How to install Coilovers / Springs on Audi A4, A5, S4, S5, RS5, Allroad, B8/8.5
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ต.ค. 2024
- My fellow Automotive Fanatics, I welcome you to my channel for another DIY! Today, we are tackling a coilover (applicable to spring as well) install on a B8.5 RS5. Even though our reference vehicle is a RS5, the process is applicable for other Audis with the “B” series chassis designation such as the B8/8.5 A4/A5/S4/S5/RS5/Allroad.
On a scale of difficulty, I would rate this project a 6 or 7 due to the challenges to remove the rear springs. My method involves lowering the rear subframe. However, I have seen it completed simply using spring compressors, but it’s much more involved. In addition, you’ll need to man-handle the front strut/spring assembly which can be heavy.
**DISCLAIMER**
Audi will recommend that a majority of suspension bolts be replaced with new bolts. This is due to the fact that many of the bolts are "torque to yield" bolts. It's just my opinion, but I have always reused my bolts without issues. If you want to chance it, proceed at your own risk. One other item with my torque specs, Audi will include for example, "65ft/lbs + 45, 90, or 180 degrees turn" as the absolute torque value. Again, use your judgement to determine if you want the torque specs I sourced from many different performance vendors...or if you want to use Audi's absolute torque values.
Install time: 5-7hrs.
Timeline of DIY:
0:13 - intro to this DIY
2:38 - rear suspension - front section of subframe
3:23 - rear suspension - rear section of subframe and misc items
5:26 - removal of spring
6:26 - removal of rear shock
7:36 - passenger side spring/shock removal
8:32 - re-install of rear suspension
10:48 - front suspension - items needed to remove
14:47 - front suspension misc items removed
15:58 - front suspension assembly removed
17:08 - reinstall of front coilovers
18:12 - final front suspension install w/torque specs
19:13 - final comments
If you guys have any questions, please post below and I will do my best to help. As always, thank you for watching and supporting my channel! Until the next time, this is Peter, The Automotive Fanatic!
Music provided by: Mixkit.com, “Hooligans” by Michael Ramir
As chaotic of a job as this looks, this was a great video and you provided a lot of detail, which is much appreciated. Keep up the good work, sir 👍🏾
Thanks for watching and the support!
Great video! Just one disclaimer for all!
When re-installing the front upper control arms it’s crucial that you load the suspension
Andrew, you bring up a good point which I did not mention. I appreciate the comment.
Used your video today as a guide putting sport springs on my B8 S5, appreciate you making this big time!
Awesome, I am glad the video helped you out!
Absolutely perfect instruction video, slow, detailed, with the torque specs as a bonus. Well well done.
Thanks Evren for the kind feedback. I try my best to make useful videos for the average DIY guy and am glad you found this video useful. Cheers!
@@TheAutomotiveFanatic I noticed you never mentioning replacing stretch bolts which Audi suggests to replace do to one time usage once removed due to preventative matter of snapping. Did you inspect and just reuse? Other than that excellent video I will have to tackle in the future!
@@bcruzin28 you are 100% correct with the use of the stretch bolts. All VAG manuals will state that the stretch bolts need to be replaced. In my experience, I have never replaced the bolts and have been lucky that not a single one has "snapped" off. Thank you for the input though because potential DIYERS need to know that VAG does recommend the replacement.
Great video content ! As said below, production is much improved, great into, music playing to shots of cars, work ect , excellently done. The graphics overlay for pointing out bolts as well as torque specs, excellent addition. Overall fantastic quality content.
If I have 1 thing to add "maybe I missed it or am incorrect", I believe Audi recommends brand new bolts when serving their vehicles (1 time use bolts) particularly on the sub-frames of their cars.
Again, excellent video, continue putting out the quality content you do. I will absolutely be continuing to enjoy the content, Cheers !
Turbo, as always, thanks for your constructive input. I do value it so keep them coming!
As far as suspension bolts on Audis, you're 100% correct. Audi does recommend replacing a majority of suspension bolts because they are "torque to yield" bolts. I will add a little disclaimer in the descriptions area so that others know how to complete this DIY the true, "Audi" recommended way.
this was amazing, exellent info and thanks SO MUCH for the torque specs!
Bryan, I am glad you found the video and torque specs useful!
A before and after shot of the stance would have been cool.
Chip, you're correct, it would have been a great idea. Unfortunately, I didn't take the opportunity to do that.
I appreciate how detailed you are, what website did you use to see the torque specs and all the information you showed in the end of the video?
Thank you for the comment. I try to be detailed...for the torque specs, I used several manufactures such as KW, ECS, Bilstein, etc. Their guides generally had torque values.
That production value climbing dude! Keep it up.
Much appreciate the support! You've been instrumental in my growth.
Excellent video my man
Thanks for watching and the kind comment!
I appreciate you making this video, it will be a helpful tool once I tackle this project. Though, if I could make suggestions, being a little more concise with your verbage and using the alotted time to show short clips of what you are removing in order would be even more helpful. Thank you for this video nonetheless but hopefully that could be useful information, cheers!
Moe, thanks for watching and I appreciate your input. You're not the first to tell me that I speak too much. I take no offense at all as it's all constructive feedback.
Hello! Thanks for the video :) i have a question pls : i have S-Line model of an A5 b8.5 and the ride is just too bumpy.. will coilovers will help with switch rides between firm and soft? Is it easy to switch between this modes? Which coilovers do you suggest without breaking the bank? 🙏
Hello jakjak258, is your S-Line A5 stock, or does it have an aftermarket setup already? Depending on the type of coilovers you purchase, a "linear" rated coilover setup like BCs will make your car ride rough, all the time. Other setups such as KV or Bilsteins which run a progressive rated spring, will provide a much more compliant ride. However, neither of these two brands offer adjustable dampening that connects to your "mag-ride" setup if you have that.
