Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 1.6 E-Power, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 FSI, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 1.6, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 TDI 16V, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 1.9 TDI, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 TDI, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 3.2 V6 quattro, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 1.6 FSI, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 TDI quattro, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 TFSI, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 TFSI quattro, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 TDI 16V quattro, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 TDI, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 TDI quattro, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 TDI, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 TDI quattro, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 1.8 TFSI, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 1.4 TFSI, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 1.8 TFSI quattro, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 1.6 TDI, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 1.6 TDI, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 TDI, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 1.2 TSI View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

Tools
Replacement: suspension strut – AUDI A3 (8P1). Tools you might need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
HEX bit No.H6.
HEX bit No.H7.
XZN socket bit # 14
Drive socket # 13
Drive socket # 16
Drive socket # 18
Drive socket # 21
Drive socket # 24
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Tap wrench
Shock absorber socket
Hydraulic strut spring compressor
Hydraulic transmission jack
Fender cover
Wheel chock
Replacement: suspension strut – AUDI A3 (8P1). Tip from AUTODOC:
  • Both shock struts of the front suspension should be replaced simultaneously.
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right shock struts of the front suspension.
  • Please note: all work on the car – AUDI A3 (8P1) – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    Open the bonnet.
    Step 2
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
    Step 3
    How to change Shock Absorber on Audi A3 8P 2003 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the cowl grille seal.
  2. Step 4
    How to replace AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 TDI 16V 2004 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Raise up and remove the cowl grille.
  3. Step 5
    Audi A3 8P 1.9 TDI 2005 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Clean the fasteners of the shock strut upper mount. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  4. Step 6
    Changing Shock Absorber on AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 TDI 2006 by yourself
    Loosen the upper fastener of the shock strut mount. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
  5. Step 7
    How to remove AUDI A3 2.0 FSI 2007 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  6. Step 8
    How to replace Shock Absorber on AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2008: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Loosen the fastener of the driveshaft. Use a drive socket #24. Use a tap wrench.
  7. Step 9
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Audi A3 8P 1.6 TDI 2009 - download illustrated guide
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  8. Step 10
    Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
    Step 11
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on AUDI A3 2010? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: suspension strut – AUDI A3 (8P1). AUTODOC recommends:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  9. Step 12
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Audi A3 8P 2011 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the wheel.
  10. Step 13
    AUDI A3 1.6 FSI Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Clean the stabiliser link fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  11. Step 14
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Audi A3 8P 2003 2.0 TDI 16V by yourself
    Unscrew the fastener connecting the stabilizer link to the shock strut. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
  12. Step 15
    A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 FSI 2004 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the stabilizer rod.
  13. Step 16
    How to change Shock Absorber on AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2005 - tips and tricks
    Clean the fasteners connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  14. Step 17
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Audi A3 8P 2006 2.0 FSI Shock Absorber
    Unscrew the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use XZN #14. Use a drive socket #18. Use a tap wrench. Use a ratchet wrench.
  15. Step 18
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 1.6 2007 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Remove the fastening bolt.
  16. Step 19
    How to change Shock Absorber on Audi A3 8P 2003 - free PDF and video manuals
    Unscrew the fastener connecting the drive shaft to the wheel hub. Use a drive socket #24. Use a ratchet wrench.
  17. Step 20
    How to replace AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 TDI 16V 2004 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the fastening bolt.
  18. Step 21
    Audi A3 8P 1.9 TDI 2005 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Clean all joints of the arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Replacement: suspension strut – AUDI A3 (8P1). Tip:
    After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.Wear protective goggles.
  19. Step 22
    Changing Shock Absorber on AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 TDI 2006 by yourself
    Unscrew the fastener connecting the ball joint to the suspension control arm. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
  20. Step 23
    How to remove AUDI A3 2.0 FSI 2007 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Disconnect the spherical joint from the arm.
  21. Step 24
    How to replace Shock Absorber on AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2008: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Remove the drive shaft.
  22. Step 25
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Audi A3 8P 1.6 TDI 2009 - download illustrated guide
    Prop up the steering knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  23. Step 26
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on AUDI A3 2010? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Release the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a special drive socket to remove the shock absorber. Use a ratchet wrench.
  24. Step 27
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Audi A3 8P 2011 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber strut.
  25. Step 28
    AUDI A3 1.6 FSI Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Unscrew the top fastening of the shock strut mount.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the suspension strut while unscrewing the fastening bolts. AUDI A3 (8P1)
  26. Step 29
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Audi A3 8P 2003 2.0 TDI 16V by yourself
    Remove the suspension strut.
  27. Step 30
    A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 FSI 2004 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.
    Replacement: suspension strut – AUDI A3 (8P1). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
    Note that when using a spring compressor, spring coils need to be securely gripped, compressing the spring on the opposite sides.Ensure the correct position of the spring in the retainer.Make sure that the spring coils tightly entered the lock handles.
  28. Step 31
    How to change Shock Absorber on AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2005 - tips and tricks
    Compress the spring.
  29. Step 32
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Audi A3 8P 2006 2.0 FSI Shock Absorber
    Treat the shock strut rod. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  30. Step 33
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 1.6 2007 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use HEX No.H7. Use a drive socket #21. Use a ratchet wrench.
  31. Step 34
    How to change Shock Absorber on Audi A3 8P 2003 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the shock absorber mount, boot and bump stop.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: suspension strut – AUDI A3 (8P1). Carefully inspect the mount, the boot, and the bump stop of the shock absorber. Replace if necessary.
  32. Step 35
    How to replace AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 TDI 16V 2004 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Release the coil spring.
  33. Step 36
    Audi A3 8P 1.9 TDI 2005 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the spring.
  34. Step 37
    Changing Shock Absorber on AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 TDI 2006 by yourself
    Remove the old shock absorber from the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
    Replacement: suspension strut – AUDI A3 (8P1). AUTODOC recommends:
    Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
  35. Step 38
    How to remove AUDI A3 2.0 FSI 2007 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Install the new shock absorber on the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
  36. Step 39
    How to replace Shock Absorber on AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2008: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Install the spring on the shock absorber.
  37. Step 40
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Audi A3 8P 1.6 TDI 2009 - download illustrated guide
    Compress the spring.
  38. Step 41
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on AUDI A3 2010? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Install the mount, boot and bump stop onto a new shock absorber.
  39. Step 42
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Audi A3 8P 2011 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Tighten the shock strut piston rod nut. Use HEX No.H6. Use a drive socket #21. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 60 Nm torque.
    Replacement: suspension strut – AUDI A3 (8P1). AUTODOC experts recommend:
    Check to make sure the spring is positioned correctly. Avoid its misalignment.
  40. Step 43
    AUDI A3 1.6 FSI Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Treat the shock strut rod. Use copper grease.
  41. Step 44
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Audi A3 8P 2003 2.0 TDI 16V by yourself
    Decompress the spring.
  42. Step 45
    A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2.0 FSI 2004 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the assembled shock strut.
  43. Step 46
    How to change Shock Absorber on AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 2005 - tips and tricks
    Treat the mounting seats of the shock strut. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Was this manual helpful?
Please rate this manual on a scale from 1 to 5. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us.
Users voted – 0
Searching for the right tyres?

