Specifications & Procedures Audi A4 B5

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION

For models covered in this article, see MODEL IDENTIFICATION table.

MODEL IDENTIFICATION

IDENTIFYING SUSPENSION VARIATIONS

Various suspensions are offered as options. These variations are identified by the factory weight code on the vehicle data plate. (Scheme 1) Vehicle data plate is located in spare tire well and in service book. The following table identifies suspension versions. Identifying proper suspension version is critical for wheel alignment. See IDENTIFYING SUSPENSION VARIATIONS table.

IDENTIFYING SUSPENSION VARIATIONS

Scheme 1

FRAME & UNDERBODY

To prevent damage to vehicle underbody a suitable rubber or wood buffer must be placed between floor jack and lift points. To prevent serious damage, never lift vehicle on engine oil pan, transmission, rear axle, front axle, or bottom sill.

On front of vehicle, lift at side reinforcing plate of floor panel in area of stamped marking.

On rear of vehicle, lift at reinforcing plate of lower sill in area of stamped marking. Jack must not contact securing plate of semi-trailing arm otherwise serious damage could occur.

Scheme 2

PRELIMINARY CHECKS

Note. On vehicles with electronic chassis controls, ensure systems are functional before adjusting riding height or wheel alignment.

Before aligning the vehicle, ensure the following are checked or performed.

1. Test equipment must be properly adjusted and attached to vehicle (refer to equipment manufacturer's instructions)
2. Equal tread depth for both tires on each axle, with difference between two not more than 0.079" (2 mm). Tires inflated to correct pressure.
3. Sliding plates and turntables not positioned against any stop when checking wheel alignment.
4. Vehicle at correct curb weight. Curb weight is defined as: the weight of the vehicle ready for the road (fuel tank completely full, spare wheel, vehicle tool kit and vehicle jack all in specified positions).
5. Vehicle accurately positioned, suspension bounced and rocked several times and allowed to settle.
6. Suspension, steering and steering linkage in proper condition with no damage or excessive play.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE

Before starting wheel alignment, read PRELIMINARY CHECKS . Perform wheel alignment procedure in the following order.

1. Carry out axial wheel run-out compensation. Since some wheel run-out is allowable, checking alignment without first compensating for axial wheel run out may indicate that the toe-in tolerance is already exceeded. If this is the case it is not possible to set toe-in without first compensating for wheel run-out.
2. Install brake pedal depressor.
3. Check front axle camber. Adjust as necessary.
4. Check rear axle camber. Adjust as necessary.
5. Check rear axle toe. Adjust as necessary.
6. Check toe-in curve on front axle. Adjust as necessary.
7. Check front axle toe with vehicle at curb weight. Adjust as necessary.

CAMBER ADJUSTMENT (FRONT)

Before checkingalignment, read PRELIMINARY CHECKS and WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE .

Front wheel camber cannot be adjusted; however, camber can be centered by moving the front subframe within the tolerance range. If camber needed to be centered, use the following procedure.

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

1. Remove lower noise insulation panel from front of vehicle.
2. Remove front subframe bolts No. 3 and No. 4. (Scheme 3)
3. Install Camber Adjuster (VAG 1941) to subframe. (Scheme 4) Tighten adjuster bolts to 89 INCH lbs. (10 N.m).
4. LOOSEN, but do not remove bolts No. 1, No. 2, No. 5, No. 6, No. 7 and No. 8. Turn Camber Adjuster (VAG 1941) bolt 2 until camber specifications are within tolerance. (Scheme 4)
5. Tighten NEW bolts No. 7 and No. 8 to 81 ft. lbs. (110 N.m). Then tighten an additional 1/4 (90 degrees) turn.
6. Remove Camber Adjuster (VAG 1941) from subframe.
7. Tighten NEW forward bolts No. 5 and No. 5 to 81 ft. lbs. (110 N.m). Then tighten an additional 1/4 (90 degrees) turn.
8. Tighten bolt No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 to 44 ft. lbs. (60 N.m).
9. Recheck all wheel alignment settings.

FWD

Before checkingalignment, read PRELIMINARY CHECKS and WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE . Camber is not adjustable. If camber is not as specified, locate and replace damaged or worn suspension parts.

AWD

Before checkingalignment, read PRELIMINARY CHECKS and WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE .

Loosen eccentric adjusting nut located in the lower rear control arm. (Scheme 5) Adjust camber by turning eccentric bolt. The maximum adjustment range is 90 degrees to the left or right of the center position. Tighten eccentric nut to 70 ft. lbs. (90 N.m). Recheck rear camber.

Scheme 5

CASTER ADJUSTMENT

Before checkingalignment, read PRELIMINARY CHECKS and WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE Front and rear caster are not adjustable. If caster is not as specified, locate and replace damaged or worn suspension parts.

TOE-IN CURVE

Note. An incorrectly adjusted toe-in curve adjustment causes the vehicle to pull to one side when braking or accelerating or when driving over bumps. Toe-in curve adjustment can also be referred to as toe constant "S" adjustment.

