Genuine Audi 80 Shock Absorber

Audi 80 Shock Absorber Parts and Q&A

• Shock Absorber
  893-413-503-AA
  Q: How can the shock absorber be removed on Audi 80?

  A:

  On models with a separate strut and wheel bearing housing (chassis number F89J37373599 - approximately April 1988 onwards), the strut may be removed while leaving the wheel bearing housing and associated components in position by following these steps: Apply the handbrake and prise the trim from the relevant front wheel. Loosen the driveshaft nut or bolt (as applicable) with the weight of the car still on the wheels, as it is tightened to a very high torque and should not be loosened with the car raised. Loosen the wheel bolts, then jack up the front of the car and support it on axle stands before removing the wheel. Remove the driveshaft nut and washer, or bolt, as appropriate, followed by the brake disc. Unbolt the brake hydraulic hose bracket from the strut, unscrew and remove the pinch-bolt securing the lower suspension balljoint to the wheel bearing housing, and disconnect the steering tie-rod from the strut. For power steering models, unscrew the nut securing the anti-roll bar link to the lower suspension arm, recovering the washer and rubber. Pull the lower suspension arm downwards and disconnect the balljoint from the strut. For models with manual steering, remove the anti-roll bar completely. Using a puller, press the driveshaft through the hub and support it on an axle stand. In the engine compartment, pull the plastic cover from the top of the strut, support the bottom of the strut, then unscrew the nut from the top of the piston rod while holding the rod stationary with an Allen key. Lower the front suspension strut from the top mounting and withdraw it from under the wing. If the complete strut has been removed on models from April 1988 onwards, mark the position of the wheel bearing housing in relation to the strut, then unscrew the two bolts and separate the housing, noting that the bolt heads face forwards. Refitting is a reversal of removal, ensuring all nuts and bolts are tightened to the specified torque.
• Shock Absorber
  893-513-031-AD
  Q: How to properly compress a spring and check the efficiency of a shock absorber during strut maintenance on Audi 80?

  A:

  Attach spring compressor to the spring and attach the strut to a vice. Unscrew the slotted nut off the top of the piston rod and then screw the spring as far down as the upper spring retainer is, but leave it free; hold the piston rod in place with an Allen key. Take out the strut bearing and spring retainer and then remove the coil spring off the strut keeping the compressor in place and reference the top of the spring and make sure the colour code on the bottom faces outwards. Take off the rubber bump stop and boot, and make a note of the location of every single part, such as the extra cup and washer on heavy duty suspension. To test the efficiency of the shock absorber, move the piston rod through its full stroke, making sure that the resistance is smooth and consistent without evidence of seizing, and examine whether hydraulic shock absorbers have more than minor traces of fluid leakage, albeit normal traces of fluid. To refresh the shock absorber, remove the shock absorber used, and replace with a new one but in the case of hydraulic, open it and replace the old piston and rod and eliminate the hydraulic fluid. In order to replace or take away the shock absorber cartridge or piston rod, one needs to unscrew a top strut cap with Audi tool No 40-201 A or similar tool since this is very tight and cannot be done with a different tool. Take out the cartridge or piston in the strut and thoroughly clean the recess. Where necessary, take off the hub and bearing, the splash guard. Inspect the strut top mounting ball bearing to ensure that it is not overly worn by turning it manually, and replace it (where needed). Reassembly is the reverse of dismantling and care must be taken to ensure that the cap and the slotted nut are tightened up to the required torque and with models that have heavy duty suspension care should be taken to ensure that the convoluted rubber boot is attached to the cap. Fitting a new shock absorber, work the piston rod through all its travel in an upright position a number of times before replacing the strut.