Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Front Suspension






Suspension Strut and Mounting Bracket

Assembly Overview






1 - Nut

50 Nm

Always replace if removed.

2 - Shock Absorber Mounting

3 - Washer

4 - Mounting Bracket

5 - Upper Spring Support

6 - Coil Spring

Note different types of suspension versions, see vehicle data plate. Refer to => [ Explanations of Production Control Numbers ] Application and ID.

Allocation, refer to Electronic Parts Catalog (ETKA).

7 - Additional Spring

8 - Protective Sleeve

9 - Protective Cap

10 - Lower Spring Support

11 - Lower Spring Plate

12 - Shock Absorbers

Note different types of suspension versions. Refer to => [ Explanations of Production Control Numbers ] Application and ID.

Always release gas and drain malfunctioning shock absorbers before disposal.

Allocation, refer to the Electronic Parts Catalog (ETKA).

Production control number (PR number) explanation, refer to => [ Explanations of Production Control Numbers ] Application and ID.

The shock absorber combination installed in the vehicle is indicated by the corresponding PR number on the vehicle data plate.

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Spring compressor (V.A.G 1752/1)

Spring mounting tool (V.A.G 1752/2)

Spring holder (V.A.G 1752/7)

Knurled bolt from (V.A.G 1752/18)

Rod, extended (V.A.G 1752/18-3)

Clamping jaw (V.A.G 1752/19-1)

Suspension strut adjustment gauge (V.A.G 1752/19)

Shock absorber set (T10001/3)

Shock absorber set (T10001/4)

Shock absorber set (T10001/7)

Shock absorber set (T10001/11)

Coil Spring, Removing






1. (V.A.G 1752/1)

2. (T10001/7)

3. (T10001/11)

4. (T10001/3)

5. (V.A.G 1752/7)


- Clamp the suspension strut in the vise with the shock absorber fork installed.

- Mark the installation location of the mounting bracket to the T-pin on the shock absorber tube. (felt-tip pen)

- Pretension coil spring using (V.A.G 1752/1) and (V.A.G 1752/7) until upper suspension strut is free.

- Make sure the coil spring is seated in the spring holder - 2 - correctly.






1. (V.A.G 1752/1)

2. (V.A.G 1752/7)


- Remove the nut from the piston rod using the tools - 2 -, - 3 - and - 4 -.






1. (V.A.G 1752/1)

2. (T10001/7)

3. (T10001/11)

4. (T10001/3)

5. (V.A.G 1752/7)


- Remove individual components of suspension strut and pre-tensioned coil spring with (V.A.G 1752/1).

Shock Absorber, Replacing






- Remove the cap - 1 - and the lower spring support - 2 -.

- Loosen suspension strut - 3 - using plastic hammer and remove upward.

- Drive the spring plate onto the new shock absorber using a plastic hammer.

Coil Spring, Installing






- Install the lower spring support and the cap.

- Position the pre-tensioned coil spring on the lower spring support. End of spring coil must rest against stop - arrow - (permissible play maximum 2 mm).

Install mounting bracket with spring washer onto pre-loaded spring so that spring washer makes contact on end of spring coil - arrow - (permissible play maximum 2 mm).






- Position individual suspension strut components.

- Tighten the nut using special tools.

- Align the marking on the mounting bracket to the T-pin on the shock absorber tube and release the tension in the spring.

Mounting Bracket Installation Position






- Install the (V.A.G 1752/2) as shown in the illustration.

1. (V.A.G 1752/18-3)

2. (V.A.G 1752/19)

3. (V.A.G 1752/2)

4. (V.A.G 1752/19-1)


- Tension the suspension strut with spring compressor vertically in the (V.A.G 1752/2).

- Tension the suspension strut so the pin - 1 - engages in the (V.A.G 1752/19-1) opening - 2 -.






- When tensioning, make sure the front damping adjustment valve - 1 - or electrical wiring connection - 2 - does not sit on the suspension strut mount - 3 -.






- Disengage the locking lever and set the pointer to the 0° position - arrow -, then tighten the locking lever.






- Adjust the mounting bracket so the (V.A.G 1752/19) for the respective side of the vehicle can be bolted to the mounting bracket.

Left Side






- Bolt (V.A.G 1752/19) onto mounting bracket - arrows L -.

Right Side






- Bolt (V.A.G 1752/19) to mounting bracket - arrows R -.

- Release the tension in the (V.A.G 1752/1) and remove it.

When releasing the tension, make sure the ends of the spring lie on the spring support stops in the mounting bracket and the lower spring support.

- Check adjustment, repeat procedure if necessary.

Permissible deviation: ±2°