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How to change front suspension strut on AUDI A5 B8 Sportback (8TA) – replacement guide

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Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 2.0 TDI, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 3.0 TDI, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 3.0 TDI quattro, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 1.8 TFSI, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 3.0 TFSI quattro, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 2.0 TDI quattro, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 2.0 TFSI, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 2.0 TFSI quattro, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 3.2 FSI quattro, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 2.0 TDI, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 2.7 TDI, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 3.0 TDI quattro, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 2.0 TDI, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 1.8 TFSI, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 2.0 TFSI, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) S5 quattro, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 2.0 TDI, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 2.0 TDI, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 2.7 TDI, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 2.0 TDI quattro, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 2.0 TFSI, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 2.0 TFSI quattro, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 2.0 TDI, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 2.0 TDI, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 2.0 TDI quattro, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 1.8 TFSI, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 1.8 TFSI, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 3.0 TDI quattro, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 2.0 TFSI, AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) 2.0 TFSI quattro … 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

Alternative products

Shock absorber

Replacement: suspension strut – AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA). Tools you'll need:

                      Wire brush
                    
                      Nylon cleaning brush 
                    
                      WD-40 spray
                    
                      Brake cleaner 
                    
                      Copper grease 
                    
                      Combination spanner #16
                    
                      Combination spanner #18
                    
                      Combination spanner #21
                    
                      Drive socket # 13 
                    
                      Drive socket # 16 
                    
                      Drive socket # 18 
                    
                      Drive socket # 21 
                    
                      HEX bit No.H6.
                    
                      HEX bit No.H18.
                    
                      Shock absorber socket
                    
                      Wheel impact socket #17
                    
                      Ratchet wrench
                    
                      Torque wrench
                    
                      Tap wrench
                    
                      Hammer
                    
                      Pin punch
                    
                      Flat Screwdriver
                    
                      Vice
                    
                      Crow bar
                    
                      Hydraulic strut spring compressor
                    
                      Hydraulic transmission jack
                    
                      Fender cover
                    
                      Wheel chock

Buy tools

Replacement: suspension strut – AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA). AUTODOC experts recommend:

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 A5 Sportback (8TA) – should be done with the engine switched off.

Carry out replacement in the following order:

Step 1

Open the bonnet.

Step 2

Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.

Step 3

Remove the clips of the plastic cowl grille.
Step 4

Raise up and remove the cowl grille.
Step 5

Clean the fasteners of the shock strut upper mount. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 6

Loosen the upper fastener of the shock strut mount. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 7

Secure the wheels with chocks.
Step 8

Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 9

Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.

Step 10

Unscrew the wheel bolts.

AUTODOC recommends:
Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA)
Step 11

Remove the wheel.
Step 12

Clean all joints of the arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 13

Unscrew the upper control arm fasteners (2 pieces). Use a combination spanner #16. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 14

Clean the stabiliser link fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 15

Undo the fastening nut that attaches the stabilizer link to the shock absorber fork. Use a combination spanner #16.
Step 16

Clean the stabiliser link fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 17

Unscrew the fasteners connecting the stabiliser link to the stabiliser bar. Use a combination spanner #16 (2 pieces).
Step 18

Remove the stabilizer rod.
Step 19

Clean the shock strut fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 20

Unscrew the fastening bolt that connects the shock strut with the shock absorber fork. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 21

Remove the fastening bolt.
Step 22

Clean the wheel hub fastener. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 23

Unscrew the wheel hub axle nut. Use HEX No.H18. Use a tap wrench.

Step 24

Unscrew the fastening bolt that connects the shock absorber fork with the lower control arm. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 25

Disconnect the ABS sensor wiring. Use a crowbar.
Step 26

Clean the ABS sensor connector. Use a nylon cleaning brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 27

Detach the ABS sensor connector.
Step 28

Remove the fastening bolt. Use a pin punch. Use a hammer.
Step 29

Detach the upper control arm from the steering knuckle. Use a crowbar.
Step 30

Prop up the steering knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
Step 31

Disconnect the brake hose. Use a crowbar.
Step 32

Clean the brake caliper fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 33

Unscrew the brake caliper fastening. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 34

Spread the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
Step 35

Detach the brake caliper retaining spring. Use a crowbar. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 36

Remove the brake caliper.

Replacement: suspension strut – AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA). AUTODOC recommends:
Tie the caliper to the suspension or to the body with a wire without disconnecting from the brake hose to prevent depressurization of the brake system.Make sure that the brake caliper is not hanging on the brake hose.Don't press the brake pedal after the brake caliper has been removed. As a result, the piston can fall out from the brake cylinder, and brake fluid leakage and depressurization of the system may occur. Check the brake caliper bracket, brake caliper guide pins and boots. Clean them. Replace, if necessary.
Step 37

Clean the fastener connecting the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 38

Unscrew the end fastening nut to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #21.
Step 39

Disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
Step 40

Remove the fastening bolt.

Step 41

Detach the fastener that connects the shock strut to the control arm.
Step 42

Unscrew the top fastening of the shock strut mount.

Replacement: suspension strut – AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA). Tip:
To avoid injuries, hold the shock strut when undoing the fastening bolts.
Step 43

Remove the suspension strut.
Step 44

Grip the suspension strut assembled with the control arms in a vice.
Step 45

Clean the shock strut fasteners. Use a nylon cleaning brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 46

Undo the fastener that connects the shock strut with the shock absorber fork. Use a special drive socket to remove the shock absorber. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 47

Detach the shock absorber fork from the shock strut.
Step 48

Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.

