Replace A6 Rear Shocks

[Cheeky Jim]

One of the rear shocks on our 1998 A6 Avant has gone tits... I realise I need to replace both sides, but could anyone advise if this is a relatively easy job.

I can do DIY Spannering and have a decent set of tools..

Is there anything to be aware of.

Ta

[BoraBora]

its easy enough really, dropping the rear axle down on one side at a time will make it easier, remember to nip the brake line when you take it off so you dont get brake fluid everywhere, oh and a pry bar will make it easier, make sure youve got a decent set of ratchet sockets and a 1/2" drive ratchet will make life easier.

[Cheeky Jim]

Sounds rather too much... dropping rear axles... that maybe slightly out of my DIY spannering abilities!!

What would a garage charge do you think if I got the shocks? Is it a lengthy job?

Cheers

[nowheyman]

BoraBora is right. Its not too hard.
Have to change front lower ball joints, NS cv joint and boot for my MOT. Because I am doing it myself, I can do other work in the same area (lower arms & bushes) without it costing me loads more.

Cant say how much you would pay in a garage, main dealer could be unrealistic for a 1998 A6.

IMO taking a few photos as your dismantling can help if you are unsure. Will help you put things back together too. If you dont have one already, get a haines manual, can be a lifesaver!
Good luck!

[cod man]

If you haven't tried it already, try googling "Replace Audi A6 Shocks". There are lots of helpful guides on the various VAG owners club websites that are really good. There might just be a full guide on how to do it with photos. I have found quite a few such guides (miles better than any Haynes manual too) for jobs on my A4. Must have saved me ££££'s.

[BoraBora]

really, its a piece of piss im hardly a spanner wiz

Wheel off
18mm bolt out of the rear axle bush
10mm nut off the brake pipe connector (nip it with something)
16mm (i think) nut off the bottom of the shock absorber, and just lift it off,
??mm 2 bolts at the top of the shock absorber
stick the new one in, bolt it up, connect your brake pipe

i used my jack to get my axle up back into place so i could put the axle bush bolt back in, but make sure your car is secure!

30 mins work.

[944fan]

The bottom bolt should only be tightened with the wheels on the ground. Otherwise I belive it can shear off.