My S6 Avant Fixing Things Thread

[Caddylack]

Kinda late, but...

My reaction when you were trying to compress the springs was that you should have the bottom part of the tool further towards the bottom of the spring.

When you said it wasn't tight enough on the strut, I was thinking you just need to keep cranking the nut down. Also, you are missing something, as pointed out.

[R490]

Kinda late, but...

My reaction when you were trying to compress the springs was that you should have the bottom part of the tool further towards the bottom of the spring.

When you said it wasn't tight enough on the strut, I was thinking you just need to keep cranking the nut down. Also, you are missing something, as pointed out.

The spring compressors I have wouldn't fit further down. Luckily, there isn't much tension on these aftermarket rear springs, I think on the front ones, the situation would be different.

I got the perches off a local member and put them back together properly.

[Bordom]

The coolant temp sensor on the bottom passenger side in the engine bay under the air box should be turning the fans on. With AC on, it should be doing that automatically.

If it's not the fan, then it may be the fan control module.

Also, a bunch of Avants lined up is a great sight

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[R490]

The coolant temp sensor on the bottom passenger side in the engine bay under the air box should be turning the fans on. With AC on, it should be doing that automatically.

If it's not the fan, then it may be the fan control module.

Also, a bunch of Avants lined up is a great sight

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Which fans does the module control? The one on the front of the radiator is working. It's just the front one that's not turning on. I have a spare CTS and a spare fan for the back of the radiator. Fingers crossed that solves it. It does narrow it down I guess that with the AC off, the temps go down.

[Bordom]

IIRC it controls all of them. But if only one isn't doing it, then yeah might just be a fan

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[Audibot]

Happy the perches worked out for you!

Sucks about the fan! Bordom covered my thoughts on either the sensor or bad fan. Wondering if a connection could be loose (don't know the history of work in the engine bay).

[R490]

Happy the perches worked out for you!

Sucks about the fan! Bordom covered my thoughts on either the sensor or bad fan. Wondering if a connection could be loose (don't know the history of work in the engine bay).

Thanks again for those

Let me know if you wanna join for a little meetup next time, even though it's a bit of a drive.

I'm going to unplug it and try to put power to it to verify what's going on. I think it was on one of the previous owners radar, since a brand new fan was included with the car and this is the first time I've run the AC in it.

[jbain2]

You can jump the fan directly off the battery. If it doesn’t turn on that way, it’s definitely the fan.

Agree it would be weird for just one of the fans to be working and it be the fan control module.

The small fan is triggered by the AC. I think the larger fan is triggered off the CTS.


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[Audibot]

^^This. Fan went bad on my first allroad and it's how I tested it and then the replacement.

Let me know if you wanna join for a little meetup next time, even though it's a bit of a drive.

Sure; I'm sure I can find a time eventually. So much going on right now though.

[R490]

You can jump the fan directly off the battery. If it doesn’t turn on that way, it’s definitely the fan.

Agree it would be weird for just one of the fans to be working and it be the fan control module.

The small fan is triggered by the AC. I think the larger fan is triggered off the CTS.


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The small fan as in the one on the front of the radiator?

I'm just hoping the fan is the issue. I have a spare CTS as well, so I guess that can be an option too.

[Caddylack]

Since you already have the fan, there's no harm in installing it.

Worst case, you may have to troubleshoot the electrical system. If the new fan doesn't work either, then you definitely have a bad relay or sensor or "module".

It's pretty easy to narrow this stuff down with an ohm meter, since you are just looking for a yes/no or on/off as far as voltage.

[jbain2]

The small fan as in the one on the front of the radiator?

I'm just hoping the fan is the issue. I have a spare CTS as well, so I guess that can be an option too.

No. Not that one. The smaller fan in the core support. On the V6 cars it’s on the passenger side. Not sure if it’s different on the V8 models?


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[R490]

Unplugged the old fan and plugged in the new fan, it was indeed the fan.

[svt]

Unplugged the old fan and plugged in the new fan, it was indeed the fan.

Glad you were able to work that out!

[R490]

Made a list today of everything I'd like to take care of next.

-Timing chain tensioner pads
-Serpentine belt
-Timing again
-Power steering pump (I just have to find one I like, preferably not made in China)
-Find out why the drivers side door doesn't activate the cabin lighting/footwell lighting
-Fix the ashtray
-Fix the console cup holder
-Fix the headliner
-Restitch the drivers side seat bolster

[Bordom]

Driver door doesn't illuminate the interior lights because the sensor in the door latch is out. You'd need to replace the entire latch.