Replacement: suspension strut – AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA). AUTODOC experts recommend:
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.
Step 49

Compress the spring.
Step 50

Treat the shock strut rod. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 51

Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use a drive socket #18. Use HEX No.H6. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 52

Release the coil spring.
Step 53

Remove the top strut mount.
Step 54

Remove the spring.
Step 55

Remove the shock absorber dust cap and the bump stop.

Replacement: suspension strut – AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA). Tip from AUTODOC:
Τhoroughly examine the shock absorber mount, dust boot, bump stop. Replace them if necessary.
Step 56

Remove the old shock absorber from the hydraulic coil spring compressor.

Replacement: suspension strut – AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA). Professionals recommend:
Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
Step 57

Install the new shock absorber on the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
Step 58

Install the dust sleeve and the bump stop on the new shock absorber.
Step 59

Install the spring on the shock absorber.
Step 60

Install the upper strut mount and the strut mount bearing.
Step 61

Compress the spring.
Step 62

Tighten the shock strut piston rod nut. Use a drive socket #18. Use HEX No.H6. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 50 Nm torque.

Replacement: suspension strut – AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
Check to make sure the spring is positioned correctly. Avoid its misalignment.
Step 63

Treat the shock strut rod. Use copper grease.
Step 64

Decompress the spring.
Step 65

Remove the assembled shock strut.

Step 66

Clean the mounting seats of the shock absorber fork. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 67

Attach the shock absorber fork to the shock strut.
Step 68

Treat the mounting seats of the shock strut. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 69

Release the vice and remove the suspension strut assembled with the control arms.

Step 70

Install the shock strut into the wheel arch.
Step 71

Screw the top fastening of the shock strut mount. Do not tighten it.

AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Hold the suspension strut while screwing in the fastening bolts. AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA)
Step 72

Clean the mounting seats of the tie rod end. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 73

Connect the tie rod end to the steering knuckle.
Step 74

Clean the mounting seats and the thread of the suspension arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 75

Install the fastening bolt.
Step 76

Screw in the fasteners connecting the suspension strut fork to the lower control arm. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 77

Remove the support from under the steering knuckle.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: suspension strut – AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA). Lower the transmission jack smoothly, without jerks, to avoid damaging components and mechanisms.
Step 78

Attach the upper control arm to the steering knuckle.
Step 79

Install the fastening bolt.
Step 80

Screw in the fasteners (2 pieces) of the upper control arm. Use a combination spanner #16. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 81

Screw on the fastening nut that connects the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #21.
Step 82

Attach the brake hose.
Step 83

Connect the ABS sensor wiring.
Step 84

Attach the ABS sensor connector.
Step 85

Install the brake caliper and fix it. Use a drive socket #13. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 30 Nm torque.
Step 86

Install the brake caliper retaining spring.
Step 87

Install the fastening bolt.
Step 88

Screw in the fasteners connecting the suspension strut to the suspension strut fork. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 89

Clean the mounting seats of the stabiliser link. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 90

Ιnstall the transverse stabilizer link.
Step 91

Tighten the stabiliser link fastener. Use a combination spanner #16 (2 pieces).
Step 92

Support the arm. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
Step 93

Tighten the fastener connecting the stabilizer link with the shock absorber fork. Use a combination spanner #16. Use a drive socket #16. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 40 Nm torque.+90°

AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Be sure to use new fasteners.
Step 94

Tighten the fastener connecting the stabilizer link to the stabilizer bar. Use a drive socket #16. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 40 Nm torque.+90°

Replacement: suspension strut – AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA). AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Be sure to use new fasteners.
Step 95

Tighten the fastening bolt that connects the shock absorber fork to the lower control arm. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a drive socket #18. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 90 Nm torque.+90°

AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Be sure to use new fasteners.
Step 96

Tighten the fastening bolt that connects the shock strut with the shock absorber fork. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a drive socket #18. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 40 Nm torque.+180°

AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Be sure to use new fasteners.
Step 97

Remove the support from under the arm.

AUTODOC recommends:
AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA) – Do not lower the transmission jack sharply to avoid damaging components and mechanisms of the car.
Step 98

Tighten the fastening nut connecting the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Use a drive socket #21. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 100 nm torque.
Step 99

Tighten the upper control arm fasteners (2 pieces). Use a combination spanner #16. Use a drive socket #16. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 40 nm torque.
Step 100

Tighten the hub. Use HEX No.H18. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 200 nm torque.
Step 101

Treat the shock strut fasteners. Treat all joints of the arm. Use copper grease.
Step 102

Treat the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim. Use copper grease.
Step 103

Clean the brake disk surface. Use a brake cleaner.

Replacement: suspension strut – AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA). AUTODOC experts recommend:
After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 104

Install the wheel.

AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Hold the wheel while screwing in the fastening bolts. AUDI A5 Sportback (8TA)
Step 105

Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 106

Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 120 Nm torque.
Step 107

Remove the jacks and chocks.
Step 108

Tighten the upper fastener of the shock absorber strut mount. Use a drive socket #16. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 40 Nm torque.+90°

AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Be sure to use new fasteners.
Step 109

Treat the fasteners of the shock strut mount. Use copper grease.
Step 110

Install and secure the cowl grille.
Step 111

Install the fasteners of the wiper plastic cowl grille.

Step 112

Remove the fender protection cover.

Step 113

Close the hood.

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