AUDI A4 1996 B5 / 1.G Suspension Rear Struts Remove And Install Workshop Manual
Page 1 of 18
42-24
 
     
Suspension strut, removing 
and installing  
     
Removing  
     
Vehicle must be standing on its wheels 
above vehicle lift 
    
-  Remove wheel trim.
   On light alloy wheels use puller in vehicle tool kit to remove trim cap
- Raise vehicle.
- Remove wheel.
    
 Repair Manual, Body Interior, Repair Group 72
   
Note:   -  Unbolt suspension strut from axle beam   page 42
-2 , items -6- and -
8-. 
-  Remove rear seat backrest side bolster cover or backrest:-  Unbolt upper suspension strut mount   page 42
-2 .
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Page 2 of 18
In addition to the bolted connection, the suspension strut is also attached 
to the body by four retaining lugs. 
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Page 3 of 18
42-25
 
    
Installing  
Note:  
When installing, make sure that the retaining lugs engage properly. 
CAUTION! 
The bonded rubber bushings can only be turned to a limited extent. 
The bolted connections between the shock absorbers and the rear 
axle should therefore only be tightened when the vehicle is standing 
on the ground. Otherwise the bonded rubber bushings will be 
subjected to a torsional stress resulting in shortened service life  -  Turn suspension strut until retaining lugs are positioned above 
recesses. 
-  Pull suspension strut downward out of its mount.
-  Install in reverse order of removal.
-  Replace gasket on upper spring plate. Thoroughly clean all sealing 
surfaces 
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Page 4 of 18
42-26
 
  
Suspension strut, servicing
 
Component locations  
CAUTION! 
Part numbers are listed here for reference only. 
Always check with your Parts department for 
the latest information.  1 - 
Cap 
2 - 
O-ring 
Coat with silicone grease, Part No. G 000 
405 A2 
3 - 
Self-locking nut Always replace25 Nm (18 ft lb)
4 - 
Dished washer 
5 - 
Mounting ring Make sure installation position is correct 
when installing 
6 - 
Gasket (foam) Always replace
7 - 
Upper spring retainer 
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Page 5 of 18
8 - 
Upper spring mount 
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Page 6 of 18
42-27
 
  
9 - 
Spacer tube 
10 - 
Mounting ring 
Make sure installation position is correct 
when installing 
11 - 
Lower washer or cup Suspension versions 1BA, 1BP and 1BE 
have lower washer Suspension version 1BB has cup
12 - 
Ring Suspension version 1BB has different 
version 
13 - 
Auxiliary spring 
14 - 
Boot mounting ring 
15 - 
Boot 
16 - 
Protective cap Suspension version 1BB has different 
version 
17 - 
Spring Different versions depending on 
suspension version   vehicle data label, page 42
-5 
Always replace springs in pairsInstall with color marking at bottom
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Page 7 of 18
42-28
 
  
CAUTION! 
Do not damage the surface of the spring when 
driving on the lower spring base - 19 - and the 
spring retainer - 18 - during assembly.  18 - 
Spring retainer 
19 - 
Lower spring base 
20 - 
Lower spring seat 
21 - 
Gas shock absorber 
Different versions   parts catalog 
microfiche Can be replaced individuallySupplied as replacement part with lower 
spring retainer pressed on Different versions depending on 
suspension version   vehicle data label, page 42
-5 
Malfunctioning shock absorbers must be 
disposed of properly 
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Page 8 of 18
42-29
 
  
  Checking:
 - Compress shock absorber by hand. Do 
not press piston rod with excessive force 
against end stop otherwise valves could 
be damaged. 
Piston rod must move evenly and smoothly 
over entire stroke 
  - Release piston rod.Piston rod returns automatically back to 
starting position if gas charge is adequate Visually inspect shock absorber mount for 
settling and position of circlip on shock 
absorber piston rod should be checked   
Special Information binder 
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Page 9 of 18
42-30
      
Disassembling and assembling suspension 
strut  
     
Note:  
     Pay attention to the different components used in 
the various suspension versions (e.g. "Standard", 
"Sport" and "Heavy Duty" suspensions). 
     
Disassembling 
     
-  Clamp VAG1752/2 spring mounting tool in 
vise. 
    
-  Install shock absorber into VAG1752/2 spring mounting tool.
-  Use screwdriver to pry out cap   page 42
-26
 , item -1-.
    
WARNING! 
Make sure the coil spring is seated correctly in the VAG1752/3 -  Place VAG1752/1 spring compressor onto coil spring.
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Page 10 of 18
adapter (arrow). 
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