The door latch rebuild thread I posted back in Nov 23 shows you can take them apart and put back together, but it's not likely to function properly due to all the wear.

My passenger door has the same issue currently

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[ShelbyM3]

In my fleet I think I have 7 or so bad micro switches in the door, hood, or hatch lock actuators. I tracked down a replacement on eBay or Amazon a few years back, but all 3 of my orders were canceled and I gave up. I also took one apart and tried used ones, which were also bad. The switch just wears and eventually won’t depress enough to complete the circuit. The grease inside also solidifies and sometimes the door will bounce off the striker. Another fun C5 trait. I’ve got one of those, too.

I’ve had the thought about putting hot glue or silicone on the button and seeing if it’d work again, but I almost guarantee it’d fall off.

Anyway, your best bet is probably a “reputable” Chinese one some have a better reputation than others. I can’t recall at the moment. Maybe a used one. They can be had. It’d be a gamble, though.

The rest sounds fun. I’m glad you’re deciding to keep it and power through. Hopefully life has settled a little for you and the S6 can be a source of enjoyment. You’ve got a lot of good resources here on your side


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[Calif_Kid]

The door latch rebuild thread I posted back in Nov 23 shows you can take them apart and put back together, but it's not likely to function properly due to all the wear.

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I think that the thread is https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...-Latch-Rebuild and in post #6, I suggested a Uro brand latch as I had bought one and it worked OK for me. It looks like the part number for the Uro latch for the left driver front door is 4B1837015H, and the price when I did a really quick search is around $100 before shipping.

- Jim

[R490]

Appreciate the advice guys, I'll have to look into that once I start doing some more PM.

[Caddylack]

Power steering pump (I just have to find one I like, preferably not made in China)

Under $100 brand new, no core. Made in the USA. 2 year warranty.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...411412&pt=7380

[R490]

Well, this is kind of turning into a restoration thing.

Anyone have any of the following?

-The chrome pieces under the headlights (widebody car specific)
-NEW floormats (or where to get some)
-The airbox cover plastic piece
-One drivers side sport seat in black
-Passenger side side skirt (widebody specific)
-Owners manuals

[R490]

You definitely have sedan springs. I recently emailed H&R about the differences between the sedan and Avant. Below are the spring rates they sent me. You can clearly see on yours they are the sedan part number.

Sedan
29797-1

Front: 285 lb’s

Rear: 300 lb’s


Avant
29798-1

Front: 315 lb’s

Rear: 425 lb’s





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So I'm having a fair bit of rubbing with two people in the car. Since I have a sedan spring set on the front still, would replacing them with the wagon springs bring the ride height up?

[Caddylack]

You should really consider the combination of the H&R springs up front and my sedan “sport” springs in the rear.


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[R490]

You should really consider the combination of the H&R springs up front and my sedan “sport” springs in the rear.


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Well the rears are fine now, it's the fronts

[jbain2]

So I'm having a fair bit of rubbing with two people in the car. Since I have a sedan spring set on the front still, would replacing them with the wagon springs bring the ride height up?

Based on those numbers the avant front springs will also be stiffer. Your wheel choice may also be contributing.

I’m getting ready at some point to install the H&R spring setup on my wagon. Will report back once I get it done.


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[R490]

Based on those numbers the avant front springs will also be stiffer. Your wheel choice may also be contributing.

I’m getting ready at some point to install the H&R spring setup on my wagon. Will report back once I get it done.


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Do you think it's worth putting them on and seeing if that difference helps? The tire size is the standard Rs6 size.

[jbain2]

Tire size is only one component. What is the wheel width and offset?


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[R490]

Somebody more knowledgable about C5s can chip in, but the S6 has the exact same fenders etc as the Rs6, so they should fit if the ride is a bit higher.

I think they're Et30.

I'll either go back to stock ride height and keep the Rs6 wheels for $80, or get new tires for the Avus wheels at about $700~ for a quality brand.



I mean it still looks good on Avus wheels, but the RS6 ones really look good.

[Caddylack]

Well the rears are fine now, it's the fronts

I have no idea why I thought you were talking about the rear being too low. My bad.


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[R490]

I have no idea why I thought you were talking about the rear being too low. My bad.


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The rear was formerly the problem, because the previous, previous owner made the choice of putting sedan springs on it.

