Checking the air-spring strut
Checking for leaks
1. Dip the filled air-spring strut completely into a water bath.
Note. Before fitting the air-spring strut in the vehicle, carefully blow out and dry all electrical connections and the residual pressure retaining valve with compressed air.
2. There must be no air bubbles rising in the water bath. If no air bubbles can be seen, the air-spring strut can be fitted in the vehicle.
3. If air bubbles appear in the water bath, the air-spring strut must be disassembled again. Replace all sealing rings again. Check the residual pressure retaining valve again visually.
4. Repeat the leak test in the water bath.
Designation Type Number Explanation Socket wrench insert VW-tool 3353 Arm bracket special tool P 9630
Note. As of a mileage of 200,000 Km it is recommended that the air springs be replaced per axle if there is damage to one air spring. If the shock absorbers leak, the complete air spring strut is to be replaced. The oil of the shock absorber can damage the roller. When depressurised, the air spring must not be twisted. There is the danger that the roller in the inside of the air spring will be damaged by bending or folding and thus significantly reduce the running time.