Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Special Tools Required
- 41 0 000 PUNCH NUMBERS/LETTERS/SPECIAL CHARACTERS
- 41 1 140 STAMP GAUGE
- 41 1 141
- 41 1 142
If the stamped vehicle identification number is removed during repair work, it must be stamped in again.
Read and comply with General Information . Refer to 41 00... Vehicle Identification Number, General .
Necessary preliminary tasks:
- Remove front right spring strut . Refer to 31 31 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT SHOCK ABSORBER and/or 31 31 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT SHOCK ABSORBER .
- Remove rubber base from guide plate 41 1 141
Special tool kit 41 1 140 for stamping vehicle identification number consists of:
Guide plate 41 1 141
Counter-plate 41 1 142
Position counter-plate 41 1 142 at bottom on spring strut dome.
Position guide plate 41 1 141 at top on spring strut dome and tighten bolts (1) by hand.
Tighten bolt (1) until counterholder 41 1 142 rests on spring strut dome.
Tighten screws (1).
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.