Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.8

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change rear shock absorber on AUDI A3 1 (8L1) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

Replacement: shock absorbers – Audi A3 8L1. Tools you need:

                        Wire brush
                      
                        WD-40 spray
                      
                        Copper grease 
                      
                        Drive socket # 16 
                      
                        Combination spanner #16
                      
                        Torque wrench
                      
                        Adjustable wrench
                      
                        Wheel impact socket #17
                      
                        Hydraulic transmission jack
                      
                        Wheel chock

All the parts you need to replace – Shock Absorber for A3 Hatchback (8L1) and other AUDI models

AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.8

Replacement: shock absorbers – Audi A3 8L1. Tip from AUTODOC experts:

Both shock absorbers of the rear suspension should be replaced simultaneously.
The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right shock absorbers of the rear suspension.
All work should be done with the engine stopped.

Carry out replacement in the following order:

Step 1

Secure the wheels with chocks.
Step 2

Loosen the wheel mounting bolts.Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 3

Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
Step 4

Unscrew the wheel bolts.

AUTODOC recommends:

Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. Audi A3 8L1
Step 5

Remove the wheel.
Step 6

Clean the shock absorber fasteners.Use a wire brush.Use WD-40 spray.
Step 7

Support the arm. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
Step 8

Unscrew the upper fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #16.
Step 9

Unscrew the lower fastener of the shock absorber.Use a combination spanner #16.Use a drive socket #16.

Replacement: shock absorbers – Audi A3 8L1. Tip:

To avoid injuries, hold the shock absorber when undoing the fastening bolts.
Step 10

Remove the support from under the rear arm.
Step 11

Remove the shock absorber.
Step 12

Remove the protective cap of the shock absorber mount.
Step 13

Clean the shock absorber rod fastener.Use a wire brush.Use WD-40 spray.
Step 14

Remove the shock absorber piston rod fastening.Use a combination spanner #16.Use an adjustable wrench.
Step 15

Remove the shock absorber mount, boot and bump stop.

Replacement: shock absorbers – Audi A3 8L1. AUTODOC experts recommend:

Τhoroughly examine the shock absorber mount, dust boot, bump stop. Replace them if necessary.Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
Step 16

Install the boot and a bump stop onto the shock absorber.
Step 17

Install the top mount on the new shock absorber and secure it.Use a combination spanner #16.Use an adjustable wrench.Use a torque wrench.Tighten it to 25 Nm torque.
Step 18

Place the shock absorber in the wheel arch and fasten it.
Step 19

Install the shock absorber mount using the center hole as a guide.
Step 20

Tighten the top shock absorber fastening.Use a drive socket #16.Use a torque wrench.Tighten it to 50 Nm torque.
Step 21

Support the arm. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
Step 22

Tighten the lower fastener of the shock absorber. Use a combination spanner #16.Use a drive socket #16.Use a torque wrench.Tighten it to 90 Nm torque.
Step 23

Remove the support from under the rear arm.
Step 24

Clean the wheel rim mounting seat. Use a wire brush.Treat the contacting surface.Use copper grease.
Step 25

Install the wheel.

Replacement: shock absorbers – Audi A3 8L1. AUTODOC recommends:

To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when screwing in the fastening bolts.
Step 26

Screw in the wheel bolts.Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 27

Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts.Use a torque wrench.Tighten it to 120 Nm torque.
Step 28

Remove the jacks and chocks.

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