Rear Gas-Filled Shock Absorbers, Venting And Draining

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2022 Audi S3, 2022 Audi RS 3, 2022 Audi A3 Quattro, and 2022 Audi A3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The procedure is the same for standard shock absorber and controlled shock absorbers.

Special tools and workshop equipment required

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

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: Audi Magnetic Ride Rear Shock Absorber

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.