Is it a must to remove the subframe bolts for simply replacing only the springs? Thank you
Piczl, you do not have to...however, you'll then need to figure a way to safely compress your stock springs and magically remove them from the tight confinements of the rear suspension. Is it possible, Yes...would I try, absolutely NOT.
God this looks insane. Not looking forward to fixing my A5 suspension lol
Just take your time Roddy. It's not tough, just tedious but 100% DIYABLE.
how many hours of labor am i looking at if i'm letting a shop do this?
Dylan, a competent shop should be able to complete this in 5 hours. I tell my clients, it's a 6-7hr job because I am OCD.
This has been a very helpful video for me. I've encountered one issue. When tightening the smaller front subframe bolt on drivers side it started to tighten and then got loose. Now it won't come out or get tight. I had torque wrench set to 40 and it disnt make it to that setting before continuing to now spin in either direction. Thoughts?
Hey Danny, thanks for watching and the support. Of all the coilovers/springs I installed on this chassis, I cannot say that I have ran into your issue. So let me understanding you correctly, the front short bolt just spins freely in each direction? It doesn't feel like it "catches" any of the threads? If this is the case, I'm sorry to say, but you might have to drill it out somehow.
@@TheAutomotiveFanatic thanks for the reply. And yes it now spins freely, but it does not spin easily. I can't see what it threads into.
@@dannycross3808 Keep me posted on a resolution. I'm curious to see how you fix this.
That sensor on the control arm is only for the headlight range control... meaning that it causes the headlight to move up and down to follow the contour of the road... it has absolutely nothing to do with your suspension or the setup...it only tell the light when to move up and down with the control arm for best road visibility
Shawn, you're absolutely correct! I mentioned it in the install because many people forget that it's attached to the control arm. When you release the tension, the control drops and snaps that leveling arm.
Well done man!
Thanks my Sifu!
Hey man I have an audi s3 and i recently bought a carbon fiber diffuser I was wondering if you do installs or perhaps know someone who does? Amazing videos by the way!
Yes Dan, I do perform installs. I am located in Southern California.
Hi Peter, Always enjoy your videos and learn a lot.. Thank you
I have a question, is this car equipped with those OEM sports suspension that have different modes for stiffness?
If so, how did you "fool" the car after replace with coilover setup?
Hello Jason and Thanks for the support! This particular RS5 did not have adjustable mag-ride so no trickery was needed. I have though, worked on cars with mag-ride. In those cases, the owners ended up purchasing "cancellers" to fool the ECU. I believe you can also code out mag-ride but it's my understanding that when you do, you negatively impact other "codes" within the ECU and it's not a good situation. Hope this helps!
@@TheAutomotiveFanatic Peter, thanks for the details. However I am at a stage that I have to debate what should I get for my 2014 A5 which equipped with oem mag-ride struts. I am more interested to get a set of coilover (since the struts are already few years old), however after read so many reviews of those "cancellers" FAIL (even with a hefty price tag). Have you come across any reliable brand "canceller" that you can recommend?
@@jasonw.7313 I hate to say it, but mag-ride cancellers are a hit and miss. I have heard that they work, then others will say that do not. No disrespect to you, but are you 100% certain that your A5 has mag-ride? I've worked on several and the percentage of them with mag-ride is low.
@@TheAutomotiveFanatic I don't know for sure , I actually want to NOT HAVE IT but my menu has a page can select suspension, and choose comfort, auto, dynamic. Do I have it?
@@jasonw.7313 having the menu on your MMI does not always translate to having Mag-ride. Generally, there are cables that connect to your shocks at either the top, or bottom.
Nice video
Thank you for watching and the support! Happy to do one on a R8. ;-)
Are the subframe bolts TTY ?
According to Audi, yes they are.
The rear there is no need to unbolt anything. you just compress the spring in place
Muckman, you're correct. You can remove the spring by compression it. However, the challenge is space, having the proper spring compressor, as well as risking your safety.
@@TheAutomotiveFanatic correct tools for the correct job 👍
So the coil sleeve goes up I seen another video but them to the bottom
Gera, depending on which manufacture your coils are, some perches are on the top. Others are on the bottom.
@@TheAutomotiveFanatic I have BC that I’m going to try n put them on finger cross everything goes well
@@geramane5184 , you'll be ok. Just make sure you have the proper tools, take your time, and use videos/guides as reference. Post up if you have issues.
What size rims are those?
Those are 20" rims.
Could i get an exact list of tools you used
Please and thank you
@@fantom10121 you're going to need an assortment of metric sockets, open end wrenches, torx bits, and make sure you have a strut spreading tool. You will also need an impact wrench to snap off the bolt to the top hat.
How much you trynna charge me to do for me
If you're local to Orange County, CA, go ahead and email me: petervanvu@gmail.com
for pricing.
No wonder my subframe would not go down i didn't remove the endlink from the sway bar lol.
Been there, done that! LOL
@@TheAutomotiveFanatic haha i got it done today. Thanks for your video man
@@Ivan-hx7cc Thanks a ton for the support Ivan!
i dont recomend using this video for coilovers installation on your B8- there are better videos explaining this process
Thanks for your input Victor. There will ALWAYS be more thorough or faster DIYs out there for this process. TH-cam is a community so why don't you share one you prefer to use?
I thought it was great
Hi very sorry but I did not think your description not clear and pointing out and describe wrong items.But nice try.
There are a few different methods to installing coilovers/springs on this chassis. The method and instructions I provide here, are just the way I do it. Sorry if it didn't help you, if you have an easier, faster way, I am open to hearing it.