View Full Version : H & R spring install question.
jimmyrecluse
10-14-2004, 04:05 PM
My springs cam in yesterday but I have a question.
I am a good mechanic, done major installs on Hondas and Toyotas, BUT I heard that spring installs on a B6 audi was hard. I looked at it and it looks easy , the shock and spring are separate sooo... has anyone done this. Can you give me an idea of what I am looking at?
JetBlue
10-14-2004, 10:58 PM
You will probably have more luck on the A4 board with this question.
MO
astris
10-15-2004, 08:46 AM
Originally posted by jimmyrecluse
My springs cam in yesterday but I have a question.
I am a good mechanic, done major installs on Hondas and Toyotas, BUT I heard that spring installs on a B6 audi was hard. I looked at it and it looks easy , the shock and spring are separate sooo... has anyone done this. Can you give me an idea of what I am looking at?
It is not fun. If you are good mechanic you can do it. A special VAG spring compressor is very helpful if not necessay. I had coilovers installed on my A4 and it took a competent shop almost three hours to do the install. It was worth the money to me.
jimmyrecluse
10-15-2004, 10:06 AM
Originally posted by astris
It is not fun. If you are good mechanic you can do it. A special VAG spring compressor is very helpful if not necessay. I had coilovers installed on my A4 and it took a competent shop almost three hours to do the install. It was worth the money to me.
How much? I heard the spring compressors that work range from 400 -1100.. And that doing the install without a compressor would take me about 3 hours.
I had my B6 A4 springs done by a shop and it took them also about 3 hours with all the necessary tools with the car on the lift. I'd just pay the price to save the headache. It cost me roughly $200.
jimmyrecluse
10-15-2004, 03:05 PM
Originally posted by DGS4
I had my B6 A4 springs done by a shop and it took them also about 3 hours with all the necessary tools with the car on the lift. I'd just pay the price to save the headache. It cost me roughly $200.
I heard it was about that much. However, my best friend owns a shop with a lift that i use regularly.
astris
10-15-2004, 03:17 PM
Originally posted by jimmyrecluse
I heard it was about that much. However, my best friend owns a shop with a lift that i use regularly.
If you have a lift and the knowhow to drop the rear subframe then go for it. Don't know how to do the front though. It would have been a huge hassle for me and I probably would have screwed something up. The shop took care of me and they have done many cars so it instills some confidence.
In my case my time and effort was worth more than what I paid for the install. Though, if you enjoy it, by all means get to work!
jimmyrecluse
10-16-2004, 12:10 PM
did the back last night in an hour. The front looks harder though.
foofighter
10-16-2004, 12:18 PM
the front is pretty easy and doesn't require that special VAG tool but the rear it's almost essential. We did a suspension install last sunday in 45 mins no drama. That special vag tool costs 1500 i have a pic of it somewhere i'll have to upload but it makes the rear spring removal a cinch.
jimmyrecluse
10-16-2004, 12:45 PM
Originally posted by foofighter
the front is pretty easy and doesn't require that special VAG tool but the rear it's almost essential. We did a suspension install last sunday in 45 mins no drama. That special vag tool costs 1500 i have a pic of it somewhere i'll have to upload but it makes the rear spring removal a cinch.
We did the rear last night in under an hour without that tool. It was simple.
How are the fronts though?
foofighter
10-16-2004, 01:56 PM
i think it's not that bad...just remember to note where the lower fork is in relations to the top control arm that way it's easier to mount the hole suspension assembly