Suspension Strut, Servicing

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

NOTE:

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

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

Fig 2: Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Retainer w/Inserts
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Shock Absorber Set:T10001

Fig 3: 18 mm socket from the Shock Absorber Set
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Remove the Coil Spring

Fig 4: Spring Tensioner VAG 1752/1

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Suspension strut is removed. Refer to SUSPENSION STRUT, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

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

Fig 5: Spring Compressor Kit

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WARNING:

Risk of accident!

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

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

-- Arrange the special tools as shown:

Fig 6: Removing Coil Spring

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Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Tensioner:V.A.G 1752/1
Ratchet (commercially available)
Shock Absorber Set - Extension SW6:T10001/7 / DRC Shock Absorber: 10-Point Socket, Commercially Available
Shock Absorber Set - Reversible Ratchet:T10001/11
Shock Absorber Set - Socket:T10001/3
Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Retainer w/Inserts:V.A.G 1752/6

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

-- Pull off the cover.

-- Remove the nut from the piston rod.

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

Shock Absorber, Replacing, Excluding RS Competition

Fig 7: Shock Absorber

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-- Remove the cap -4- and the lower spring support -2-.

-- Loosen the spring plate -1- using a plastic mallet and remove upward from the shock absorber -3-.

Shock Absorber, Replacing, RS Competition

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-- Remove the protective cap with stop buffer -2- from the shock absorber -3-.

Install the Coil Spring, Excluding RS Competition

Fig 8: Shock Absorber

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-- Tap the spring plate -1- onto the new shock absorber -3- using a plastic mallet.

-- Position the lower spring support -2- and the cap -4-.

-- Position the pretensioned coil spring on the lower spring support.

-- Position the individual suspension strut components.

Install the Coil Spring, RS Competition

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-- Check the installation position of the lower spring plate/spring support -1-

-- Attach the protective cap with stop buffer -2- onto the new shock absorber -3-.

-- Attach the pretensioned coil spring -2- to the lower spring support -1-, in a way that the spring support fits closely to the end of the spring coil -arrow-.

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Permitted maximum play = 2 mm.

Continuation

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-- Position the strut mount -1- with the spring support -2- on the pretensioned spring so that the spring support rests against the end of the coil spring -arrow-.

Permitted maximum play: 2 mm.

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

NOTE:

When releasing the tension, make sure the upper end of the spring rests on the spring support stop.

Tightening Specifications

Refer to OVERVIEW - SUSPENSION STRUT AND UPPER CONTROL ARM