Genuine 1992 Audi 100 Shock Absorber

1992 Audi 100 Shock Absorber Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to reassemble a shock absorber and ensuring proper installation on 1992 Audi 100?

  A: A new shock absorber piston nut will be required on reassembly. If the shock absorber is to be separated from the strut base, a special socket (Audi/VAG no. 2069 or 2069A or a suitable equivalent) will be needed to unscrew the shock absorber retaining nut. With the strut removed from the car, clean away all external dirt, then mount it upright in a vice. Fit the spring compressor and compress the coil spring until tension is relieved from the spring seats. Slacken the shock absorber piston nut while retaining the piston with a suitable Allen key. Remove the nut and washer, then lift off the mounting plate assembly followed by the bearing, locating bush, and the upper spring seat assembly, which consists of three separate parts: the bearing plate, the spring retainer, and the spring seat. Lift off the coil spring and remove the dust gaiter and rubber bump stop from the shock absorber piston. If the special tool is available, unscrew the retaining cap from the top of the strut base and lift out the shock absorber unit. Examine the shock absorber for signs of fluid leakage, check the piston for signs of pitting along its entire length, and check the shock body for signs of damage. While holding it in an upright position, test the operation of the shock absorber by moving the piston through a full stroke and then through short strokes of 50 to 100 mm; the resistance felt should be smooth and continuous. If the resistance is jerky or uneven, or if there is any visible sign of wear or damage, renewal is necessary, and shock absorbers must be renewed in pairs. Inspect all other components for signs of damage or deterioration, and renew any that are suspect. If the shock absorber upper bush is to be separated from the upper mounting plate, mark the position of the bush on the plate prior to removal to preserve the front wheel camber setting. On refitting, align the bush plate with the marks made prior to removal, then fit the new retaining nuts, tightening them to the specified torque. After refitting, have the front wheel camber setting checked at the earliest possible opportunity. Where necessary, fit the shock absorber to the strut base, then screw on the retaining cap nut. Ensure the strut base is securely held, then, using the special service tool, tighten the cap nut to the specified torque. Slide the rubber bump stop onto the piston and fit the dust gaiter, ensuring the lower end of the gaiter is correctly engaged with the strut base. Refit the coil spring to the strut base, making sure its paint marking is at the bottom, and position its end against the spring seat stop. Fit the upper spring seat assembly to the top of the coil spring, locating the upper end of the dust gaiter on the base of the assembly, then seat the assembly on the coil spring, ensuring the seat stop abuts the spring end. Fit the bearing to the upper mounting plate, making sure the bearing cutouts are correctly engaged with the mounting plate studs. Fully extend the shock absorber piston, then fit the locating bush followed by the upper mounting plate and bearing assembly, ensuring the bearing remains correctly positioned. Refit the washer and screw on the new nut, retain the shock absorber piston, and tighten the piston nut to the specified torque. Ensure all components are correctly seated and both spring ends are in contact with their stops, then carefully release the spring compressor and remove it from the strut. Finally, refit the strut to the vehicle.