Front Suspension

Removal

1. Jack up vehicle. Remove front wheel.
2. Open connector unit on spring strut and pull out connectors. Unclip electrical cable from spring strut.
3. Disconnect brake line on spring strut from brake hose.
- Before doing so, fix brake pedal in depressed position using pedal lock to prevent brake fluid from flowing from reservoir.
- Cover or close brake hose and brake line (to keep dirt out).
- Remove retaining spring from brake hose.
4. Release bolts connecting spring strut to wheel carrier.
- Release fastening nuts (4 x M 8) on spring strut mount and remove spring strut.

CAUTION:
- To prevent damage to the tie rod ball joint at the steering end, do not pull the suspension too far down when extending the strut (do not pull down until the stop of the tie rod ball joint is reached).
- Tie suspension immediately out of the way with a piece of wire or a tie-wrap (suspend at the top) after removing the strut.

Installation

1. Observe specified tightening torque values.
2. Check gasket for spring strut mount and replace if necessary.
- To do so, remove the old gasket and any remains of the gasket on the spring strut dome and bodywork.





3. Bond new gasket in correct position.
- The bolts of the spring strut mount must be centered in the holes of the gasket
- If the gasket is not positioned properly, it may be squashed by the bolts.





4. Insert spring strut in vehicle.
- Position the spring strut mount correctly on the spring strut dome.
- The red dot (arrow) must point to the front (the spring strut mount is not symmetrical).
- In this position, the shock absorber piston rod is offset to the back.
- Use new fastening nuts.
5. Replace mounting bolts and cage with fastening nuts for bolting spring strut to wheel carrier.
6. Bleed front brake circuit.
Install wheel.
7. Check and, if necessary adjust, front axle wheel alignment values.

Note: In the case of assembly work or the replacement of parts which may affect the height of the vehicle, a complete suspension alignment check (vehicle height and wheel alignment) must be carried out.