Front strut/ spring removal

[simondh]

Following a worryingly loud bang from under the front of my FSi sport I've discovered that the nearside front suspension coil spring has broken. It looks like it's only approx half a coil right at the top, the broken end is clearly visible.

Looking at the strut, removal seems pretty standard, 3 bolts at the top and a pinch bolt securing it to the front hub. What I can't see is what lies under the black plastic cap at the top of the strut. I've done this job on other cars many times and it's either an external hexagon on the strut rod or an internal one for an allen key to hold the rod whilst undoing the top nut (after putting the spring compressors on !). Does anyone have any info from Audi repair manuals on what the securing method is ?

Thanks

Simon

[Skipton01]

Having had my springs replaced last week, you've chosen the correct side to replace, as the offside was a sod to do (wasn't it Robin?)!!!

There's a 1 inch hex nut securing the spring top plate under the black plastic cover. If you have the right tools (ie a good spring compressor) then go ahead and change it yourself, otherwise, leave it to the pros.

Cheers,

Mike

[simondh]

Thanks for that Mike. Yes you are right the offside looks a real pain due to access to the top of the strut, master cylinder in the way as a I recall. The one inch hex nut sounds no problem but what is there to hold the strut rod when undoing the nut ?

While I'm under there I''ll have a look at other suspension components as there is a bit of a rattle over small bumps (before spring broke). Anti roll bar links seem OK what else should I be looking for excess wear on ?

Thanks again.

Simon

[spike]

Hi Simon

I have not checked the front struts on an A2 but there is usually an allen key recess in the top of the piston rod. There is a special tool available but normally you can get by with a suitable ring spanner and hex key.
The rattle could be rollbar bushes or roll bar droplinks - normally you need to remove the droplinks to determine if the balljoints are worn

Cheers Spike

[robin]

hi simon

as mike pointed out it is the best side to do the other is a pain in the butt to get to
as spike pointed out there is a hex key and nut under the black cap.
we used air gun's and socket to get the nut off the spring top mount.

[What I can't see is what lies under the black plastic cap at the top of the strut.] just top mount nut

how to change the spring

PUT CAR ON AXLE STANDS IS A MUST DO

when you have undone the one pinch bolt you need to get a leaver in the gap at the bottom of the hub and widen it so the strut will come out use WD40 or similar to help release it

then undo the three bolts on the top strut and pull it down and will fall out the plastic cup will stay on top

put coil spring compressor on if needed and get old spring off

when you put back together again put the plastic cap on top of strut first and feed it up under the wing as you can not get it back by pushing from the top we tried!!!! on mikes

when you put back three nuts first then hub

hope this helps you a bit

cheers

Robin

[simondh]

Thanks for that Robin, it all sounds as I guessed, just not sure if there were any "funnies" that Audi had slipped in !

Cheers

Simon