How to change shocks: Audi A4

• KYB Front Shock Absorber for Audi A4 – R&L: Excel-G, Twin Tube (Part No. 341842 or 349133)
• Torquing tools:
  • Socket wrench: 10, 13, 16, 18, 21 mm
  • Spanner: 18, 21 mm
  • Screwdrivers (slotted): 5.2, 14, 16 mm
• Penetrating oil
• Hammer & pin punch
• Coil spring compressor
• Transmission jack lift

1. With the wheels removed, unfasten the upper control arm bolts using a 16 mm drive socket wrench.
2. Unscrew the stabiliser link fasteners (you may need to apply a penetrating oil).
3. Remove fastening bolt using a pin punch and a hammer.
4. Unscrew the lower fastener of the shock absorber strut using 13 mm and 16 mm drive sockets.
5. Detach the 2-piece upper control arm from the steering knuckle and spray the shock strut fastener with penetrating oil.
6. Remove the bottom part of the shock strut with the hammer and pin punch.
7. Remove the cowl grille panel.
8. Unscrew the top fastening of the shock strut mount on the right of the vehicle using 10 and 16 mm drive sockets.
9. Remove the suspension strut mount and the shock absorber and mount them in the spring compressor tool. Detach the two parts using a 13 mm socket.
10. Remove the fasteners connecting the control arms to the shock strut mount using an 18 mm socket.
11. Compress the spring and remove the top strut mount and the shock absorber mount with an 18 mm ring spanner
12. Release the coil spring and remove spring.
13. Install the coil spring on the new shock absorber and re-compress the spring.
14. Install the shock strut and fasten bolts using a 13 mm socket (2 daN.m).
15. Install the shock strut into the wheel arch of the vehicle.
16. Screw the top fastening of the shock strut mount using an 18 mm drive socket (7.5 daN.m).
17. Attach the bottom half of the shock strut along with upper control arm and fasteners using a 18 mm drive socket (9 daN.m).
18. Re-install stabiliser bolt and rod using a hammer followed by a 16 mm drive sockets (4 daN.m, 4.5 daN.m and 1 daN.m).

1. Unscrew and remove the wheel arch cover fasteners using Torx T20.
2. Unscrew the upper fastener of the shock absorber using 16 and 21 mm sockets.
3. Remove the shock absorber, then remove the mount, boot and bump stop using 5.2 mm and 16 mm slotted screwdriver.
4. Place the mount, boot and bump stop onto the new shock absorber.
5. Secure the mount, boot and bump stop on the new shock absorber using a 14 mm and 5.2 mm screwdriver (3.5 daN.m).
6. Place the shock absorber back in the wheel arch and secure it again using a 21 mm ring spanner.
7. Raise the shock absorber with a transmission jack lift and secure the part using a 17 mm drive socket (5 daN.m + 90°)
8. Put the wheel arch cover back on using Torx T20.
9. Re- fit the wheel.

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