1998 AUDI A4 air suspension

42-3


7 -
Suspension strut
Different versions vehicle data label, page 42
-5
Do not mix different versionsIdentical part for left and right-sidesRemoving and installing page 42
-24
Servicing page 42
-26
8 -
Nut
Always replace
9 -
Wheel bearing and wheel hub Servicing page 42
-16
10 -
Guide bushing
Removing and installing page 42
-14
11 -
Bolt
Always replace75 Nm (55 ft lb)
Pa
ge 4 of 26 Rear axle, servicin
g (front-wheel-drive vehicles
)
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42-5

Information on weight codes (code number)

From m.y. 1998 , spring/shock assemblies will
be classified according to weight codes (code
number) so that suspension components can be
matched easily. The spring/shock assembly 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.
The weight code for the different suspension versions is indicated by the
arrow in the illustration. A - Weight code for front suspension
B - Weight code for rear suspension
1BA: Standard suspension1BE: Sport suspension 1BB: Heavy duty suspension (approx. 20 mm (3/4 in.) higher)1BC: Special purpose suspension
Pa
ge 6 of 26 Rear axle, servicin
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)
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1BD: Sport suspension, Audi S41BH: USA
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ge 7 of 26 Rear axle, servicin
g (front-wheel-drive vehicles
)
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42-6

1BT: Heavy duty suspension (approx. 7 mm or
1/4 in. higher)
1BP: Heavy duty suspension (same ride height
as 1BA but with limited bump)

Checking wheel alignment page 44
-6 . Fig. 1 Rough alignment of rear axle
- With mounting bolts loosened, push rear axle fully forward (direction of
travel) and then center it from side-to-side using two rulers.
Pa
ge 8 of 26 Rear axle, servicin
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)
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42-11

- Pull ABS wheel speed sensors out of mounting
holes on both sides.

- Detach ABS wheel speed sensor wiring from
rear axle.

- On vehicles with headlight range control remove
linkage from axle beam.

Note:
Use VAG1383 gearbox lifter together with 1359/2
attachment for removing and installing the axle
beam.

- Unbolt and remove suspension strut from axle beam.
- Remove bolts from guide bushings ( page 42
-2 , items -3- and -5-)
and remove axle beam.
Pa
ge 13 of 26 Rear axle, servicin
g (front-wheel-drive vehicles
)
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42-12

Installing

- Install axle together with guide bushings into
mounting brackets and install bolts hand-tight.

- Install suspension struts and hand-tighten
suspension strut to axle beam bolts.

- Coat O-ring for ABS wheel speed sensor with
brake cylinder paste.

Repair Manual, Brake System, Repair Group 46

Repair Manual, Brake System, Repair Group 47 - Push ABS wheel speed sensors into wheel bearing housings up to
stop.
- Install locking plates for ABS wheel speed sensors.
- Route parking brake cables and attach to brake calipers.
- Connect brake lines.
- Adjust parking brake:
- Install heat shield.
- Bleed brakes:
Pa
ge 14 of 26 Rear axle, servicin
g (front-wheel-drive vehicles
)
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42-13

CAUTION!

Vehicle must be standing on its wheels when
tightening guide bushing to rear axle bolts.
Otherwise bonded rubber bushings will be
subjected to torsion resulting in shortened
service life

- Tighten guide bushing bolts ( page 42
-2 ,
items -3- and -5-).

Tightening torque: 80 Nm (59 ft lb) + 1/4-turn
(90 )
CAUTION!

Vehicle must be standing on its wheels when
tightening suspension strut to rear axle bolts.
Otherwise bonded rubber bushings will be
subjected to torsion resulting in shortened
service life

- Tighten suspension strut to axle beam bolts (
page 42
-2 , items -6- and -8-).

Tightening torque: 50 Nm (37 ft lb) + 1/4-turn
(90 )
-
On vehicles with headlight range control, tighten
bolted connection between headlight range
Pa
ge 15 of 26 Rear axle, servicin
g (front-wheel-drive vehicles
)
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42-16


Rear wheel bearing and wheel hub,
servicing

Before carrying out work on the wheel bearings or
wheel hub the wheel and brake caliper must be
removed:
Repair Manual, Brake System, Repair Group 46


CAUTION!
Notes:
Suspend the brake caliper using a piece of
wire.
Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake
hose. The unsupported weight can stretch
and damage the brake hose.
Do not attempt to weld or straighten the load
bearing components or parts of the
suspension
Only re-install clean bearings; do not wash out
bearings.
Make sure wheel bearing clearance is set
carefully.
Pa
ge 19 of 26 Rear axle, servicin
g (front-wheel-drive vehicles
)
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