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S4 · Handling

S4 Lowering springs

Your S4

Pick your year to see what fits.

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

Lower, less roll
Hard$340–$3454–6 hrs
All S4 mods

Why do it

A cheaper way to drop the car and cut 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

  • A cheap spring compressor can fail. Use a good one, or have a shop swap the springs.
  • Book an alignment before you start.
  • A cheap spring compressor can fail. Use a good one, or have a shop swap the springs.
  • Book an alignment before you start.
  • A cheap spring compressor can fail. Use a good one, or have a shop swap the springs.
  • Book an alignment before you start.
  • A cheap spring compressor can fail. Use a good one, or have a shop swap the springs.
  • Book an alignment before you start.

Steps

  1. Take apart the front

    • Remove the wheel and free the strut.
    Watch this step (on a 2001 S4) (2:21–4:20)

  2. Lower the front

    • Bring the strut out.
    Watch this step (4:20–7:16)

  3. Swap the spring

    • Compress the spring and fit the new one.
    Watch this step (7:16–8:30)

  4. Do the rear

    • Fit the rear springs, tighten and get it aligned.
    Watch this step (8:30–10:23)

  5. Remove the front spring

    • Remove the wheel and take out the strut.
    Watch this step (on a B6 A4; same chassis) (1:44–4:05)

  6. Compress and swap

    • Compress the spring, fit the bump stop and the new spring.
    Watch this step (4:05–7:14)

  7. Take apart the rear

    • Remove the rear parts and drop the subframe a little.
    Watch this step (7:14–10:00)

  8. Swap the rear spring

    • Fit the new spring and refit the shock. Then get it aligned.
    Watch this step (10:00–13:27)

  9. Take apart the front

    • Remove the wheel and free the arms.
    Watch this step (on a 2014 S4) (1:30–5:17)

  10. Remove the front assembly

    • Undo the top bolts and bring it out.
    Watch this step (5:17–11:38)

  11. Swap the front spring

    • Compress and swap.
    Watch this step (11:38–13:27)

  12. Refit the front

    • Refit it all and reconnect the arms.
    Watch this step (13:27–21:25)

  13. Take apart the rear

    • Free the rear arm.
    Watch this step (21:25–23:45)

  14. Swap the rear spring

    • Fit the new spring.
    Watch this step (23:45–29:21)

  15. Remove the wheels and liners

    • Take off the front wheels and liners.
    Watch this step (034 on a B9 S4) (0:45–2:38)

  16. Take apart the front

    • Free the arms and end links.
    Watch this step (2:38–5:11)

  17. Remove the struts

    • Bring the struts out.
    Watch this step (5:11–7:52)

  18. Swap the front springs

    • Compress and swap.
    Watch this step (7:52–9:55)

  19. Prepare the rear

    • Free the rear arm.
    Watch this step (9:55–12:21)

  20. Swap the rear springs

    • Fit the new springs.
    Watch this step (12:21–14:07)

  21. Reassemble and check

    • Tighten everything and get it aligned.
    Watch this step (14:07–15:59)

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.