Front Suspension

Shock Absorber Fork

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

• Spreader (3424)

• Torque Wrench 5-50 Nm (V.A.G 1331)

• Torque Wrench 40-200 Nm (V.A.G 1332)

• Ball Joint Puller (T40010 A)

• Tensioning Strap (T10038)

Removing






- Remove the wheel.

- Secure the wheel housing liner using a (T10038) - 1 -, as illustrated.

• To prevent the joints on the upper control arm from being damaged, support the wheel bearing housing.

- Remove nut - 2 -.






- Remove the bolt - 2 -.

- Disconnect connections - 1 and 3 -.






- Remove the coupling rod - 2 -.

- Remove the nut - 1 - from the tie rod end joint pin - 2 - until it is flush with the joint pin threads. Counter hold when loosening.






• To protect thread, screw nut on pin a few turns.

- Press off track rod ball joint from wheel bearing housing using (T40010 A). Remove the nut.






- Remove the bolt - 3 -.






- Separate the threaded connection - 1 - and guide the control arm out and tilt it forward.

• To remove the bolt - 1 -, turn the steering gear all the way to the left or right depending on the side of the vehicle.

- Remove the bolt - 1 -.






- Insert the (3424) into the slot in the shock absorber fork.






- Turn ratchet 90° and pull off from (3424) - 1 -.

- Pull the shock absorber fork downward from the shock absorber tube and remove it.

Installing

Install in reverse order of removal. Note the following:

Tightening specifications, refer to => [ Air Spring Damper/Steel Spring Damper, Shock Absorber Fork, Upper Control Arm and Tower Brace Overview ] Air Spring Damper/Steel Spring Damper, Shock Absorber Fork, Upper Control Arm and Tower Brace Overview.

Tightening specifications, refer to => [ Track Control Arm, Ball Joint, Guide Link and Level Control System Sensor Overview ] Track Control Arm, Ball Joint, Guide Link and Level Control System Sensor Overview.

• When connecting, make sure the T-pins - arrow - engage in the shock absorber fork groove.






• Bonded rubber bushings can only be turned to a limited extent. Only tighten suspension bolts when vehicle is in curb weight or control position.

- Lift the wheel bearing into the control position or into the curb weight position. Refer to => [ Wheel Bearing, with Air Suspension, Lifting to Curb Weight Position ] Wheel Bearing, With Air Suspension, Lifting to Curb Weight Position or => [ Wheel Bearing, with Coil Spring, Lifting to Curb Weight Position ] Wheel Bearing, With Coil Spring, Lifting to Curb Weight Position.

- On vehicles with automatic headlamp range control system, perform a basic setting on the headlamps.

- If the vehicle level sensor was removed and installed or if the linkage was loosened, the control position must be programmed again. Refer to => [ Self-Leveling Suspension Control Position, Programming with Vehicle Diagnostic Tester ] Testing and Inspection.

- If the control position was reprogrammed on vehicles with lane assist, the camera control module (J852) must be calibrated again. Refer to => [ Camera Control Module (J852), Lane Assist, Calibrating ] Testing and Inspection.

- Tighten the wheel.

- Axle alignment is required, see table. Refer to => [ Wheel Alignment ] Wheel Alignment.