Find out which tyre and wheel sizes are compatible with the AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) model.

Your profile is your personal assistant.

It can track car expenses, keep a car log and replacement schedule, and save favourite materials, notes and documents

Install the AUTODOC CLUB app!
Your personal car expenses manager, maintenance tips, reminders about upcoming appointments and service intervals, DIY repair instructions – all this on your phone.
AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) Shock Absorber replace by yourself - Scan QR-code and download AUTODOC CLUB app
Scan

To download the app:

  • - scan the QR code
  • - download from App Store
  • - download from Google Play
Autodoc CLUB App icon
DIY AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) Shock Absorber replacement - online guide
Tips & tricks for your AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1)
View more
  • How to change Shock absorbers on AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 1.6 - replacement tricks
    5 tools that make car repair incredibly simple | AUTODOC tips
  • Changing Shocks Audi A3 8P 2.0 TDI 16V - Replacement Tips
    How to Make a DIY Foam Sprayer | AUTODOC tips
  • Maintenance Hacks - AUDI A3 Hatchback (8P1) 1.9 TDI Struts replacement guide
    Checking the starter without removing it | AUTODOC tips
  • Replace Struts and shocks on Audi A3 8P - free video tips
    Don’t Replace, Restore: Fixing Damaged Threads at Home | AUTODOC

Professional manuals for the most common AUDI models