markfl

I am attempting to replace the rear strut on my 2006 A8 D3. I have uncoupled all bolts and connections for the strut and uncoupled the rear stabilizer bar. But instead of the suspension dropping, it is still sprung upward, while the strut still has downward force, making it impossible to remove the strut.

It seems that I need to uncouple either the upper control arm, the lower control arm or the lateral arm, but I don't know which is causing the most upward force. If any. Any advice on what needs to be done to release that upward pressure and drop the suspension? Am I missing something?

I tried uncoupling the upper control arm, but the brake mechanism is in the way of removing the bolt.

Thanks for any advice.

markfl

There are also these two connections: (a) a jointed two-arm rubber(?) connector between lower control arm and body; and (b) a short connector between lateral arm and lower control arm. See photos. Not sure if these play a role. Thanks again for any advice.






(a)





(b)

Kris Hansen

In the first photo, that is a relatively fragile thing, it's the level sensor, which tells the car where the suspension is. Carefully remove that from the control arm.

The other thing to do, try to get BOTH wheels off of the ground. If one is on the ground, the swaybar will be loaded, and will be applying force to the side you are working on. Then disconnect the swaybar, so you can droop the suspension down.

You may need to loosen the inner pivots on some control arms as well.