Front Gas-Filled Shock Absorbers, Venting And Draining

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Hand drill
3 mm diameter drill bit.
6 mm diameter drill bit
Oil collecting container
Protective Eyewear

Procedure

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

CAUTION:

Risk of Injury Due to Flying Metal Shavings.

Irritation and Injury to Skin and Eyes Possible.

- Wear protective eyewear.

- Wear safety gloves.

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

Fig 1: Identifying Front Gas-Filled Strut, Venting

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

TIP:

Gas escapes when drilling.

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

-- Drill a second 6 mm hole -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.