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"
READ NEXT:
Spring, Removing and Installing
Special tools and workshop equipment required
Pneumatic/Hydraulic Foot Pump -VAS6179-
Spring Tensioning System -VAS6274-
Spring Tensioning System - Spindle -VAS6274/3-
Spring Tensioning System -
Overview - Wheel Bearing
Overview - Wheel Bearing, FWD
1 - Wheel Bearing Unit
Removing and installing. Refer to
→ Chapter "Wheel Bearing Unit, Removing and Installing, FWD".
Handling the wheel bearing. R
SEE MORE:
Glove Compartment Handle, Removing and Installing
Special tools and workshop equipment required
Locking Pin (3 pc.) -T40011-
Removing
- Insert the -T40011- through an opening on the side of the glove
compartment lid to release the hook for the glove compartment
handle.
- At the same time, unclip the glove compartment handle
-1- from
Sill Panel, Removing and Installing
Front Sill Panel Strip, Removing and Installing
Special tools and workshop equipment required
Trim Removal Wedge -3409-
Omega Clip Tool -T40280-
Removing
- Move the front seat all the way back.
- Remove the instrument panel side cover. Refer to
→ Chapter "Instrument Panel Side C
