Cars of the early years of production
Elements of the rear suspension strut
1 - shock absorber;
2 - thrust washer;
3 - upper cup;
4 - thrust bearing;
5 - finger;
6 - sealing washer;
7 - collared nut (M8);
8 - plate;
9 - hex nut M10;
10 - cap;
11 - damper;
12 - protective pipe;
13 - spring;
14 - lower cup;
15 - hex bolt (M14x 1.5x85);
16 - washer.
Elements with shock-absorbing clearance adjustment
1 - shock absorber;
2 - thrust washer;
3 - upper cup;
4 - thrust bearing;
5 - finger;
6 - sealing washer;
7 - collared nut (M8);
8 - plate;
9 - hex nut M10;
10 - cap;
11 - damper;
12 - casing;
13 - fixing ring;
14 - spring;
15 - lower cup;
16 - washer;
17 - hex bolt (M14x1.5x85).
Withdrawal
Remove the rear seat and backrest.
Raise the vehicle and support the trailing arms.
Disconnect the suspension strut from the trailing arm.
Attention: The suspension strut has the additional function of a travel stop band.
Ride Height Adjustment:
- Disconnect the cable connection from the low pressure switch and bridge.
- Turn on the ignition.
- Remove the adjusting rod. Unscrew the nut while holding the collar with an 8mm wrench.
Caution: Due to possible damage, do not separate the ball joint.
Set the adjustment switch lever to position «lower». This will depressurize the system after 20 seconds.
Remove the pipeline from an amortization rack.
Remove the suspension strut from the trailing arm.
Unscrew the centering cup from above the wheel niche.
Take out an amortization rack.
Installation
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal.
Replacing the rear shock absorber
When replacing shock absorbers, always install shock absorbers with the same designation. Shock absorbers are always replaced in pairs.
Remove the rear suspension strut.
Remove the protective cap from above.
Remove the spring with a tool.
Unscrew the nut (2). Take out the hinged cup.
Release the spring.
Remove the centering cup of the spring and the additional spring.
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of removal.
Cars of later years of production
Caution: On vehicles with air suspension, remove fuse #6 from the air supply system. This prevents accidental adjustment of the system.
Withdrawal
Remove the shelf under the rear window.
Loosen the two screws securing the loudspeaker, disconnect the plug and remove the loudspeaker.
Mark the position of the rear wheels on the hubs so that the balanced wheels can then be reinstalled. Loosen the wheel bolts with the vehicle on the ground. Support the car at the rear and remove the rear wheels.
Remove facing of an arch of a wheel.
Raise the mat next to the automatic seat belt tensioner. Remove the rubber cover from the top of the shock absorber and unscrew the three nuts.
For vehicles with EDC (electronic suspension control) disconnect the plug.
Support the wheel holder with a jack by placing a block of wood on it.
Attention: If this is not done, then the suspension strut will fall down after unscrewing the upper mount. This can damage the axle shaft and the brake hose.
Loosen the nut and detach the suspension strut from the wheel holder.
Slightly lower the wheel holder and remove the stand.
Attention: The brake hose must not be stretched when doing this.
Attention: The shock absorber must only be stored vertically, otherwise rumbling sounds may then occur when moving. To troubleshoot, pull out the piston rod and hold the shock absorber for 24 hours in a standing position at room temperature (+20°C).
Installation
Check shock absorber. Insert the suspension strut and screw the new self-locking nut on top without tightening it.
Insert sleeve (1) the lower suspension strut mount into the wheel mount. Screw in the bolt without tightening it yet.
Tighten the upper suspension strut nut to 20 Nm.
Remove the jack and lower the car.
Install the wheel arch trim.
Install the rear wheels in accordance with the marks made earlier. Do not lubricate wheel bolts. Lower the car. Tighten the wheel bolts crosswise to 100 Nm.
Place the vehicle in working position, i.e. the vehicle must be on wheels and loaded as described earlier.
Tighten the lower mounting bolt to 125 Nm. On vehicles with EDC, connect the plug.
Put on the rubber cover.
Install the loudspeaker, put on the plug and fasten the loudspeaker with screws.
Install the shelf under the rear window.
Elements of the rear suspension strut of cars of later years of production
1 - shock absorber;
2 - bolt;
3 - lower spring support;
4 - protective pipe;
5 - plastic buffer;
6 - spring;
7 - platter;
8 - upper spring support;
9 - support;
10 - nut;
11 - hinged plate;
12 - nut;
13 - cover;
14 - adapter (only option for bad roads);
15 - ring (only option for bad roads).