Audi A4: Shock Absorber Fork, Removing and Installing

Special tools and workshop equipment required

• Spreader Tool -3424-
• Torque Wrench 1331 5-50Nm -VAG1331-
• Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm -VAG1332-

  Caution

This procedure contains mandatory replaceable parts. Refer to component overview and parts catalog prior to starting procedure.

Mandatory Replacement Parts

• Nut - Coupling Rod to Shock Absorber Fork
• Bolt - Control Arm to Shock Absorber Fork

Removing

- Before starting the procedure, determine the curb weight position. Refer to → Chapter "Wheel Bearing in Curb Weight Position, Lifting Vehicles with Coil Spring".

- Remove the front wheel. Refer to → Chapter "Wheels and Tires".

- Remove the coupling rod. Refer to → Chapter "Coupling Rod, Removing and Installing".

- Disconnect the connectors -1 and 2- for the shock absorber fork.

- Insert the -3424- into the slot in the shock absorber fork -arrow-.

  Caution

There is a risk of damaging the ball joint.

The upper control arm ball joint must not be pushed past the maximum bending point.

- Remove the shock absorber fork downward from the shock absorber tube and remove, while pushing the wheel bearing housing carefully downward.

Installing

Install in reverse order of removal and note the following:

- Attach the shock absorber fork.

- Install the threaded connections for the components with bonded rubber bushings only until the stop, but do not tighten yet.

  Note

Bonded rubber bushings have a limited range of rotation. Only tighten the threaded connections for the suspension when the vehicle is in curb weight position.

- Lift the wheel bearing in curb weight position. Refer to → Chapter "Wheel Bearing in Curb Weight Position, Lifting Vehicles with Coil Spring".

• Overview table for when an axle alignment is needed. Refer to → Chapter "Need for Axle Alignment, Evaluating".

Tightening Specifications

• Refer to → Chapter "Overview - Subframe"
• Refer to → Chapter "Overview - Suspension Strut and Upper Control Arm"
• Refer to → Chapter "Overview - Lower Control Arm and Ball Joint"
• Refer to → Chapter "Wheels and Tires"

Tower Brace, Removing and Installing

Special tools and workshop equipment required

• Torque Wrench 1331 5-50Nm -VAG1331-

Removing

- Remove the plenum chamber cover. Refer to → Body Exterior; Rep. Gr.50; Bulkhead; Plenum Chamber Cover, Removing and Installing.

- Remove the nuts -1- and bolts -arrows-, and remove the tower brace.

Installing

Install in reverse order of removal.

Tightening Specifications

• Refer to → Chapter "Overview - Tower Brace"

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