Audi Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

Removing and installing suspension strut Special tools and workshop equipment required

t  Angle wrench -V.A.G 1756-

t  Torque wrench -V.A.G 1332-

t  Spreader -3424-

t  Ball joint puller -3287 A- Removing –  Loosen bolt securing drive shaft at wheel hub. t  Loosen bolt securing drive shaft at wheel hub; procedure → Chapter „Loosening and tightening hexagon bolt securing drive shaft“. t  Loosen bolt securing drive shaft at wheel hub; procedure → Chapter „Loosening and tightening twelve-point ribbed bolt securing drive shaft“. t  Loosen bolt securing drive shaft at wheel hub; procedure → Chapter „Loosening and tightening twelve-point bolt (without ribbing) securing drive shaft“. –  Remove wheel. –  Detach brake caliper and secure to body with wire → Brake system; Repair group 46; Servicing front brakes. –  Detach bracket for brake line and electrical wiring from wheel bearing housing. –  Remove ABS speed sensor → Brake system; Repair group 46; Servicing front brakes.

–  Unscrew top hexagon nut for coupling rod -arrow- from suspension strut. –  Detach speed sensor wiring from suspension strut.

–  Slacken off nut on track rod ball joint (but do not remove yet). –  Press track rod ball joint out of wheel bearing housing using ball joint puller -3287A- (and then unscrew nut).

–  On vehicles with vehicle level sender, unscrew nut -3-.

–  On vehicles with electronic damping control (Audi magnetic ride), unplug connector -2-. -Arrows- can be disregarded.   Note Use both hands to remove the connector: open the catch with one hand whilst pressing off the connector with the other; do not use any tools. –  Unscrew nuts -arrows-. –  Detach wishbone from swivel joint and pull wheel bearing housing off drive shaft splines.   Note t  Do not let the drive shaft hang down under its own weight, as otherwise excessive bending could damage the inner CV joint. t  Tie up drive shaft to body with wire. –  Remove plenum chamber cover → Rep. gr.50.

–  Unscrew hexagon bolts -arrows- for upper shock absorber mounting. –  Take out suspension strut.

–  Detach bolt connection between suspension strut and wheel bearing housing. –  Insert spreader -3424- in slot in wheel bearing housing. –  Turn ratchet handle through 90° and pull ratchet handle off spreader -3424-. –  Pull suspension strut -1- out of wheel bearing housing -2-. Installing Installation is performed in reverse sequence; note the following: Tightening torques → Chapter „Exploded view of wheel bearing housing and wheel bearing unit“ Tightening torques → Chapter „Exploded view of subframe, diagonal strut, swivel joint, anti-roll bar, wishbone, suspension bracket and vehicle level senders“

–  Insert suspension strut; one of the two markings -arrows- must face in direction of travel.

–  Tighten nuts -arrows-. –  Tighten bolt securing drive shaft to wheel hub. t  Tighten bolt securing drive shaft at wheel hub; procedure → Chapter „Loosening and tightening hexagon bolt securing drive shaft“. t  Tighten bolt securing drive shaft at wheel hub; procedure → Chapter „Loosening and tightening twelve-point ribbed bolt securing drive shaft“. t  Tighten bolt securing drive shaft at wheel hub; procedure → Chapter „Loosening and tightening twelve-point bolt (without ribbing) securing drive shaft“. –  Install plenum chamber cover → Rep. gr.50. –  On vehicles with electronic damping control (Audi magnetic ride), re-adapt reference position → Vehicle diagnostic tester. –  On vehicles with vehicle level sender, carry out basic adjustment of headlights → Rep. gr.94. –  Check and adjust wheel alignment as required, see chart → Anchor.