Rear Suspension Strut Overview

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

1. Self-locking nut
   • Always replace
   • 30 Nm (22 ft lb)
2. Rubber mount
   • Apply talcum powder before installing
3. Upper spring retainer
4. Damper ring
   • Apply talcum powder before installing
   • Pay attention to different versions; appropriate damper ring is identified either with or without a stud on underside
5. Bump stop
   • Install into protective sleeve and press together into damper ring
6. Protective sleeve
   • Install together with bump stop and damper ring onto piston rod and coil spring so that the damper ring stop is resting against the coil spring end
7. Coil spring
   • See Parts Information
   • Before replacing, refer to data plate for determining spring version
   • Inscription on data plate:

     1BA = Standard version

     1BE = Sports version

   • End of coil spring must conceal all three holes in upper spring retainer
   • Color marked on spring points toward lower spring retainer
8. Protective cap
   • Push onto shock absorber
9. Lower spring retainer
   • With stop for coil spring
   • Installation position REAR SUSPENSION STRUT 
10. Shock absorber
    • Can be replaced individually Parts Information
    • Use proper disposal procedures for used shock absorbers before scrapping
    • Before replacing, pay attention to vehicle data plate to determine the shock absorber version
    • Meaning of inscription on data plate:
    • 1BA = Standard version
    • 1BE = Sports version
      NOTE:

      Vehicles with sports suspension are equipped with gas shock absorbers.

      Checking conventional shock absorbers (removed)

      -- Hold shock absorber upright.

      -- Check operation by extending and compressing by hand.

      -- Resistance must be even and smooth over entire stroke

      Shock absorbers that have been stored for a long period of time may need to be pumped several times.

Faulty shock absorbers make thumping noises while driving.

If shock absorbers are working properly, slight traces of oil on shock absorber do not necessarily mean it must be replaced. Too much oil lost will result in a "flat spot" during extension and compression.

Checking gas-filled shock absorbers (removed)

-- Compress shock absorber by hand.

• Resistance must be even and smooth over entire stroke

-- Release shock absorber shaft.

If gas pressure in the shock absorber is adequate, piston rod will return by itself to the starting position.

If not, the shock absorbers do not necessarily need to be replaced. Unless there has been a significant loss of oil, a gasfilled shock absorber will continue to perform in the same way as a conventional shock absorber.

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC