Front Gas-Filled Shock Absorbers, Venting And Draining

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

-- Secure the gas-filled shock absorber vertically in vise, with piston rod facing down.

Fig 1: Identifying Front Gas-Filled Strut, Venting

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

WARNING:

Wear protective eyewear while drilling.

-- Drill a 3 mm hole -A- through the shock absorber outer tube.

NOTE:

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. Move the piston rod repeatedly through the entire stroke until no more oil flows out.