View Full Version : Coil Overs suspension replacement
quickaudi07
01-09-2013, 02:01 PM
Hey guys, i'm looking forward to replace my set of coils overs.
I just purchased a new one from ecs tuning, and I have no idea where to start or what to do, i'm a very handy person and love working on my car, but I will need help with the replacement.
Can anyone point me at the right directions of how to replaces full set of coils overs, for the front and back?
Thank You
A4 Quattro
01-09-2013, 02:12 PM
I had a thread about this saved somewhere. Give me a minute to find it.
RAudiB7A4
01-09-2013, 05:52 PM
Check the tech section. There is a DIY in there. I think there is a "Bentley" repair manual made for our cars as well.
Be very patient, that's for sure lol my least favorite DIY of all I've attempted thus far.
quickaudi07
01-09-2013, 09:14 PM
So from my understanding it sounds like a really fucked up job lol.....
I have a guy not to far away from me, he said he could do it all around for 250$ which i dont think thats a lot, but i'm kinda hurting on money at this moment and thinking of doing this attempt myself :)
any suggestions lol?
AJacksA4
01-09-2013, 09:47 PM
I would do it yourself if I were you, unless you live somewhere snowy with road salts and all that grimey stuff, then it may be too lengthy. Its a simple job, just time consuming, especially your first time doing it. If your components are corroded, then getting them out can be a pita. For example the control arm pinch bolt can be a bitch to get off, or may even be seized up. Rent some spring compressors, and do it yourself. You'll learn alot too for next time. You can knock it out in a day if you're really good, took me a day and a half.
I would do it yourself if I were you, unless you live somewhere snowy with road salts and all that grimey stuff, then it may be too lengthy. Its a simple job, just time consuming, especially your first time doing it. If your components are corroded, then getting them out can be a pita. For example the control arm pinch bolt can be a bitch to get off, or may even be seized up. Rent some spring compressors, and do it yourself. You'll learn alot too for next time. You can knock it out in a day if you're really good, took me a day and a half.
x2 on pretty much everything here. It's a pain in the ass job, but nothing over the top difficult. Rather than look at it as ONE tough job, it's more like 10 annoying steps. Just take your time, rent the compressor, make sure you have all the proper tools, DEF will need (or should have) a buddy to help you - mainly for the rear springs, have a lot of patience and save yourself the money. There is a pretty good walkthrough somewhere... I think it is of a B6 tho which is the same exact set up.
quickaudi07
01-10-2013, 08:51 AM
Guys thank you,, I will try this attempt next weekend, I do have a compressor, also I don't give 2 shits about control arms, I had to get new ones and adjustable ones if that matters.
I have a garage and its nice and worm in there, not HOT, but its a good temperature that i could do this job.
I think it would be a good learning experience....
Guys thank you,, I will try this attempt next weekend, I do have a compressor, also I don't give 2 shits about control arms, I had to get new ones and adjustable ones if that matters.
I have a garage and its nice and worm in there, not HOT, but its a good temperature that i could do this job.
I think it would be a good learning experience....
You will def learn a lot for sure. Don't be afraid to take your time and do it RIGHT. It's much more rewarding doing it yourself and knowing that YOU did it versus paying someone... and besides, saving the extra $$$ sure feels good.
event
01-10-2013, 08:58 AM
Do yourself a favor when doing the rears and just drop the subframe, will save you a lot of time and headache. It really is a simple job, just time consuming as other stated. Ideally have a impact wrench (electric is fine) and some WD-40, or for even worse situations some PB Blaster.
If you have trouble removing the nuts from the shocks on the front because they keep spinning freely even with an impact wrench, hit me up. I have a simple solution.
A-BlacK_MambA-4
01-10-2013, 09:03 AM
Do yourself a favor when doing the rears and just drop the subframe, will save you a lot of time and headache. It really is a simple job, just time consuming as other stated. Ideally have a impact wrench (electric is fine) and some WD-40, or for even worse situations some PB Blaster.
If you have trouble removing the nuts from the shocks on the front because they keep spinning freely even with an impact wrench, hit me up. I have a simple solution.
Why not post that here for eveyone just incase someone searches and comes across this thread?
event
01-10-2013, 09:41 AM
Why not post that here for eveyone just incase someone searches and comes across this thread?
Cause that would take effort I might not need to exert [:p]... I'll post a pic of the combination of tools I used when I get home. There are more specialized tools you could use instead, but I just used what I had on hand and it worked out fine.
quickaudi07
01-10-2013, 10:52 AM
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/114492-B6-B7-A4-Suspension-Removal-and-Install
event
01-10-2013, 04:32 PM
Take these...
http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/3450/dsc04551fe.jpg
... and do this...
