Strut Assembly: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Audi S4, 2004 Audi A4, 2003 Audi A4, and 2002 Audi A4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Insert suspension strut and mounting bracket in suspension strut dome. Make sure shims are correctly seated. Tighten upper strut mounting hex bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

NOTE: Bonded rubber bushings can only be turned to a limited extent. The bolted joints at the suspension links are not to be tightened until the vehicle is standing on the ground.

Insert lower forked head of suspension strut in track control link. Install bolt with NEW self-locking nut. Insert bolt against direction of travel. See Figure. Do not final tighten yet.
Insert both upper links into wheel bearing housing. Tighten nut (2). See Fig 1. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Press down upper link as far as possible while screwing on.

Fig 1: Locating Upper Control Link Attaching Bolt
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.
Insert ABS wire in mount on brake calliper.
On vehicles equipped with headlight vertical aim control, connect coupling rod from vehicle level sensor. see Figure.

Lower vehicle to ground. Final tighten spring strut nut at track control link. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .