Front Strut Removal On S3

[bakedcorn]

I'm planning on replacing the strut mount and bearing assembly this weekend on the front passenger side in the hopes it resolves the grumbling / moaning sound over certain bumps at slow speeds. I'm also praying it's not the mag ride strut that's blown as I've already dropped some serious coin replacing parts and tires. 🤞🤞.

I've seen a few videos and looks straightforward however is it necessary to remove the level sensor?
If I do remove it and then reinstall everything back do I need to run VCDS to recode etc?

As usual thanks


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[sj9ninety]

-No recoding.
-Make sure to unplug EDC connection from bottom of strut.
-Yes, I would unbolt (not unplug) level sensor and move it out of the way.

-Do yourself a huge favor and get the proper strut spreader tool.


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[MikTip]

This shows how to remove strut and top bearing

[sj9ninety]

The video from Blake is great just note his method of using a 1/4 ratchet *works* but can be a pain. I highly recommend getting the strut spreader tool.


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[bakedcorn]

This shows how to remove strut and top bearing

Yup, that's the one I've been referencing and studying. He makes no mention of removing the levelling sensor however there is another video floating around whereby it is unbolted from the lower control arm - just wasn't sure if I need VAGCOM for alignment adjustments etc.


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[bakedcorn]

-No recoding.
-Make sure to unplug EDC connection from bottom of strut.
-Yes, I would unbolt (not unplug) level sensor and move it out of the way.

-Do yourself a huge favor and get the proper strut spreader tool.


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Ugh, that one tool is roughly 40 bucks in my neck of the woods. I've got a couple of small pry tools that I hope will do the job. Hopefully it's as straightforward as it is, I'm in Ontario so the weather elements can wreak havoc on nuts and bolts etc...


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[Spinnetti]

a small "cold chisel" works fine as a spreader, just tap it in. I've done this many times in the past (I have the proper tool these days). That said, its only $10 from amazon canada... https://www.amazon.ca/Homyl-Suspensi...dDbGljaz10cnVl

[TheContrarian]

Ugh, that one tool is roughly 40 bucks in my neck of the woods. I've got a couple of small pry tools that I hope will do the job. Hopefully it's as straightforward as it is, I'm in Ontario so the weather elements can wreak havoc on nuts and bolts etc...


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https://www.amazon.ca/Homyl-Strut-Su...NsaWNrPXRydWU=

$14

[bakedcorn]

Lol ok you got me. I was hoping to avoid the whole shipped and sold by some company in China. I'll forge ahead with my small pry bar and a 1/4 inch socket for good measure as well as a 2x3 just ....in....case. Lol.

Thanks


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[Chaoscreature]

a small "cold chisel" works fine as a spreader, just tap it in

The chisel trick works surprisingly well. You can also grind down an old allen key.

[bakedcorn]

I've read somewhere that the three bolts at the top of the strut tower are a one time use item ie stretch bolts. Also the dealership recommends a new pinch bolt and nut. Does this sound legit? Has anyone reused these parts without issue. No big deal just don't want to throwing money around if it's not necessary. Thanks


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[bakedcorn]

Well took the day off to get this job done....no joy. The knuckle would simply not let go of the strut. I tried a small chisel, 1/4 inch ratchet and a small pry bar...nothing. I tried the 2x4 method and still nothing. Sprayed some penetrating oil nothing. 2.5 hours later I gave up. I guess I'll have this taken care of at the local garage. Ugh!


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[sj9ninety]

Well took the day off to get this job done....no joy. The knuckle would simply not let go of the strut. I tried a small chisel, 1/4 inch ratchet and a small pry bar...nothing. I tried the 2x4 method and still nothing. Sprayed some penetrating oil nothing. 2.5 hours later I gave up. I guess I'll have this taken care of at the local garage. Ugh!


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I tried to warn you regarding the strut spreader. Purchase the $14 tool on Amazon and the knuckle will open up. The strut should slide in and out no problem.


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[bakedcorn]

I tried to warn you regarding the strut spreader. Purchase the $14 tool on Amazon and the knuckle will open up. The strut should slide in and out no problem.


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Ugh you sure did. I figured based on the videos on the interweb I'd have the same success but once again NOPE. Proof that I should stick to car washes and oil changes.
I'll order the part and give it a go hopefully the tool won't snap on me and get wedged in the knuckle.



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[JCBnice]

Ugh you sure did. I figured based on the videos on the interweb I'd have the same success but once again NOPE. Proof that I should stick to car washes and oil changes.
I'll order the part and give it a go hopefully the tool won't snap on me and get wedged in the knuckle.



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I ordered a cheap $14 off ebay and it worked fine for me. You'll be good.

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[bakedcorn]

So it's the shop as I knackered up my hands this past week. They removed the strut and noticed some play in the strut mount and will replace however they mentioned they couldn't test the strut ie push it in as it's electronic and they don't have the tools etc. Is this normal for the mag ride system as it pertains to struts / shocks? There is literally no bounce in the front and the strut is not leaking nor weeping.
When driving I can feel the ride change in the different modes ie comfort vs dynamic.


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[bakedcorn]

Not the strut mount, it seems to be a bad strut, more to come....


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[bakedcorn]

Update....

Unfortunately the MR front right strut is hosed. We (shop and I)decided given the crazy expensive pricing on these units to venture the "used" part route.
Installed and the clunking is now gone...great!...not so much. The shop also confirmed the rear MR shocks are on their way out which confirmed my fears due to considerable knocks from the rears in the past 8 to 10 months.
The shop is beyond belief to see all four corners failing at nearly the same time with such low kilometres - 62K kilometres on the dial.
And to top it all off the CEL popped up again which is the secondary O2 sensor and hopefully it's gone after replacement next week.

I'm loss for words at the moment.

☹️☹️☹️


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