absolutcq20v

Took Sunday 'off' to get in a mountain bike ride and install my new toys. Install was pretty straight forward, and required a combo of sockets, wrenches, etc.

<b>Install:</b>
I had both fronts out in 30 minutes; I'm glad I put anti-seize on everything back when I replaced the front control arms (CAs)...

<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~absolutcq20v/A6/HR/IMG_0270.jpg">

<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~absolutcq20v/A6/HR/IMG_0271.jpg">


Here's a stock/H&amp;R comparo of the front springs and struts...

<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~absolutcq20v/A6/HR/IMG_0278.jpg">

<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~absolutcq20v/A6/HR/IMG_0281.jpg">


I had the fronts swapped out and adjusted once in ~2 hours...including being slowed by a visit from 2 fellow Audiphiles. :P The initial adjustment of 2" (collar from bottom of threads on strut) was a little low for my taste, not to mention unforgiving to any settling of the springs...

<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~absolutcq20v/A6/HR/IMG_0284.jpg">


I got a little antsy when it came time to the rears and I had 3 hours to get thingsa wrapped up and be home "...or else". The rears were quite different from those B5s I did 2 weeks prior. :P

I removed the lower strut bolt/nut (18mm), 2 upper strut cap bolts (13mm), 2 swaybar bracket bolt/nut per side (13mm), the lower/outer control arm bolt (also 18mm, but offset...so mark it's position relative to control arm body prior to removal), AND <i>loosened</i> the lower/inner control arm bolts/nuts. Also, remove the two 8mm cap nuts that hold a plastic sleeve for the wheel speed sensor, otherwise you'll stress/break it during the next step. After that, the strut/spring assemblies came out with some maneuvering and the lower CAs swung down.

Here she sat, as of yesterday evening...

<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~absolutcq20v/A6/HR/IMG_0288.jpg">

<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~absolutcq20v/A6/HR/IMG_0291.jpg">

<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~absolutcq20v/A6/HR/IMG_0292.jpg">

<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~absolutcq20v/A6/HR/IMG_0293.jpg">

<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~absolutcq20v/A6/HR/IMG_0294.jpg">

<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~absolutcq20v/A6/HR/IMG_0297.jpg">

I ended up having them adjusted to 2.5" front and 2.25" rear. Putting all the tools, parts, and other crap back in the trunk brought the rear down dead even with the fronts.

The only <i>problem</i> I had, per se, was getting the old strut nuts off...the strut rods spin almost freely. I found that a combo of penetrating oil, impact gun, and varying tension from the spring (be careful there) did the trick.


<b>Initial Impressions:</b>
Welp, it's obviously more firm...even a little bouncy. My steering wheel is cocked to the right about 10°, but the car tracks straight; guess I messed up the alignment...needed one (and new tires) anyway, se la vie.

I havn't driven around much to experiment yet, but this morning I had a dose of 'pituitary coffee' as the rear end started coming around on me at ~50mph in my usual 'whop-te-do' on-ramp on the way to work...not bad, just unexpected. :P

I'm going to give it a week or three until I don't see any change in the height...the rear was lower this a.m. according to my MkII Ver.3 eyeball gauge, but I'll wait til this weekend to take measurements again...and adjust as needed.

I'll also post later this week or next with my driving impressions...but a driving event will be the ultimate judge. &lt;marks late Nov. on calendar&gt;

thomas1978

^^^is riding low^^^

Press

look great....they'll settle a bit in the next few weeks

LEH82

looks perfect that's how i want mine to look

absolutcq20v

My S4 wheels w/ AS tires suddenly decided to show belts on the interior of the front wheels, so I had to put on those...but don't worry, the plan was/is to install the coilovers, ensure that no rubbing occurs with the 8" wheels, then buy summer meat for them; should have new tires before the end of the month &lt;knock on wood trim&gt;.

DesmoTesta

Looks great.

thomas1978

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/78449/summer_001.jpg"></center><p>

Boston Driver

Tony, looks good! Congrats on a nice DIY install!

2kA6v8

Looks great !