Allroad - Changing Front Air Springs

**WesleyP** · 04-01-2011,01:41 PM

The front nearside airspring on my 2002 Allroad keeps lowering off. How much of a job are they to change? Thanks

**bagpipingandy** · 04-01-2011,03:35 PM

Originally Posted by WesleyP

The front nearside airspring on my 2002 Allroad keeps lowering off. How much of a job are they to change? Thanks

Similar steps to changing a spring except it has an airline going to it,

The toughest part can be the top pinch bolt, plenty of loosening agent as if never removed preiously, it will be stuck, many reported breaking them which opens a whole new can of worms. take your time on the top bolt and hopefully it comes free.

loads of info on this forum on changing the air springs, use the search function here is one for starters: https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...oad+suspension

read all the posts as there is some usefull info there,

I would recomend the replacement unit from Arnott, a lot cheaper than from an Audi Dealer, and good quality.

before all that though, is it definately the airblader leaking?? try soapy water on it to proove before spending £££'s

regards

Andy

G3off · 04-01-2011,05:31 PM

I changed one side this weekend,it took 2.5Hrs (including 4 cups of coffee), hardest part was holding the top 18mm nut with pipe grips whilst undoing the shock with an Allen key, all done on my drive in the lovely January fresh air.

**Grizgut** · 04-01-2011,06:49 PM

Lovely fresh January air...lol

**bagpipingandy** · 04-01-2011,07:55 PM

I recommend an 18mm deep cranked ring spanner for the top of the shock, as G3off, its difficult without one, read the other posts in the link and use the search function, as it is all detailed there.

regards

Andy

**WesleyP** · 04-01-2011,07:57 PM

Thanks Gents - is there a procedure available anywhere?

G3off · 04-01-2011,08:49 PM

I found these to be very good write ups.....

http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?p=18122653

http://www.audiction.com/audi-mainte...g-replacement/

PS - I bought a pair of front air bags from Arnott for $799, paid $100 delivery (took 5 days but this was over xmas) but then I had to pay £120 tax when delivered, this is made up of VAT and import duty

**WesleyP** · 06-01-2011,01:23 PM

Thanks for the help. Will be out this weekend spraying everything with WD-40 in preparation for doing the job later this month

**NickPicks** · 06-01-2011,01:35 PM

Originally Posted by WesleyP

Thanks for the help. Will be out this weekend spraying everything with WD-40 in preparation for doing the job later this month

If you can get some, Wurth Rost Off Plus is much better at releasing rust than WD40.

I gave everything a quick squirt on the rear suspension, and it came apart with no problems after 14 years!

I got my can from ebay, but you should be able to get it from a motor factors.

**dumpy** · 07-01-2011,07:58 PM

Hi some good advice above. Just done this myself last weekend. Pinch bolt will be stuck! I had to take the whole unit off to get it on a bench and drill the critter out. Took hours and ended up changing all the suspension arms whilst i was at it. Hope yours is easier!
To add to the nut on top of the shocker bit i used an old cheap socket and grinded 2 sided off flat so that i could hold it with a spanner, then you can use a normal hex through the middle of the socket.
The Arnot bags are great. Really well put together and come with good instructions. Bought mine from ebay from germany and got great service. £260 incl delivery