1997 AUDI A4 Suspension Front Struts Remove And Install Workshop Manual

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Information on weight codes (code number)

From model year 1998 , spring/shock
assemblies will be classified according to weight
codes (code number) so that suspension
components can be matched easily. The spring/shock assemblies installed in the
vehicle is indicated by the weight code on the
vehicle data label.

Example of vehicle data label
The vehicle data label is located in the spare wheel well and in the vehicle
Maintenance booklet.
The weight codes can be used to identify the correct spring/shock
assemblies on the parts catalog microfiche. A - Weight code for front suspension
B - Weight code for rear suspension
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The weight code for the different suspension versions is indicated by the
arrow in the illustration.
Special tools, test equipment and auxiliary items
1BA: Standard suspension1BE: Sport suspension 1BB: Heavy duty suspension (approx. 20 mm or 0.79 in. higher)1BC: Special purpose vehicles1BD: Sport suspension, Audi S41BH: USA1BT: Heavy duty suspension (approx. 7 mm or 0.28 in. higher)1BP: Heavy duty suspension (ride height same as 1BA but with limited
bump) VAG1752/1 VAG1752/2 VAG1752/7
VAG1752/28 3353
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Fig. 1 Removing coil spring
- Clamp VAG1752/2 spring mounting tool in vise.
- Clamp forked end of suspension strut in VAG1752/2 spring mounting
tool.

WARNING!
Make sure coil spring is properly seated in VAG1752/7 spring holder
(arrow). Fig. 2 Removing coil spring, continued
- Using VAG1752/1 tensioning device, compress coil spring until upper
spring plate is free.
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Fig. 3 Removing coil spring, continued
- Remove nut from piston rod (counter-hold with hex wrench).
- Using VAG1752/1 tensioning device, remove components of
suspension strut and compressed coil spring.

The following steps are required to remove the shock absorber: Fig. 4 Replacing shock absorber
- Remove protective cap -1- and lower spring base -2-.
- Using plastic hammer, loosen and remove lower spring plate -3-.
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Fig. 5 Installation position of lower spring plate
- Make sure lower spring plate is correctly positioned before installing
coil spring:

Hole (arrow) in spring plate -1- should be perpendicular (90 ) to
bolt axis -A- of shock absorber -2-

Allowable deviation: 2

The lower spring support is located by a recess in the spring plate. Fig. 6 Installing coil spring
- Install protective cap and stop buffer.
- Install coil spring onto lower spring base using VAG1752/1 tensioning
device.
End of coil spring must lie against stop (arrow)
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The 11 positions on the spring plates are always mirror images on
the left and right-hand sides.
Installation position of upper spring plate Fig. 8
. Fig. 7 Installing upper spring plate
-
Set angle scale (arrow) on VAG1752/2 spring mounting tool to 0 .
- Install upper spring plate, washer and suspension strut mount.
- Using VAG1752/8 adjustment gauge for struts, position upper spring
plate to 11 .
The 11 position on the adjustment gauge is indicated by "left-front" or
"right-front"
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The studs in upper spring plate are offset 11 to the bolt axis -1- of the
forked end of the shock absorber.
Holes -B- in the lower spring plates face the center of the vehicle. Fig. 8 Installation position of upper spring plate
A - 11 2F - Direction of travel
L - Spring plate on left-hand side
R - Spring plate on right-hand side
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When installed correctly, the upper and lower spring plates should be
parallel to each other. Fig. 9 Installing coil spring
End of spring must lie against stop on upper spring plate (arrow)
- Install new nut using 3353 specialty socket wrench.
Tightening torque: 60 Nm (44 ft lb)
- Relieve tension on coil spring.
- Remove VAG1752/8 adjustment gauge for struts.
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