -arrow- in the Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Retainer w/Inserts:V.A.G 1752/6  .

Fig 5: Spring Compressor Kit

Courtesy of AUDI

1. Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Tensioner:V.A.G 1752/1 
2. Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Retainer w/Inserts:V.A.G 1752/6 

Shock Absorber, Replacing

Fig 6: Shock Absorber Components

Courtesy of AUDI

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

-- Loosen suspension strut -3- using plastic hammer and remove upward from the shock absorber -4-.

Coil Spring, Installing

Fig 7: Shock Absorber Components

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Install the spring plate -3- onto the new shock absorber -4- using a rubber hammer.

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

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

-- Position the individual suspension strut components.

-- Position the upper spring plate with the spring support on the pretensioned spring so that the spring supports rests against the end of the coil spring -arrow-.

Fig 8: Upper Spring Plate

Courtesy of AUDI

• Permitted maximum play: 2 mm.

-- Install the shock absorber mounting.

-- Tighten the new nut using special tools  OVERVIEW - SUSPENSION STRUT COIL SPRING.

-- Release the tension from the Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Tensioner:V.A.G 1752/1  and remove.

• Make sure the ends of the spring in the upper and lower spring plates are touching the stops on the spring supports when releasing the tension on the spring compressor.