Audi Workshop Service and Repair Manuals > A3 Mk2 > Running gear, front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive | Technical data | Proper disposal of fluid-filled components | Releasing gas and draining gas-filled shock absorbers (rear)

Releasing gas and draining gas-filled shock absorbers (rear)

A - Releasing gas by drilling

–	Clamp gas-filled shock absorber vertically in vice, with piston rod pointing downwards.

WARNING

Safety goggles must be worn when drilling.

–	Drill a 3 mm Ø hole -arrow A- through outer tube of shock absorber.

Note

Gas will escape during drilling.

–	Continue drilling until inner tube is fully penetrated (approx. 25 mm deep).

–	Drill a second 6 mm Ø hole -arrow B- through outer and inner tubes of shock absorber.

–	Hold shock absorber over a drip tray and move piston rod up and down several times through entire stroke until no more fluid comes out.

B - Opening with pipe cutter

WARNING

Safety goggles must be worn while drilling and cutting.

–	Drill a 3 mm Ø hole through outer tube of shock absorber, or saw through side of tube.

Note

Gas will escape when drilling or sawing.

–	Apply pipe cutter (e.g. Stahlwille Express 150/3) as shown in illustration and cut through outer tube of shock absorber.

–	Pull the piston rod upwards, at the same time holding the inner tube securely with pliers and pressing it downwards, so that it remains in the outer tube when the piston rod is slowly pulled upwards.

–	Pull piston rod off inner tube of shock absorber.

–	Drain shock absorber tube.

Audi Workshop Service and Repair Manuals