Audi A4: Shock Absorber, Removing and Installing

Special tools and workshop equipment required

• Torque Wrench 1331 5-50Nm -VAG1331-
• Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm -VAG1332-
• Engine and Gearbox Jack -VAS6931-
• Engine/Gearbox Jack Adapter - Wheel Hub Support -T10149-

  Caution

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

Mandatory Replacement Parts

• Bolt - Shock Absorber Mount to Body
• Bolt/Nut - Shock Absorber to Rear Lower Transverse Link

  Note

Because of different shock absorber valve systems, only install new shock absorbers from the same manufacturer on both axles, if possible.

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 rear wheel. Refer to → Chapter "Wheels and Tires".

- Remove the expanding rivets -2-.

- Pull the wind deflector -1- slightly outward -arrow- and remove.

- Turn the wheel hub, until a wheel bolt hole is at the top.

- Install the -T10149- with a wheel bolt -2- on the wheel hub.

  Note

Ignore item -1-.

- Insert the -T10149- in the -VAS6931- and lift the wheel bearing housing slightly.

  WARNING

Risk of accident!

• Do not lower the wheel bearing housing with the -VAS6931- if the upper or lower threaded connection for the shock absorber was separated.
• Do not leave the -VAS6931- under the vehicle any longer than necessary.

- Equipped on some models: disconnect the connector -1-.

- Remove the bolts -arrows- on the upper shock absorber fastener.

- Disconnect the connector -1- and remove the shock absorber -2-.

Installing

Install in reverse order of removal and note the following:

- Install the threaded connections up to 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 - Wheel Bearing"
• Refer to → Chapter "Wheels and Tires"

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