Rear Suspension (AWD)

Spring, removing and installing

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
^ Spring compressor V.A.G 1752/1





^ 2 spring holders (80 - 165 mm) V.A.G 1752/4





^ Engine/transmission jack V.A.G 1383A

Great force are applied when compressing springs. Note the following safety precautions:

CAUTION!
^ Make sure that the spring retainers contact the spring coils as closely as possible.
^ Check that the spring retainers are properly seated on the spring coils while compressing the spring.
^ Do not use impact wrenches.

Removing left spring
- Remove wheel.





- Attach 2 spring holders (80 - 165 mm) V.A.G 1752/4 to spring compressor V.A.G 1752/1.





- Insert the spring compressor V.A.G 1752/1-.





- Turn spring compressor spindle until spring is slightly compressed.
- Check that spring retainers are properly positioned on spring coils.
- Stop compressing the spring at the latest when the spring coils touch one another.





- Unclip speed sensor wire from bracket.
- Open cover - 2 - for connector - 1 -.
- Remove ABS wheel speed sensor from trailing arm housing.
- Detach headlight range control linkage if necessary Vehicle level sensor in vehicles with automatic headlight vertical aim control.
- Place engine/transmission jack V.A.G 1359/2 under the wheel bearing housing and raise it slightly.

CAUTION! Do not raise vehicle further than necessary, to prevent any risk of it falling off the lifting platform.





- Remove hex bolt - arrow -. Tightening torque: 110 Nm.

Use new bolt.

- Slowly lower engine/transmission jack again.
- Remove spring from vehicle together with spring compressor.

Installing left spring





- Insert spring into spring retainers.
- Turn spring compressor spindle until spring is slightly compressed.
- Check that spring compressors are properly positioned on spring coils.
- Stop compressing the spring at the latest when the spring coils touch one another.

Installation position of spring
For vehicles with no fixed stop on stop buffer - 2 -
The end of the spring coil - 3 - must be positioned at 9 o'clock.
1 - Spring
2 - Stop buffer
F - Direction of travel

Installation position of spring
For vehicles with fixed stop on stop buffer - 2 -.

The end of the spring coil must make contact with the stop - arrow -.
- Loosen spring by turning spindle counter-clockwise.





- Check the spring for correct installation position while loosening it.
- Do not use an impact wrench or similar.

The spring retainers will become jammed in the spring if the spindle is turned too far.

- Remove spring compressor out of spring.





- If necessary, remove coupling rod - arrow - from stabilizer bar.

The lower bolt for the shock absorber is then easier to install.
The remaining installation steps are carried out in reverse sequence.

The vehicle must be standing on its wheels when tightening the bolt connections with bonded rubber bushings.
Otherwise, the bushing would be subject to torsion and its service life shortened.





Use new bolts.

Removing and installing right spring
- Removal and installation is the same as the left side.