Front Suspension

Suspension strut/coil spring, removing and installing





Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
^ Shock absorber set T10001
^ Spring compressor V.A.G 1752/1
^ Special socket wrench 21 mm 3186
^ 2 Spring holders (80 - 165 mm) V.A.G 1752/4
^ Spreader 3424
^ Engine/transmission jack V.A.G 1383A

Removing and installing suspension strut
There are different shock absorber versions

The same version must always be installed on both sides.

If a different version is already installed in the vehicle, both shock absorbers must be replaced.

- Remove wheels.





- Remove coupling rod from suspension strut on both sides of the vehicle.
- Pull spring clip out from bracket and detach brake hose.
- Detach wire for speed sensor from suspension strut.
- Remove noise insulation panel.
- Unbolt drive axle from flange shaft on transmission.

Initial tightening torque: 10 Nm

Tightening torque: 70 Nm

- Secure drive axle with wire.
- Remove bolt and nut securing wheel bearing housing/suspension strut.





Note installation position of bolt. (See illustration).





- Insert special tool 3424 into slot - arrow -.
- Turn ratchet 90° and remove from 3424.
- Press brake disc toward suspension strut by hand.

Otherwise the strut tube can become misaligned in the bore of the wheel bearing housing.

- Pull wheel bearing housing downward from strut tube.





- Tie wheel bearing housing to subframe with wire - arrow -.





Remove hex nut for upper strut mounting

1 - Commercially available ratchet
2 - T10001/8
3 - T10001/11
4 - T10001/5

When installing, note the following points:





- Before inserting suspension strut, coat suspension strut mounting - arrows - with assembly lubricant G294421A1.





- Install suspension strut and secure to suspension strut dome. Tightening torque: 60 Nm

1 - Commercially available ratchet handle
2 - T10001/8
3 - T10001/11
4 - T10001/5





- Place suspension strut on wheel bearing housing.
- Remove wire from wheel bearing housing.
- Using engine/transmission jack, carefully raise wheel bearing housing until bolt securing suspension strut/wheel bearing housing can be inserted.

Note: Do not press against the ball joint with the engine/transmission jack.

- At the same time, push brake disc by hand toward suspension strut.

Otherwise the strut tube can become misaligned in the bore of the wheel bearing housing.

- Remove spreader tool - 3424 -.

The strut must be fully inserted in the wheel bearing housing (as far as the stop).

Further installation of suspension strut is performed in reverse order.





Removing and installing coil spring
Note different spring/shock absorber versions; refer to vehicle data sticker





- Compress coil spring with Spring compressor V.A.G 1752/1- until the upper spring plate is free.
- Remove hex nut from piston rod.
- Remove individual parts of suspension strut and coil spring with Spring compressor V.A.G 1752/1-.

1 - Commercially available ratchet handle
2 - T10001/8
3 - T10001/11
4 - T10001/5
5 - Spring compressor V.A.G 1752/1
6 - 2 spring holders (80 - 165 mm) V.A.G 1752/4

Special tool - 3186 - can also be used as an alternative for the tools shown above.





- Make sure that coil spring is seated correctly in adapter V.A.G 1752/4 - arrow -.

Installing
- Put coil spring with spring compressor V.A.G 1752/1 onto bottom spring plate.





The end of the coil spring must make contact with the stop - arrow -.





Installation of suspension strut is performed in reverse order.