Home › Audi S4 › Coilovers

S4 · Handling

S4 Coilovers

Your S4

Pick your year to see what fits.

This page covers US S4s only. The S5 has its own page.

Adjustable height
Expert$1,200–$2,2005–8 hrs
All S4 mods

Why do it

Sets the height and cuts body roll.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Before you start

  • Book an alignment before you start. You need one right after.
  • Soak all the bolts in penetrating oil first.
  • Book an alignment before you start. You need one right after.
  • Soak all the bolts in penetrating oil first.
  • Book an alignment before you start. You need one right after.
  • Soak all the bolts in penetrating oil first.
  • Book an alignment before you start. You need one right after.
  • Soak all the bolts in penetrating oil first.
  • After the job, the headlights may need calibrating.

Steps

  1. Remove the front suspension

    • Remove the wheel, undo the control arms and strut bolts, and take the strut out.
    Watch this step (H&R on a B5 S4) (1:30–4:27)

  2. Remove the top mount

    • Take off the top mount to reuse it.
    Watch this step (4:27–6:28)

  3. Prepare the coilovers

    • Set them up on the bench.
    Watch this step (6:28–9:06)

  4. Install the front coilovers

    • Put them in.
    Watch this step (9:06–11:34)

  5. Reconnect the control arms

    • Bolt the arms back up and torque everything.
    Watch this step (11:34–16:37)

  6. Remove the rear suspension

    • Reach the rear top mounts and take the rear out.
    Watch this step (19:08–22:17)

  7. Swap the rear

    • Swap in the rear coilovers.
    Watch this step (22:17–27:18)

  8. Free the front strut

    • Remove the wheel and pull the bracket, nut and bolt holding the strut.
    Watch this step (on a B6 S4) (0:23–1:20)

  9. Remove the strut

    • Undo the top bolts and take the strut out.
    Watch this step (1:20–2:15)

  10. Set up and fit the front

    • Fit the top mount to the coilover and put it in.
    Watch this step (2:15–3:37)

  11. Reconnect

    • Reattach the end link and bolts.
    Watch this step (3:37–4:07)

  12. Free the rear

    • Remove the wheel, undo the upper strut bolts and loosen the subframe.
    Watch this step (4:07–5:27)

  13. Fit the rear

    • Fit the spring, tighten the subframe and reconnect the sensor.
    Watch this step (5:27–6:10)

  14. Fit the rear shock

    • Bolt in the rear shock and refit the wheel.
    Watch this step (6:10–7:18)

  15. Prepare the coilovers

    • Set the height on the bench.
    Watch this step (on a 2010 S4) (1:08–3:49)

  16. Remove the front strut

    • Undo the upper arms and strut bolts, and take it out.
    Watch this step (3:49–9:57)

  17. Build the front assembly

    • Move your parts to the coilover.
    Watch this step (9:57–14:01)

  18. Fit the front

    • Put it in and start all the bolts.
    Watch this step (14:01–16:01)

  19. Take apart the rear

    • Remove what holds the rear spring.
    Watch this step (16:01–21:00)

  20. Fit the rear

    • Fit the rear coilover and tighten everything.
    Watch this step (21:00–23:56)

  21. Remove the front struts

    • Undo the bolts and take the strut out.
    Watch this step (FCP Euro, on a B9 S5; same job on the S4) (3:41–14:20)

  22. Prepare the front coilovers

    • Take the strut apart and set up the coilover.
    Watch this step (14:20–23:26)

  23. Install the front coilovers

    • Put them in and tighten everything.
    Watch this step (23:26–45:20)

  24. Remove the rear shocks

    • Take out the rear shock.
    Watch this step (45:20–51:44)

  25. Prepare the rear coilovers

    • Set up the rear.
    Watch this step (51:44–60:10)

  26. Install the rear coilovers

    • Put them in and tighten everything.
    Watch this step (60:10–82:55)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.