H&R VTF Adjustable Spring Installation

[P5stunna]

Updated 6/15 with results.
Finished lowering the car tonight and it dropped it about 1" front and rear. The fronts are set to the lowest setting and the rears are approximately set in the middle. I still have to fine tune the ride height once my new wheels arrive. In hindsight, I should have just gotten the sport springs and called it a day. These adjustable springs are a PITA and every time you want to adjust the height you have to practically undo everything to access the adjustable perch. They ride OK but I would not recommend these. Save yourself a lot of cussing and get this tool to spread the strut clamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YF7QU7G...p_mob_ap_share and just get the sport springs. I didn't use the provided bump stops for the rear shocks because it would required messing with the MRC wiring just to get them on which I was not going to do.











Hey everyone, I just got the H&R VTF adjustable lowering springs from tirerack that I’ll be installing today and had some questions maybe some of you can help me with:

1. Does the front OEM struts even have bump stops installed? The ones supplied with this kit don’t look wide enough to go on front struts.
2. Anyone know what the torque specs are for the RS3 suspension compenents?
3. Do the height sensors need adjusting when lowering the car and if so, how is that done?
4. Anyone else try these? If so, what are your thoughts on them?

Thanks in advance for the constructive input. Pics to follow.



It doesn't help that the instructions appear to be for another kit and not this one based on part numbers.

[Patrick_l52]

wow interested cant wait to see the final outcome pls share the progress

[Eat.Sleep.Race]

Nice kit! Cant wait to see pics!

[rex_racer]

Hey everyone, I just got the H&R VTF adjustable lowering springs from tirerack that I’ll be installing today and had some questions maybe some of you can help me with:

1. Does the front OEM struts even have bump stops installed? The ones supplied with this kit don’t look wide enough to go on front struts.
3. Do the height sensors need adjusting when lowering the car and if so, how is that done?

Do you have Mag Ride? MR struts are inverted monotubes, the bumpstop is at the bottom of the strut, inside the housing. You won't be able to trim the height easily. The stops you were supplied are for cars with out MR. In the case of the A3/S3 and likely the RS3, those shocks are twin tube, regular style struts which have a thinner shock rod at the top. That is what the H&R stop is for.

It is unclear if the ride height sensors need to be recalibrated. Some highly recommend it, some do not. Only the dealer can change the values. VCDS, nor OBD Eleven have capability to adjust it.

[joszer]

Get yourself one of these tools to separate the knuckle for the shocks up front. You'll thank me later. It made the job for me 100x easier.

FIRSTINFO Universal Multi... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YF7QU7G...p_mob_ap_share

I tried using one of those old splitter tools with the rotating cam that you would place on your 3/8's ratchet. It would just sheer the aluminum off the knuckle and not split it.

I don't know the torque specs, I just made sure everything goes back on tight

The height sensors do not need readjusted. Just make sure you disconnect them from the lower control arm before dropping the strut so you don't break the sensor. A member on here broke his and it was an expensive part if I remember right.

[P5stunna]

Get yourself one of these tools to separate the knuckle for the shocks up front. You'll thank me later. It made the job for me 100x easier.

FIRSTINFO Universal Multi... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YF7QU7G...p_mob_ap_share

I tried using one of those old splitter tools with the rotating cam that you would place on your 3/8's ratchet. It would just sheer the aluminum off the knuckle and not split it.

I don't know the torque specs, I just made sure everything goes back on tight

The height sensors do not need readjusted. Just make sure you disconnect them from the lower control arm before dropping the strut so you don't break the sensor. A member on here broke his and it was an expensive part if I remember right.

I've been looking for something like this, thanks! Just ordered one. I also have the vw splitter tool on it's way and may just wait until I get this one as it looks more robust and fit for the job.

[P5stunna]

Do you have Mag Ride? MR struts are inverted monotubes, the bumpstop is at the bottom of the strut, inside the housing. You won't be able to trim the height easily. The stops you were supplied are for cars with out MR. In the case of the A3/S3 and likely the RS3, those shocks are twin tube, regular style struts which have a thinner shock rod at the top. That is what the H&R stop is for.

It is unclear if the ride height sensors need to be recalibrated. Some highly recommend it, some do not. Only the dealer can change the values. VCDS, nor OBD Eleven have capability to adjust it.

I'm waiting to hear back from tirerack on these bump stops and the correct installation instructions. Thanks for the input.

[P5stunna]

Updated pics above.

[Patrick_l52]

how the ride quality ?

[P5stunna]

how the ride quality ?

It rides fine and definitely handles better than stock. I’ve hit some pretty big bumps and it remains composed.

[P5stunna]

These are up for sale if anyone is interested.

[Eat.Sleep.Race]

I had terrible result as well with my H&R's

[P5stunna]

The ride quality is fine. I just didn't like how inconvenient they are to adjust.