Suspension Strut, Removing And Installing: Removing
-- Loosen drive axle bolt on the wheel hub. Refer to DRIVE AXLE THREADED CONNECTION, LOOSENING AND TIGHTENING .
Do not load the wheel bearing if the wheel-side drive axle threaded connection is loose.
If the wheel bearings are under the load of the vehicle weight, the wheel bearing will be damaged. This reduces the service life of the wheel bearings.
The drive axle bolt may be loosened maximum 90° when the vehicle is standing on its wheels.
Vehicles without a drive axle must not be moved, otherwise the wheel bearing will be damaged. If a vehicle must be moved, be sure to note the following:
- Install an outer joint in place of the drive axle.
- Tighten the outer joint to 120 Nm.
-- Loosen the wheel bolts.
-- Raise the vehicle.
-- Remove the wheel.
-- Remove the nut -arrow- and the coupling rod -1- from the suspension strut.
-- Disengage the wire for the ABS speed sensor from the suspension strut.
Vehicles with Level Control System Sensor
-- Remove the nut -1-.
-- Remove the bracket -2- for the Left Front Level Control System Sensor -G78- or Right Front Level Control Sensor -G289- from the control arm -3-.
Continuation for All Vehicles
-- Remove the nuts -arrows-.
-- Remove the wheel bearing housing with the ball joint from the control arm.
-- Remove the drive axle outer joint from the wheel hub.
If the Drive Axle Cannot be Pulled Out of the Wheel Bearing, then the Drive Axle can be Pushed Out of the Wheel Bearing Using the :T10520 .
Before using the :T10520 , make sure that the thrust piece -1- is installed.
Using the :T10520 :
-- Secure the :T10520 -1- with three wheel bolts -2- on the wheel hub, so that the drive axle -3- can be pressed out.
-- Follow the specified sequence exactly.
I - Tighten the knurled nut -1- hand-tight.
II - Only turn the bolt -2- using a wrench and press out the drive axle using the :T10520 .
At the end of the tasks or to set back, the spindles must be brought back into the original position so that the hydraulic operation can be used.
-- Secure the drive axle to the body using a wire.
The drive axle must not hang down, otherwise the inner joint will be damaged by over bending.
-- Insert a screwdriver -1- in the brake rotor between the brake caliper and brake carrier.
-- Secure the :VAS6931 using the :T10149 -2- to the wheel hub with a wheel bolt.
- Do not lift or lower the vehicle when the :VAS6931 or :VAG1383A is under the vehicle. The vehicle could slip off the hoist.
- Do not leave the :VAS6931 or :VAG1383A under the vehicle longer than necessary.
-- Disconnect the threaded connection for the wheel bearing housing/suspension strut -arrow-.
-- Insert :3424 into the wheel bearing housing.
Pay attention that the :3424 is only inserted in the wheel bearing housing. Only insert it far enough that the suspension strut metal retainer is not damaged.
-- Turn the ratchet 90° and remove it from the :3424 .
-- Press the brake rotor toward the suspension strut by hand.
Otherwise the shock absorber tube could tilt in the wheel bearing housing hole.
-- Lower the wheel bearing housing -1- using an :VAS6931 or :VAG1383A in the direction of -arrow-.
-- Lower the wheel bearing housing -1- so that the shock absorber tube hangs freely -arrow-.
-- Fasten the ball joint to the control arm again and secure the wheel bearing housing to the subframe.
-- Remove the :VAS6931 or :VAG1383A
- Do not leave the :VAS6931 under the vehicle any longer than necessary.
-- Remove the seal from the entire length of the plenum chamber cover.
-- Remove the clips.
-- Lift the plenum chamber cover -1- to maximum 60 mm.
a - 60 mm
-- Remove the bolts -1- for upper shock absorber mount and remove the suspension strut.