Front shock absorber - renewal

Suspension and steering / Front shock absorber - renewal

Note: VW tool 40-201 B is necessary in order to unscrew the screw cap from the top of the strut.

1 A faulty shock absorber will normally make a knocking noise as the car is driven over rough surfaces.

2 To remove the shock absorber first remove the front coil spring as described in Section 3.

3 Using VW tool 40-201 B unscrew the screw cap from the top of the strut and remove the piston rod guide and seal. If necessary first mount the strut in a vice.

4 Pull the shock absorber out of the strut then pour the remaining fluid out and discard it.

Clean the inside of the strut with paraffin and wipe dry.

5 Replacement shock absorbers are supplied as dry type cartridges, the wet type are only fitted by the factory when new.

6 With the new shock absorber upright, operate it fully several times and check that the resistance is even without any tight spots.

7 Insert the shock absorber in the strut and fit the guide together with a new seal.

8 Fit the screw cap and tighten it to the specified torque.

9 Refit the coil spring as described in Section 3.