Removing and installing front axle suspension strut (allroad) — AUDI

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi A6 C5 (4B)

• Renewed: nuts for suspension strut

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• So as not to damage the joints of the lower links, support must be provided for example by way of the engine and gearbox lifterV.A.G 1383 A to prevent excessive rebound.
• A strip, dimension (A) 20...25 mm, must be cut out of protective sleeve (1) .
• Take care not to damage the boot when removing the suspension strut.
• Mark the shock absorber/mounting bracket positions.
• Position the mounting bracket in line with the mark.

🔩 Torque settings

Values can differ between engine variants — check the code stamped on your block.

ℹ️ Always cross-check the exact figure against your vehicle's factory manual before final tightening — a wrong torque can damage the engine. These values are extracted from workshop data and may not cover every variant or revision.

📋 Procedure

1. Deactivate the adaptive suspension at normal level .
2. Bleed the suspension strut system .
3. Remove wheels.
4. Secure brake disc with one wheel bolt.
5. Remove the cover for the plenum chamber/battery. [Note: So as not to damage the joints of the lower links, support must be provided for example by way of the engine and gearbox lifterV.A.G 1383 A to prevent excessive rebound.]

6. Only unscrew the air hose connection at the suspension strut to the extent required to allow air to escape.
7. Once the pressure in the suspension strut/air hose has been fully dissipated, remove the air hose by unfastening the screw connection at the suspension strut.
8. Unfasten the vehicle level sender at the track control link.
9. Remove bolts (2). Tightening torque: 45 Nm and turn 55° further. — 45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
10. Unscrew bolt (arrow). Tightening torque: 45 Nm and turn 55° further. — 45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
11. Protect the steering rack boot against damage.
12. A strip, dimension (A) 20...25 mm, must be cut out of protective sleeve (1) .
13. Carefully deburr the cut surfaces.
14. Push the protective sleeve over the steering rack boot. The open, slit section should face downwards.
15. Remove nut (1).
16. Take out hexagon bolt and lift out link (2).
17. Swing wheel bearing housing away to the side in direction of arrow. [Note: Use a leather cloth for example to protect the boot against damage.For safety reasons, screw the collared nut at the joint pin of the track control link back on again by approx. 4 turns such that it is flush.Make sure both lever arms are in parallel when applying maximum force and adjust if necessary.]
18. Unscrew nut from guide link joint pin and press off joint pin.
19. Unscrew the suspension strut/track control link bolt (2).
20. Remove suspension strut downwards.
21. As shown, only grasp hold of the suspension strut at the mounting bracket and shock absorber tube. [Note: Take care not to damage the boot when removing the suspension strut.]
22. Mark the shock absorber/mounting bracket positions.
23. Position the mounting bracket in line with the mark.
24. Attach suspension strut with mounting bracket to body.
25. Bolt suspension strut to track control link. Tightening torque: 90 Nm. — 90 Nm (66 lb-ft)
26. Bonded rubber bushes can only be turned to a limited extent. The bolt connection between the suspension strut and the track control link should therefore only be tightened when the vehicle is standing on the ground. [Note: The vehicle must not be standing on its wheels before charging has been performed.Remove any remnants of adhesive on thread of joint pin.]
27. Tighten new nut to 100 Nm. Provide support at the joint pin with a 4 mm Allen key when doing so. — 100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
28. Insert upper link into wheel bearing housing and tighten new nut (6) to 40 Nm. — 40 Nm (30 lb-ft)
29. When screwing on, press down the upper links as far as possible.
30. Screw on the VOSS air connection (2 Nm). — 2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
31. Correctly position the scuff guard (7).
32. Fit new nuts for suspension strut and tighten to 20 Nm. — 20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
33. Attach the adaptive suspension holder to the track control link.
34. Insert rubber grommets in plenum chamber.
35. Charge the air spring . [Note: The vehicle must not be standing on its wheels before charging has been performed.]
36. Fit wheel and tighten. Wheels and tyres44
37. Perform adaptive suspension basic setting .

🎬 Video walkthrough

Independent video tutorial by AUTODOC (YouTube) — a helpful visual companion to the steps above.

How to change a front shock strut on AUDI A6 C5 Avant

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