So I guess I could also put the correct front springs on it too, but I don't think the difference will be big enough.

So we both are gonna have a million sets of springs sitting around now

[JTF]

Let me chime-in here...

My '02 S6 is also light silver metallic, and I have the exact same wheelsets (OEM and OEM RS6).

R490, SST used to only sell coilovers for the 4.2 sedan (not S6 Avant). I purchased them years ago, after the O1E swap. They were fine for a while, but over time the rear would drop and I'd have to keep adjusting them up...and yes, the rear-end would occasionally bottom-out too! After packing the car to the gills for a summer vacation last year, and realizing it resembled an Allroad with that faulty air suspension, I decided enough was enough! I called SST and they explained they now sell 'Avant-specific' coilovers and I'd be able to purchase just the springs (and new ride height adjusters since mine were seized), I went for it. I never replaced the front, as they didn't continue to sag over time since they are built for the same, albeit less optimized, 4.2 engine.

I'm currently running new Blizzaks WS90s on the OEM wheels, stock tire size, and Conti Extreme Contact Sport 02s, stock RS6 tire size on the RS6 OEM wheels. No issues.

Your car is coming along nicely and looking great, BTW.

[R490]

Let me chime-in here...

My '02 S6 is also light silver metallic, and I have the exact same wheelsets (OEM and OEM RS6).

R490, SST used to only sell coilovers for the 4.2 sedan (not S6 Avant). I purchased them years ago, after the O1E swap. They were fine for a while, but over time the rear would drop and I'd have to keep adjusting them up...and yes, the rear-end would occasionally bottom-out too! After packing the car to the gills for a summer vacation last year, and realizing it resembled an Allroad with that faulty air suspension, I decided enough was enough! I called SST and they explained they now sell 'Avant-specific' coilovers and I'd be able to purchase just the springs (and new ride height adjusters since mine were seized), I went for it. I never replaced the front, as they didn't continue to sag over time since they are built for the same, albeit less optimized, 4.2 engine.

I'm currently running new Blizzaks WS90s on the OEM wheels, stock tire size, and Conti Extreme Contact Sport 02s, stock RS6 tire size on the RS6 OEM wheels. No issues.

Your car is coming along nicely and looking great, BTW.

Good to know! I think I'll put it back to stock ride height and keep the Rs6 wheels.

[Batcave]

I think the rear output shaft is leaking a little bit. Saw some fresh fluid on the back of the trans. I've only driven the car probably 80 miles since changing the fluid and I did make a bit of a mess with it, so maybe residual, maybe not.

Anyone done that job before?

Great car and great thread! I have a 2002 S6 in Ming Blue, much like the one parked beside your's in one of the posts. I have the stock Avus wheels. My car is almost stock. What isn't are KW coilovers (set at stock height), an aftermarket stereo (so I could use bluetooth), and the cupholder was replaced with USB ports. The center console cupholder are fragile. I've had a few C5s and all the cupholders broke on me.

Is this the leak you are talking about?

https://www.blauparts.com/blog/leaki...ange-seal.html

If so, I had this done this year. It requires the exhaust to be removed to access the seal. I had it done at my mechanic. The seal was $30, labor was $800!

[R490]

How the hell do you remove the front shocks from these cars?

I got the pinch bolt out. I got the three top bolts out, and the shock bottom bolt. But it looks like I can't remove the front lower control arm to swing the shock out without dropping the subframe?

[ShelbyM3]

Damn man, this C5 S6 suspension is a killer. I saw you got some answers on the Facebook. You gotta remove way too much stuff to get the damn strut out! I think the ticket is that lower knuckle/upright ball joint and you’ll be Scott-free.


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[Batcave]

How the hell do you remove the front shocks from these cars?

I got the pinch bolt out. I got the three top bolts out, and the shock bottom bolt. But it looks like I can't remove the front lower control arm to swing the shock out without dropping the subframe?

You may have to loosen the sway bar link and/or sway bar and then the steering knuckle will be lower and then the strut assembly can clear the lower control arm.

[Bordom]

I undo the sway bar link, top bolts, shock bolt and then use a pry bar to make enough room to get the shock out.

Did it many a time on my Allroad and old B5

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[jbain2]

As these guys have said above undoing the sway bar link will allow for enough room to push the bottom control arm down.

OP I sent you a text.


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[Audibot]

Yeah these suspensions are not fun.

[R490]

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