My fellow Automotive Fanatics, I welcome you to my channel for another DIY! Today, we are tackling a coilover (applicable to spring as well) install on a B8.5 RS5. Even though our reference vehicle is a RS5, the process is applicable for other Audis with the “B” series chassis designation such as the B8/8.5 A4/A5/S4/S5/RS5/Allroad.
On a scale of difficulty, I would rate this project a 6 or 7 due to the challenges to remove the rear springs. My method involves lowering the rear subframe. However, I have seen it completed simply using spring compressors, but it’s much more involved. In addition, you’ll need to man-handle the front strut/spring assembly which can be heavy.
***DISCLAIMER***
Audi will recommend that a majority of suspension bolts be replaced with new bolts. This is due to the fact that many of the bolts are "torque to yield" bolts. It's just my opinion, but I have always reused my bolts without issues. If you want to chance it, proceed at your own risk. One other item with my torque specs, Audi will include for example, "65ft/lbs + 45, 90, or 180 degrees turn" as the absolute torque value. Again, use your judgement to determine if you want the torque specs I sourced from many different performance vendors...or if you want to use Audi's absolute torque values.
Install time: 5-7hrs.
Timeline of DIY:
0:13 - intro to this DIY
2:38 - rear suspension - front section of subframe
3:23 - rear suspension - rear section of subframe and misc items
5:26 - removal of spring
6:26 - removal of rear shock
7:36 - passenger side spring/shock removal
8:32 - re-install of rear suspension
10:48 - front suspension - items needed to remove
14:47 - front suspension misc items removed
15:58 - front suspension assembly removed
17:08 - reinstall of front coilovers
18:12 - final front suspension install w/torque specs
19:13 - final comments
If you guys have any questions, please post below and I will do my best to help. As always, thank you for watching and supporting my channel! Until the next time, this is Peter, The Automotive Fanatic!
Music provided by: Mixkit.com, “Hooligans” by Michael Ramir
