Rear Suspension Strut

CAUTION:

As assembled, the coil spring is compressed and under load. Avoid personal injury by using a suitable spring compressor tool when servicing the coil spring assembly.
If the tools shown in illustrations are unavailable, spring compressor US 1117 or an equivalent tool can be used.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the tool you are using.

NOTE:

The work sequence is shown using a standard version right-side strut. Peculiarities with respect to sports version struts are listed under the respective exploded view for the corresponding strut.

Disassembling

-- Clamp spring compressor Spring Mounting Tool: VAG1752/2 or equivalent in vise.

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-- Install strut in spring compressor.

-- Pre-compress coil spring with spring compressor: VAG1752/1 or equivalent far enough so upper spring seat is free.

Make sure coil spring is correctly seated in adapter : VAG1752/3 or equivalent (arrow).

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-- Remove self-locking nuts from shock absorber shaft.

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Standard version with M10 shock absorber shaft thread, use Special Wrench: 3017A
Sports versions with M12 shock absorber shaft threads, use Socket 19mm: 3077 and counterhold with hex wrench

-- Remove individual parts corresponding to suspension version.

-- Remove coil spring with spring compressor: VAG1752/1 or equivalent.

-- Pull shock absorber protective cap upward.

-- Drive lower spring seat off shock absorber using plastic-faced hammer.

-- Remove malfunctioning shock absorber from spring compressor.

NOTE:

Use proper disposal procedures for removed shock absorbers before scrapping.

Assembling

-- Clamp new shock absorber in spring compressor : VAG1752/2 or equivalent.

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-- Install lower spring seat on shock absorber and make sure that coil spring stop -a- is aligned with shock absorber mounting eye -b-.

NOTE:

Illustration shows a right-side strut. In correct assembly with strut installed in vehicle, the spring coil end stop points to the front on the right-side strut and to the rear on the left-side strut.

-- Press protective cap onto shock absorber to stop.

-- Install precompressed coil spring on shock absorber, so end of spring coil contacts spring seat stop (arrow).

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NOTE:

Make sure the color mark on the coil spring points to lower spring seat.

-- Slide bump stop with protective sleeve onto shock absorber shaft to stop.

-- Pull shock absorber shaft out of shock absorber.

-- Install damping ring on coil spring so end of spring coil contacts stop on damping ring (arrow).

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-- Install individual parts corresponding to sports version.

-- Thread new self-locking nuts loosely onto shock absorber shaft by hand.

-- Bring upper stop from spring compressor up and into position above upper spring seat and/or strut adapter.

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Insert both studs for the lever arm (arrows) into holes in upper spring seat or strut adapter and fasten.

-- Tighten all clamping levers for spring compressor upper stop.

-- Loosen clamping lever and turn upper spring plate and/or strut adapter until pointer points to 6 ± 2° on degree scale of spring compressor : VAG1752/2 or equivalent.

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L - Position of pointer for left strut (counterclockwise)

R - Position of pointer for right strut (clockwise)

-- Tighten clamping lever (arrow).

-- Tighten nut on shock absorber shaft:

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r	Standard version, M10 threads:	30 Nm (22 ft lb)
r	Sports version, M12 threads:	50 Nm (37 ft lb)

-- Release tension on coil spring carefully, make sure coil spring, damping ring and upper spring are correctly seated.

As soon as spring compressor: VAG1752/1 or equivalent is free, stop and remove spring compressor from coil spring.

-- Unscrew stop device lever arm and remove.

-- Remove strut from spring compressor : VAG1752 or equivalent.