Adjusting Rear Suspension on Bilstein PSS9

[Zackry00]

So I'm an Audi noob here and i purchased my 2007 A3 with Bilstein suspension (amongst other mods). The drop is a bit too aggressive for me, so I attempted to raise the car up about .5". I was successful with the fronts using the Bilstein wrenches, but when I tried to turn the adjustment on the spring for the rear, the whole assembly just spun and the adustment didn't move.

What do I need to do to adjust the rear height? Do I need to remove (or loosen) the subframe to adjust? Or is there something I can do to hold the threaded part in place while I spin the adjustment nut to the right spot?

I posted this in the A3 specific forum, but I know this subforum gets more traffic. Also, I've browsed the DIY's for how to install coilovers and most said to adjust the rears before you install, but does that mean I have to uninstall to adjust the height?

Help!

Thanks,
Zack

[CorneliusRox]

I have used Visegrips before with some rubber under both claws.

Good luck though. Suspension stuff that has aged a bit is always no fun to work on.

BTW, how are you liking the A3? Saw a TDI A3 2011 for $12k yesterday. I am kinda interested, it is auto though.

[{PMS}fishy]

Saw a TDI A3 2011 for $12k yesterday. I am kinda interested, it is auto though.

All USDM TDI A3s are autos.

[Zackry00]

I have used Visegrips before with some rubber under both claws.

Good luck though. Suspension stuff that has aged a bit is always no fun to work on.

BTW, how are you liking the A3? Saw a TDI A3 2011 for $12k yesterday. I am kinda interested, it is auto though.

I love it. It's a 2.0T with suspension, seats, Brembo BBK, Neuspeed Intake and exhaust, and a bunch of other little things. It's precisely the "family" car that I wanted. :)

[$lick]

have you tried spraying pb blaster around the collar? if not, give that a try... let it soak in for a few minutes and try again while holding the body of teh shock with a channel lock or similar tool

[CorneliusRox]

All USDM TDI A3s are autos.

Yeah, I know I am just saying in general that I wouldnt want to own an auto car. apparently for around $3k you can get a euro 6mt (used)

[Zackry00]

have you tried spraying pb blaster around the collar? if not, give that a try... let it soak in for a few minutes and try again while holding the body of teh shock with a channel lock or similar tool

I haven't yet, but I'll give that a try first before I disassemble the unit. I'm a bit hesitant to hold the threads with channel locks for fear of marring the threads though. I'll look for a spot to grab on where it won't be an issue.

[b7kevin]

ST's do the same thing. I have to pull the lower shock bolt and drop the subframe down a bit to adjust them. I might put a bit of rubber between the perch and the car frame, might hold it just enough

[wildcat333]

Check my thread about my kw suspension adjustment: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...d=12&styleid=8

I'm not sure if yours is similar or not, but worth checking out.