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/1985/dsc04546h.jpg
You'll know when you get there if you have issues with the nut free spinning when you attempt to disassemble the upper strut mount.
Charles.waite
01-10-2013, 05:00 PM
You'll need spring compressors for the rear.
I would also recommend buying a Chiltons/Haynes manual at you local parts store. Or on Amazon. The Bentley is the best, but its pricey. The other two will work just fine for a "simple" coilover replacement.
tankdeer
01-10-2013, 05:06 PM
You'll need spring compressors for the rear.
No you don't, just drop the subframe. You'll more likely need then for the front.
It's really not a difficult job, people just make it out to be. I can do it by myself in probably 3 or 4 hours
PB blast the heck out of every bolt you have to remove. I let it sit for awhile, and sprayed them again.
Also, it really helps to jack up the control arms when removing bolts- it relives some pressure- and just makes it easier.
And definitely drop the subframe a little- I didn't, and it made it much more difficult to remove the springs. My friend stood on the control arm while I put a huge breaker bar to pry the spring loose[rolleyes]
Have fun, it's not that bad. What coils did you go with?
I still needed to use compressors for the rear even AFTER dropping the subframe. I would def make sure you have a set handy just to be safe.
adamc514
01-11-2013, 07:15 AM
I still needed to use compressors for the rear even AFTER dropping the subframe. I would def make sure you have a set handy just to be safe.
Really? If he is replacing an existing coilover the rear springs should be a little shorter than stock, i.e. should come out without spring compressor. Mine did atleast.
Really? If he is replacing an existing coilover the rear springs should be a little shorter than stock, i.e. should come out without spring compressor. Mine did atleast.
Ohhhhh, that's true... he did say REPLACE his coilovers, so you are probably correct. I did mine from stock.
adamc514
01-11-2013, 08:16 AM
Got ya. Spring compressors are a free rental from most auto stores so it doesn't hurt to have it for the job, just in case.
OP, here are a couple links to get you started:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/189109-DIY-B6-B7-A4-Suspension-Removal-and-Install
http://a4mods.com/index.php?page=webcontent/pages/coilovers.html&category=2
For the front suspension you could probably get by without removing the tie rod end or sway bar end links. On the rear suspension if you are dropping the rear subframe, no need to remove the eccentric bolt/camber arm, and only drop the subframe on one side of the vehicle at a time.
tankdeer
01-11-2013, 08:28 AM
Pretty sure you need to remove the tie rod end up front. But no need to remove the swaybar end links either front or rear. And definitely no need to mess with the eccentric bolt, unless you're adjusting camber.
quickaudi07
01-11-2013, 02:27 PM
Guys, thank you so much for everything, I will be doing attempt tomorrow,
Good friend of mine is off, and he knows how to do them as well, so it should be a peace of cake lol I will be also replacing adjustable control arms, and yes my car does have coil overs at this moment, but they are falling apart due to snow and other weather crap that we have in IL :(
Charles.waite
01-11-2013, 02:29 PM
Guys, thank you so much for everything, I will be doing attempt tomorrow,
Good friend of mine is off, and he knows how to do them as well, so it should be a peace of cake lol I will be also replacing adjustable control arms, and yes my car does have coil overs at this moment, but they are falling apart due to snow and other weather crap that we have in IL :(
Famous last words, haha.
In any event good luck! My old B7 was from Chicago and it had a decent amount of rust on it for only having 65k miles. Hope you're luckier than that car was.
quickaudi07
01-14-2013, 05:52 AM
Famous last words, haha.
In any event good luck! My old B7 was from Chicago and it had a decent amount of rust on it for only having 65k miles. Hope you're luckier than that car was.
I had my car since 2008, it had only 10K on it, it was garage kept everyday, never left outside over night.
I don't have much rust under it, that i could really see, I get it washed every week or every other week.
And coil replacement didn't go so well lol.
quickaudi07
01-25-2013, 07:46 AM
Back to square 1, i dont have the tools or feel like massing with it, I have my friend replace everything, he has its own shop with all the tools needed, and also a lift.
He will do it for 250$ and he will replace fuel filter for me at no extra cost other than the part its self.
So its all good, :)
I trust him with his work, he has done work an all my cars in the past years.. never had a problem, and if there was a problem he would always correct it and fixed anything without a problem....
He has done coils on cars before, and he has an audi himself, with a nice K04 under the hook. :)
I have no problem paying him to do the job... it will take him about 3-4 hours with all the tools, it will take me 6-8 and who knows if i would do it right.
$250 is a good deal for you then- good peace of mind to know that your friend will do it correct. If you have the time grab a few beers and hang out during the install.