Suspension Strut / Shock Absorber: Service and Repair

Shock absorbers (front wheel drive vehicles), assembly overview





1 - Gas - filled shock absorber
- Can be replaced individually
Refer to Parts Supplier
- Disposal: observe government regulations
- Functional check:
- Press shock absorber together by hand. When doing this, piston rod must move over complete length smoothly and with even force
- If shock absorber has sufficient gas pressure, piston rod returns to original starting position
- If piston rod does not return to its starting position, and there is no loss of oil, shock absorber may still be OK
2 - Protective cap
3 - Protective tube
4 - Stop buffer
5 - Shock absorber mounting
6 - Self - locking hex nut
- Tighten to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.)
- Replace each time after removing
- Removing go to Fig. 1
7 - Cover

Fig. 1 Removing hex nut from shock absorber





1 - Commercially available ratchet handle
2 - T10001/9 Socket
3 - T 10001/11
4 -T10001/1 Socket
Also possible to use special tool 3079.

Shock absorber/spring, removing and installing

Special tools and equipment





- VAG1383A Gearbox jack





- T10001 Special tools for struts/shock absorbers

Removing spring





- Pull connector - 1 - off speed sensor.
- Unclip speed sensor wiring from retainer.





- Remove bolts - 1 - with vehicle standing on its wheels (if necessary, raise vehicle until bolts are accessible).
- Raise vehicle to working height; this relieves load on coil spring.
- Remove spring.

Installing spring
- Ensure zinc packing is not damaged.
- Replace if necessary.
- Install spring together with spring seat.
- Observe installation position!





- End of spring (arrow) must lie against stop on spring seat.





- Press rear axle upward using gearbox jack VAG1359/2.
- Bolt shock absorber to body with 30 Nm plus additional 90°.
Use new bolts!

Removing shock absorber





- Remove bolts - 1 - with vehicle standing on its wheels (if necessary, raise vehicle until bolts are accessible).
- Raise vehicle to working height; this relieves load on coil spring.





- Remove hex bolt - 2 - securing shock absorber to rear axle.
For ease of illustration the work sequence is shown without the wheel.
- Take out shock absorber.
- Install in reverse order of removal.

The vehicle must be standing on its wheels when tightening bolts securing bonded rubber bushings, otherwise the rubber bushing will be placed under stress and its service life will be reduced.

Tightening torques:
Shock absorber to rear axle Use new nuts/bolts! 40 Nm + 90°
Load the rear of the vehicle by the weight of one person when tightening
Shock absorber to body Use new bolts! 30 Nm + 90°