Loosening Rear Pneumatic Spring

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2018 Porsche Cayenne, 2017 Porsche Cayenne, 2016 Porsche Cayenne, 2015 Porsche Cayenne, and 2014 Porsche Cayenne. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Incorrect handling of gas-filled shock absorbers

Gas-filled shock absorbers can burst
Risk of eye injuries
Risk of bruising

→ Gas-filled shock absorbers must be in idle state before removal.

→ Open the lid.

→ Secure the lid to prevent it from closing accidentally following removal of the gas-filled shock absorbers.

→ Do not use force to open the gas-filled shock absorbers because of their high internal pressure.

Information

Some of the repair illustrations show only one side of the vehicle.
Naturally, some steps also have to be performed on the opposite side of the vehicle as well.

Open the rear lid.
Loosen pneumatic spring.

Fig 1: Removing Pneumatic Spring
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
1. 2.1. A second person should hold the rear lid to prevent it from closing accidentally.
2. 2.2. Insert a screwdriver between the head of the pneumatic spring -1- and the safety clip.
3. 2.3. Lift up the safety clip by levering the screwdriver towards the rear -A- . The safety clip remains on the head of the pneumatic spring -1- .
4. 2.4. Pull pneumatic spring off the ball joint -B- .
5. 2.5. Remove screwdriver.