Changing the rear shock absorbers and springs on Audi A3 II

it is necessary to relieve the rear axle of all constraints, to do this place the car on jack stands (rear axle or both as in the photos).

Securing and removing the wheel

Shock absorber

Suspension spring.

Mudguard

Unscrew the 10 TORX T5 screws holding the mudguard (all around) and remove it.

Mud flap removed

If you do not wish to disassemble the suspension spring, proceed to the next step (disassembling the shock absorber).

The suspension spring is compressed between the hole in the lower wishbone and the top of the chassis.

To remove the spring, place a jack under the lower transverse arm to retain the thrust generated by the compression of the spring.

Remove the lower cross arm bolt and nut (20 socket).

Gradually lower the jack to place the lower arm on the ground and replace the suspension spring.

Unscrew the nut at the bottom of the shock absorber (21 mm open-end wrench or 21 mm ratchet if the spring is removed).

Unscrew the two nuts (16 socket) from the top of the shock absorber.

Take out the shock absorber.

Old shock absorber / New shock absorbers

Remove the shock absorber bearing cover (clipped).

Disassemble the shock absorber by unscrewing the bolt of the old shock absorber with a 16 ring spanner (yellow arrow) while holding the shock absorber mud with a vice grip or an adjustable wrench (red arrow). It is possible to use professional equipment (T10001/9, T10001/1 for the tips and T10001/11 for the ratchet)

Replace the bearing, rubber stop and protective tube on the new shock absorber. And screw everything in the same way as when disassembling.

It is advisable to replace worn parts (cup, rubber stop or protective tube).

Screw the top of the shock absorber back in by hand or using a torque wrench (tightening torque 50Nm +45°)

Screw the bottom of the shock absorber back in by hand or using a torque wrench (tightening torque 180Nm).

Replace the suspension spring in its location

Using the jack, raise the lower cross arm and tighten the bolt (using a screwdriver is useful for centering).