STRUT ASSEMBLY Audi S6 C5

STRUT ASSEMBLY

Scheme 27

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove caliper bolts. Remove stabilizer bar upper link bolt. Remove stabilizer bar bracket at body. (Scheme 28)
2. Remove upper control arm-to-wheel bearing housing bolt. Remove upper strut assembly bolts. (Scheme 1)
3. Remove strut-to-lower control arm bolt. Push wheel bearing housing down and remove strut assembly.

Note. If upper strut bolt thread in wheel well weld nut is damaged, it can be repaired using Helicoil thread insert.

Scheme 28

1. Clamp strut assembly in soft jawed vise. Using spring compressor VAG1752/1 with adapters VAG1752/7 or equivalent, compress strut spring until upper spring mount is free. (Scheme 29)
2. Remove piston rod nut. Remove mounting bracket, stop buffer, spring support, spring compressor and spring. (Scheme 30)
3. Press together shock absorber by hand. It should be possible to push in piston rod smoothly and with uniform force over its entire travel. If there is enough gas pressure in the shock absorber, the push rod returns to its initial position. If push rod does not return by itself to its initial position, it is still possible that the shock absorber is in good condition, if there is oil loss.
4. Note varying coil spring versions, see «IDENTIFICATION»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/suspension-rear/#suspension-rear-awd). Check coil springs for paint damage, repair if necessary.

Scheme 29

Scheme 30

1. To assemble, reverse disassembly procedure. Ensure spring ends are against rubber stops. (Scheme 31)
2. Ensure that upper strut mount is aligned as specified. (Scheme 32) Using NEW piston rod nut. Tighten fasteners to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/suspension-rear/#suspension-rear-awd__torque-specifications).

Scheme 31

Note. Bonded rubber bushings can only be turned to a limited extent. The bolted connections should only be tightened when vehicle is standing on ground. Otherwise, rubber bushing will be stressed and have a shortened service life.

To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure pins on upper strut mount are turned toward outside of vehicle. Use NEW control arm and lower strut assembly bolts and nuts. Torque fasteners to specification. Bolted connections in rubber bushings should only be torqued to specification once vehicle is resting on its own weight. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Check wheel alignment. See PROCEDURES & SPECIFICATIONS article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.