Shock tower access from engine bay

[Jaydak]

Hi Audi fam,

I just put in new coilovers and I don't think I tightened the top nut enough on the spring/strut assembly because it's clunking and I made the same mistake years ago with my E46. On the S4, there's a rubber cap on either side directly over each wheel well; theoretically, can I undo enough, like the top 4 bolts, and the top control arms, the tie rod, the end link, and maybe take out the bolt to the bottom control arm horseshoe to slide it to get at the top nut through the access holes? I really don't want to take everything out again, though it sounds like almost everything, but getting the shocks into the collar and in place is the biggest hassle.

Has anyone done this before?

Thank you for any advice!

[Charles]

I needed access to adjust the damping on my coilovers. I took a hole drill bit and drilled....carefully...through the metal at the top of the strut towers. Sanded the edges, taped off, then painted the bare metal.
Or maybe I'm not understanding where you need access?

[LowKeyLoki]

I think you are going to be struggling to push it down low enough with the strut fork still attached to the lower control arm. IMO if you have already done this job once on both sides, then it shouldnt take you more than and hour and a half to get the strut out and back in. I just did re did my whole suspension and had to take the left strut out twice to properly get the rubber spring seat seated. I think the "short cut" route will take you more time and frustration vs taking the strut out.