When the suspension is compressed (bumped) or extended (rebounded) the toe of the wheel changes relative to the amount of compression or extension. The resulting change in toe-in, is defined as "toe constant S." If toe-in curve needs adjustment, front toe in should be adjusted AFTER toe-in curve adjustment.

The toe-in curve must be checked in the following cases

1. If the vehicle has been in an accident or sustained damage to the suspension components and/or bodywork.
2. If the vehicle does not maintain direction of travel over bumps and when braking or accelerating.
3. If front upper link is removed or replaced.
4. If front strut upper mounting bracket is removed or replaced.
5. If front wheel bearing housing is removed or replaced.
6. If front tie rod isremoved or replaced.
7. If steering gear is removed or replaced.
8. If front subframe is removed or replaced.

Begin toe-in curve adjustment by setting suspension to starting position.

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

1. Depending on the type of wheel alignment equipment used, it may be necessary to raise the front of the vehicle in order to position the Spacer (VAG1925). (Scheme 6) After lowering the vehicle again the suspension must be bounced.
2. Insert Spacer (VAG1925) together with Adapters (VAG1925/4). Screw both threaded spindles out until they just rest against front subframe bolts (arrow). (Scheme 7) Do not raise the vehicle using this procedure. The vehicle is now in the defined starting position for vehicles with standard suspension (1BA), special suspension (1BC) and heavy duty suspension (1BP).
3. The defined starting position is the position the springs must be in when using the wheel alignment program to check the actual toe-in setting for each wheel. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS»(/audi/a4/b5-1994-1999/remont/wheel-alignment/#specifications-procedures__wheel-alignment-specifications). Setting should match the specification +10' +/- 30' (rough pre-adjustment). If necessary, the toe-in must be corrected by adjusting the tie rod length. If the settings need to be corrected, this will be indicated by the wheel alignment program.
4. Raise vehicle at front jacking points. Lift cylinders out of threaded spindles and secure in position using locking pins. (Scheme 6) Make sure locking pins (arrows) are correctly positioned. Lower vehicle down onto spacer gauge.
5. The wheel alignment program determines the current right and left toe constant. The program checks whether the current toe constant (actual value) lies within the tolerance (control value). See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS»(/audi/a4/b5-1994-1999/remont/wheel-alignment/#specifications-procedures__wheel-alignment-specifications). If toe constant actual value lies outside control value tolerance, adjust toe value constant within adjusting value tolerance. See «ADJUSTING TOE CONSTANT "S" (ALL SUSPENSION TYPES)»(/audi/a4/b5-1994-1999/remont/wheel-alignment/#specifications-procedures__adjusting-toe-constant-s-all-suspension).

Setting Suspension To Starting Position (1BD & 1BE)

1. Depending on the type of wheel alignment equipment used, it may be necessary to raise the front of the vehicle in order to position the VAG1925 spacer. (Scheme 6) After lowering the vehicle again the suspension must be bounced.
2. Insert Spacer (VAG1925) together with Adapters (VAG1925/4). Screw both threaded spindles out until they just rest against front subframe bolts (arrow). (Scheme 7) Do not raise the vehicle using this procedure.
3. Raise vehicle at front lifting points on body. Insert Adapter (VAG1925/6) onto VAG1925/4 adapter for spacer gauge. (Scheme 6) Lower vehicle onto adapters. The vehicle is now in defined starting position for vehicles with sport suspension.
4. The defined starting position is the position the springs must be in when using the wheel alignment program to check the actual toe-in setting for each wheel. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS»(/audi/a4/b5-1994-1999/remont/wheel-alignment/#specifications-procedures__wheel-alignment-specifications). Setting should match the specification +10' +/- 30' (rough pre-adjustment). If necessary, the toe-in must be corrected by adjusting the tie rod length. If the settings need to be corrected, this will be indicated by the wheel alignment program.
5. Raise vehicle at front jacking points. Lift cylinders out of threaded spindles and secure in position using locking pins. (Scheme 6) Make sure locking pins (arrows) are correctly positioned. Lower vehicle down onto spacer gauge.
6. The wheel alignment program determines the current right and left toe constant. The program checks whether the current toe constant (actual value) lies within the tolerance (control value). See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS»(/audi/a4/b5-1994-1999/remont/wheel-alignment/#specifications-procedures__wheel-alignment-specifications). If toe constant actual value lies outside control value tolerance, adjust toe value constant within adjusting value tolerance. See «ADJUSTING TOE CONSTANT "S" (ALL SUSPENSION TYPES)»(/audi/a4/b5-1994-1999/remont/wheel-alignment/#specifications-procedures__adjusting-toe-constant-s-all-suspension).

