Audi A4 Broken Springs How hard to change?

[mumutley]

Hi All

My Audi A4 V6 2.8 Quattro Saloon R reg (likes spending my money LOL)

Noticed a couple of strange clunks from front and rear suspension over the last few days
Jacked it up tonight Off Side Front & Off Side Rear Coil Springs both broken

How hard are they to change?

Thanks all

[spartacus 68]

In the middle of doing the suspension on mine. The fronts are relatively straight forward. Ideally you need to change in pairs. If you've already got a broken front, then the other side probably won't be far off.

For the fronts, chock the rear wheels, and use a trolley jack to raise. Get a couple of jack stands in there for peace of mind. In the engine bay there are three bolts that hold the strut in place, 17mm from memory, loosen but don't completely release. You'll probably need to move the plastic trim here to gain access.

Now the hard work. You need to remove the pinch bolt on the strut which holds the upper control arms in place. Nine times out of ten it's seized - but you might be lucky. It's 16mm both ends. The nut will come off but the bolt will refuse to budge. Soak in WD40 or Duck Oil penetrating release and leave for a while. Wire brush and clean the area. This bolt can be knocked out with brut force. However the secret is to get something heavy onto it, at the right angle. Turn the steering so the bolt is at facing you. Using a decent lump hammer and a punch of some description - to aid, give a series of heavy direct blows. You may need a little heat, however this will damage the upper control arms - which will probably require changing anyway.

If the bolt comes out - congratulate yourself... this is the worst part of the job!

On the spring itself, put a couple of spring compressors on it and compress as far as you can. Make sure you get a proper grip on the spring, although it's broken there's still a fair bit of tension in it. More often than not - it's just the end of the spring that breaks. With it compressed, you can release the upper bolts in the engine bay. In addition there's a 18mm bolt through the lower control arm. Release this too. The strut can now be removed. If it won't drop out - there's normally a small pressed clip to be removed.

With the strut out - you can now go about removing the top mount. It's held in place with a couple of small nuts. Remove them. The main bolt on the strut needs to be removed. You'll need an allen-key and offset ring spanner to get a grip.

Check the condition of the shock absorber itself (make sure there's no leaks or weeping). Any damage or deterioration to the bump-stops, then replace this too. The top mount should be okay. I changed these on mine at 127k, but quite honestly they were fine.

Withe the old spring out - fitting is as reverse. Make sure the spring is seated properly (needs to fit within the pressed metal guides on the strut seat). If the upper control arms are worn, and I'd put money on it, then replace these too. Trust me - it's easier to do this now with the strut out. Position the new arms at the same height as the old ones. With the strut back in position, jack it up slightly with a scissor jack to compress it slightly. Pull the control arms down and lubricate with marine grease or similar. Use a new pinch bolt and secure.

Torque the bolts in the engine bay and lower control arm. Now the spring can finally be released. Refit wheel, lower car and double-check the bolts in the engine bay.

This is a good video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtwR4bgA_x0

I haven't done the rears, however as I understand it - you need to remove trim inside the boot area to gain access. Good luck.

[mumutley]

Hi Spartacus 68

Thanks for your assistance
Sounds like I will be ordering more parts than first envisaged (normal Audi practise lol)
Do I have to go to Audi for the pinch bolts?
Are there any further pitfalls I may come accross in replacing the upper control arms at the same time?

Happy days

[spartacus 68]

Hi Spartacus 68

Thanks for your assistance
Sounds like I will be ordering more parts than first envisaged (normal Audi practise lol)
Do I have to go to Audi for the pinch bolts?
Are there any further pitfalls I may come accross in replacing the upper control arms at the same time?

Happy days

Yes, Audi for pinch bolt. If it come out okay - it's plain sailing.

[mumutley]

Hi there

I rang local car spares outlet today they and had a quote for 4 x upper suspension arms and 2 x pinch bolts £94.00 all inc
Then I found this offer on Ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/310333005906?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p398 4.m1423.l2649#ht_2135wt_905
4 x upper suspension arms 2 x track rod ends 2 x drop links 4 x lower suspension arms along with full nut and bolt fitting kit total £98.99 all inc
I live 15 minutes away from local spares outlet and 40 minutes away from this Ebay spares outlet
Personal I think its a no brainer

[spartacus 68]

I live 15 minutes away from local spares outlet and 40 minutes away from this Ebay spares outlet
Personal I think its a no brainer

You get what you pay for. I must admit I was tempted with some of the Ebay parts as I wasn't prepared to pay for genuine Audi components given car is now 10 years old and 127k on the clock. That's not to say I'll put any components on though. I've just finished the driver's side and fitted the lower control arms. It's more difficult than the upper control arms, as everything is on tight, access is difficult without ramps, and it's all original components. I paid £140 for lower arms (budget). To give you a comparison, a genuine Meyle kit comes with everything including bolts and 4 years guarantee for £390. I'm not planning on doing this job twice. As long as I get 2-3 years out of them - I'm happy.

[mumutley]

Hi there

I went a similar route to spartacus 68 I did not get the Ebay cheap ones. I went to my local parts supplier and purchased all 4 upper arms and new pinch bolts
I have this afternoon replaced Offside front Spring and Offside rear spring.

In preparation for the job I removed all wheels last night and got the good old pressure washer out and gave all the suspension a really good clean up.
I then used a can of WD40 and soaked all the nuts & bolts I would be removing today.
Front suspension pinch bolt, nut removed OK I then placed spanner on the bolt head and turned the bolt several times. I then used a piece of alloy bar and knocked the bolt out. Removed suspension leg and replaced the spring. Up on inspection the upper arms look like new, no splitting of the inner rubber bush's and ball joint's still tight. They must have been replaced not long ago.
Rear suspension leg removed and spring replaced OK no issues found.
When both front and rear suspension legs were refitted I applied loads of grease to all bolts before fitting them and the same to the nuts.
I hope to take a few pics tomorrow I will then do a posting with more info for all to use.

Cheers