Removing Front Air-Spring Strut

Information 

Recommendation for workshops replacing shock absorbers for workshops:

• Dampers can be replaced separately up to a mileage of 30, 000 km or 3 years  .
• If the mileage is > 30, 000 km or the components are more than 3 years old, we recommend replacing them in pairs  .

Information 

The procedure for removing and installing is described for one side as an example. The procedure for the other side is almost identical.

Information 

Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Front air-spring strut

• Install stored air-spring struts within one year  .
• Do not set the air-spring strut down on/against the control valves connectors, air connection or screw dome  .
• Only transport air-spring struts -1- by hand at the cover -2- and shock absorber fork -3-  .

Information 

• Do not move air-spring strut when empty! 
• Do not release any air! 

1. Disconnect electric lines -1-  from air-spring strut -2-  .
   1. 1.1 Release electric plug connections -3-  and disconnect them.
   2. 1.2 Loosen electric line -1-  from holder -4-  .

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   Electric plug connections for air-spring strut

2. Release and unplug electric plug connection for air-spring strut -1-  and remove it from holder -2-  .

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   Electric plug connection for air-spring strut

   Information 

   The terms "Ignition on" and "Starting engine" are re-defined for fully electric vehicles (battery electric vehicles - BEV).

   Establishing operational readiness/Ignition on: 

   Prerequisites for establishing operational readiness: High-voltage battery is sufficiently charged, remove vehicle charging cable from the vehicle charge port, put driver's key in the emergency start tray.

   Establishing operational readiness automatically: Get into the vehicle and close the driver's door. The driver's key is recognized inside the vehicle. Operational readiness is established.

   Establishing operational readiness manually: Press Start/Stop switch. The driver's key is recognized inside the vehicle. Operational readiness is established.

   Establishing operational readiness/Starting engine: 

   Establish operational readiness and engage transmission range. The vehicle is now ready to drive and can be moved.

   Ending operational readiness/Switching off ignition 

   Ending operational readiness automatically: Get out of the vehicle with the driver's key and close the driver door. The driver's key is no longer detected outside the vehicle. Operational readiness ends.

   Ending operational readiness manually: Press Start/Stop switch until the instrument cluster is switched off.

   Ending driving readiness/Stopping engine 

   Vehicle is stationary: Press the P  button on the instrument cluster. The vehicle is parked.

3. To remove the air-spring strut, reduce the air pressure on the individual spring strut (release air) using the PIWIS Tester  before detaching the air line.

   > 430117 DRAINING AND FILLING THE LEVEL CONTROL - INFORMATION ON "DRAINING" .

   1. 3.1 PIWIS Tester  must be connected to the vehicle and switched on.
   2. 3.2 Establishing operational readiness/Ignition on.
   3. 3.3 Start diagnostics.
   4. 3.4 Select "Control unit for chassis control PASM"  .
   5. 3.5 Select Maintenance/repairs 
   6. 3.6 Select the menu item "Replacement work on the air spring system"  and press F12 to continue.
   7. 3.7 Select the "Replacement of an air spring"  function and press F12 to continue.
   8. 3.8 Select the "Bleeding an air spring"  function and press F12 to continue.
   9. 3.9 Follow the instructions on the Tester.
   CAUTION: Escaping residual air 

   • Risk of eye injuries 

     → Wear protective goggles.

   Information 

   • Disconnect air lines only at the connection for the air spring  .
   • There is a pressure retaining valve only on the front axle  .
   • Observe specified tightening torque for the Voss threaded joint  .

   Information 

   The cutting ring -1-  and Voss threaded joint -2-  must remain on the air line -3-  .

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   Air line

4. Disconnect air line -1-  from the air-spring strut -2-  .

   When the air line is pulled from the air-spring strut, a pressure control valve (on the front axle only) ensures that any residual pressure remains in the air spring. This prevents any damage to the air spring  . This prevents any damage to the air spring.

   1. 4.1 Slowly unscrew Voss threaded joint for the air line -3-  and disconnect air line -1-  .

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   Air line on air-spring strut

5. Loosen air-spring strut fork -1-  on the lower front control arm -2-  .
   1. 5.1 Unscrew collar nut -3-  counter at screw -4-  and remove screw -4-  .

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      Air-spring strut fork

   2. 5.2 Replace screw and collar nut  .
6. Loosen drive shaft -1-  from front final drive -2-  using mounting lever.

   Replace the skid plate  .

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   Drive shaft

   Information 

   You will need a second mechanic to help you with this step.

7. Remove front air-spring strut -1-  with drive shaft -2-  .
   1. 7.1 Unscrew collar nuts -3-  on the spring-strut mount at the top.
   2. 7.2 Remove front air-spring strut -1-  with drive shaft -2-  .

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      Air-spring strut and drive shaft

   3. 7.3 Replace collar nuts  .