Setting Suspension To Starting Position (1BB)

1. Depending on the type of wheel alignment equipment used, it may be necessary to raise the front of the vehicle in order to position the VAG1925 spacer. (Scheme 6) After lowering the vehicle again the suspension must be bounced.
2. Insert Spacer (VAG1925) together with Adapters (VAG1925/4). Screw both threaded spindles out until they just rest against front subframe bolts (arrow). (Scheme 7) Do not raise the vehicle using this procedure. The vehicle is now in the defined starting position for vehicles with heavy duty suspension (1BB).
3. The defined starting position is the position the springs must be in when using the wheel alignment program to check the actual toe-in setting for each wheel. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS»(/audi/a4/b5-1994-1999/remont/wheel-alignment/#specifications-procedures__wheel-alignment-specifications). Setting should match the specification +10' +/- 30' (rough pre-adjustment). If necessary, the toe-in must be corrected by adjusting the tie rod length. If the settings need to be corrected, this will be indicated by the wheel alignment program.
4. Raise vehicle at front jacking points. Lift cylinders out of threaded spindles and secure in position using locking pins. (Scheme 6) Make sure locking pins (arrows) are correctly positioned. Remove Adapter (VAG1925/6). Lower vehicle down onto spacer gauge.
5. The wheel alignment program determines the current right and left toe constant. The program checks whether the current toe constant (actual value) lies within the tolerance (control value). See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS»(/audi/a4/b5-1994-1999/remont/wheel-alignment/#specifications-procedures__wheel-alignment-specifications). If toe constant actual value lies outside control value tolerance, adjust toe value constant within adjusting value tolerance. See «ADJUSTING TOE CONSTANT "S" (ALL SUSPENSION TYPES)»(/audi/a4/b5-1994-1999/remont/wheel-alignment/#specifications-procedures__adjusting-toe-constant-s-all-suspension).

Adjusting Toe Constant "S" (All Suspension Types)

1. Loosen nut A. see scheme 8 Back out bolt B about 1/8". Push tie rod end downward onto stop.
2. Turn in adjusting bolt B until exact specifications are achieved. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS»(/audi/a4/b5-1994-1999/remont/wheel-alignment/#specifications-procedures__wheel-alignment-specifications) Tighten nut A to 33 ft. lbs. (45 N.m). Tighten bolt B to 62 INCH lbs (7 N.m).
3. Lower vehicle to defined starting position. Screw threaded spindle down. On vehicles with standard suspension, bounce suspension several times.
4. The alignment unit checks the toe constant again. If the second check shows that the values are within the check value tolerance, the setting is OK. If the values are outside the check value tolerance, the setting must be adjusted again.

TOE ADJUSTMENT

Note. Before checking and adjusting front axle toe, check if toe-in curve needs to be checked or adjusted. See TOE-IN CURVE .

Front

Before checkingalignment, read PRELIMINARY CHECKS and WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE .

Loosen clamps and lock nut B on BOTH tie rods. (Scheme 8) Adjust both tie rods until proper setting is reached. Make sure that the boots are not twisted after turning the tie rods. Twisted boots will wear out quickly.

Tighten lock nut B to 30 ft. lbs. (40 N.m). Check toe-in again. After tightening lock nut B it is possible that the toe value may deviate slightly. If the measured toe lies within the tolerances, the adjustment is correct.

Scheme 8

Rear (FWD)

Note. Manufacturer recommends replacing rear axle beam mount bracket bolts, if loosened or removed.

Before checkingalignment, read PRELIMINARY CHECKS and WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE .

Individual toe settings on the rear axle cannot be adjusted. By moving the rear axle within the elongated holes it is possible to center the individual toe settings. Loosen bolts securing rear axle mounting brackets to body. Center individual toe settings by moving axle beam within elongated holes at mounting brackets. If the overall toe setting is outside the allowable tolerance, or if it is not possible to center the individual settings, the axle beam must be checked for damage and replaced if necessary. The body alignment must also be checked/measured in the area of the rear axle mounting points and serviced as necessary.

Rear (AWD)

Before checkingalignment, read PRELIMINARY CHECKS and WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE .

Note. Adjusting the individual toe settings automatically alters the thrust angle of the axle.

On All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models, loosen toe eccentric nut. Adjust toe eccentric bolt to desired setting. The maximum adjustment range is 90 degrees to the left or right of the center position. Tighten nut to 66 ft. lbs. (90 N.m). (Scheme 9) Recheck alignment angles after adjustments.

Scheme 9

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (1BD SPORT SUSPENSION)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (AWD VEHICLES - (1) EXCEPT ALUMINUM MOUNTING BRACKET)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (AWD VEHICLES - (1) WITH ALUMINUM MOUNTING BRACKET)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (FWD VEHICLES - EXCEPT ALUMINUM MOUNTING BRACKET (1) )

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (FWD VEHICLES - WITH ALUMINUM MOUNTING BRACKET (1) )

See also:
• MODEL IDENTIFICATION
• PRELIMINARY CHECKS
• WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE
• WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS
• ADJUSTING TOE CONSTANT "S" (ALL SUSPENSION TYPES)
• TOE-IN CURVE
• CAMBER ADJUSTMENT (FRONT)