need direction on how to remove the rear spring

[OlivierA4]

hi everyone,
I have been changing my car suspension front and back. I finished the front and now is the time for the back. I got the struts out of the car but I could not get the spring out. i watch video on Youtube and it wasn't like that easy of "pulling the spring out". any trick, do and don't? as of right now, i am going to use the spring compressor but it wont fit due to space. I am thinking of move the rear brake rotor, dust shield in open up space for the spring compressor. these are items that I removed so far, Sway bar link, struts.
what is the size of the rear sway bar bushing bracket screw? I need new screws because the one on the car is badly rusted.
thank you
Olivier

[Audibot]

First off: Rear springs are HUGE so pulling it out is a pain. There isn't an "easy" way to do it, but by far what makes it easier is to loosen the subframe bolts and lower down a bit on whatever side you're working on. It's best if you can support the rear diff while you're doing this. Once you lower it some, you should be able to slip a spring compressor and with some effort, compress it down to level where you can remove it.

You'll need an alignment in a couple weeks after it settles anyway.

You can remove the brake dust shields and discs to help make it easier. Calipers don't make sense. Once you lower the subframe you should gain some more room.

For the bolt size, check with either ECS, 034 or anyone who sells the rear sway bar, and see if they'll tell you.

[crazyquik22023]

hi everyone,
what is the size of the rear sway bar bushing bracket screw? I need new screws because the one on the car is badly rusted.
thank you
Olivier

I'm thinking you are looking for either #8 or #10 on this drawing. http://etka.cc/audi/part_single/cata.../272767/lang/e

[Audibot]

Looks like #8 based on his description. Good source, crazyquik22023

[OlivierA4]

thank you everyone for helping. the exploded view is great.
I got rear driver side done. this week will be done with audi spring, struts, front suspension. next week will be brake HP2 and brake bleeding. then error code reset to see anything pop up.

[MikTip]

I have a Mercedes spring compressor that works well to remove the rear springs without loosening the subframe. Many folks loosen the rear subframe...

[tHatOne guY]

I have a Mercedes spring compressor that works well to remove the rear springs without loosening the subframe. Many folks loosen the rear subframe...

You must have one of these.

[Audibot]

I just got one of those recently. You don't realize the size and heft of it until you actually get it.

[tHatOne guY]

I just got one of those recently. You don't realize the size and heft of it until you actually get it.

No sh!t.. It's quite massive. Considering the energy stored in a compressed spring the size/heft makes me feel a bit better.

[OlivierA4]

i got that compression kit and got my rear side spring come out. what I would suggest whoever do the rear for their 3.0L V6, they SHOULD remove the dust shield, and rotor that give more space for the spring compressor. I don't need to drop the subframe.