Specifications & Procedures: Adjustments Audi A8 D2 facelift

WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES

Note. While limited information is available, vehicle manufacturer does not support alignment information using aftermarket alignment equipment. To properly align vehicle, it is recommended to use VAG 1813 alignment computer. All procedures in this article are written using VAG 1813 alignment computer.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE

Perform wheel alignment is the following sequence

1. Check and adjust rear axle camber.
2. Check and adjust rear axle toe.
3. Check and adjust front axle camber.
4. Check and adjust toe-in curve on front axle.
5. Check and adjust front axle toe at starting position.

Note. If steering wheel position was changed, and vehicle is equipped with Electronic Stability Program (ESP), zeroing of steering angle sensor must be performed using VW factory scan tool. For zero position of steering angle sensor procedure, see appropriate ANTI-LOCK article in BRAKES.

CASTER ADJUSTMENT (FRONT OR REAR)

Before attempting any adjustments, see 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.

CAMBER ADJUSTMENT (REAR)

Before attempting any adjustments, see PRELIMINARY CHECKS and WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE. Loosen eccentric retaining nut (A) located on the lower rear control arm. (Scheme 2) Set camber by turning eccentric bolt (B) until specified camber value is met. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS. Tighten eccentric nut. Recheck rear camber after adjustment.

Note. Maximum adjustment range is 90 degrees to the left or right of the center position.

Scheme 2

Rear Toe Adjustment

Before attempting toe adjustment, see PRELIMINARY CHECKS and WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE. Loosen toe eccentric securing nut (C). Adjust toe by turning eccentric bolt (D) to specified value. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS. (Scheme 3) Tighten nut, and recheck alignment angles after adjustments.

Scheme 3

CAMBER ADJUSTMENT (FRONT)

Note. Front camber cannot be adjusted. Camber can be centered evenly by moving the subframe within specified tolerances.

Before attempting any adjustments, see PRELIMINARY CHECKS and WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE .

Front wheel camber cannot be set separately. Camber can be evened out uniformly, by loosening subframe bolts and shifting subframe position until correct camber range is obtained.

Working under vehicle, remove sound-deadening pan. Loosen subframe bolts No. 1 and 2 on both left and right sides. (Scheme 4) While observing wheel alignment computer, use a plastic coated pry bar to press subframe from side to side until specified value is reached. (Scheme 5) See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS. Using NEW bolts and washers, torque subframe bolts to 111 ft. lbs. (150 N.m), plus an additional 90°. After subframe bolts are torqued, recheck camber and toe-in range and readjust as necessary.

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

TOE-IN CURVE CHECK & ADJUSTMENT

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.

If the suspension is compressed or extended its toe will change depending on the amount of compression or extension. The resulting toe measurements are described as the toe in curve. The change in the toe constants "S" is adjusted when the vehicle is raised by vertically shifting the toe head. see scheme 11

The wheel alignment computer calculates the toe constant "S" through a measured value in the starting position and through a measured value in lifted position. It compares the actual values with the specified values and displays them on the screen. Depending on suspension different adapters are required for lifting.

Toe-in curve is adjusted when vehicle is raised to initial setting position, by vertical adjustment of the tie-rod end. Different adapters are needed for lifting, depending on suspension variation. To identify application of suspension and adapter (Scheme 6) To identify adapter, see SPECIAL TOOLS.

To prepare vehicle for checking toe-in curve adjustment, place vehicle in initial position. See BRINGING VEHICLE INTO INITIAL POSITION FOR TOE IN CURVE ALIGNMENT (SUSPENSION VARIATIONS 1BA, 1BM, 1BE, 1BD, 1BG, 1BN & 1BT) or BRINGING VEHICLE INTO INITIAL POSITION FOR TOE-IN CURVE ALIGNMENT (SPORT SUSPENSION 1BE) .

Scheme 6

Bringing Vehicle Into Initial Position For Toe In Curve Alignment (Suspension Variations 1BA, 1BM, 1BE, 1BD, 1BG, 1BN & 1BT)

Due to the different alignment platforms, it may be necessary to raise vehicle at front axle so that it is possible to insert VAG1925 spacer. After vehicle is lowered, it should be bounced to resettle suspension. To place vehicle in initial position for alignment perform the following

1. Install Spacer Gauge (VAG1925/5) with the Adapters (VAG1925/2). See «SPECIAL TOOLS»(ref-161420-S38791238662004040800000).
2. Unscrew both thread spindles until they just come to rest against front bolts of subframe carrier. (Scheme 4) This MUST NOT raise vehicle. Vehicle must be standing on its wheels. Vehicle is now in initial position. On vehicles with a level control system, turn ignition on and wait until vehicle height has settled.
3. At this point, alignment program checks whether actual toe setting per wheel corresponds to specified value of +10' +/- 30' (rough presetting). If toe is not as specified, adjust toe-in to specification. See «TOE ADJUSTMENT (FRONT)»(ref-161420-S02408374482004040800000).
4. Place lifting jacks under front end jacking points and lift vehicle 2.4" (60 mm). With vehicle lifted as specified, push cylinder from threaded spindles and fix with safety bolts. (Scheme 7) Ensure that safety bolts are correctly positioned. Lower vehicle onto distance caliper.
5. Observe and compare toe-in constant "S" measurement on alignment computer to specifications. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-161420-S13530794422004040800000). If toe-in constant "S" measurement is as specified, check toe-in. See «TOE ADJUSTMENT (FRONT)»(ref-161420-S02408374482004040800000). If toe-in constant "S" measurement is not as specified, adjust as necessary. See «ADJUSTING TOE-IN CURVE (ALL MODELS)»(ref-161420-S09515640782004040800000).

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

1. Place lifting jacks under front end jacking points and lift vehicle. Install Adapters (VAG1925/2 and VAG1925/5). See «SPECIAL TOOLS»(ref-161420-S38791238662004040800000). (Scheme 8)
2. Lower vehicle onto adapters. Vehicle is now in initial position.
3. At this point, alignment program checks whether actual toe setting per wheel corresponds to specified value of +10' +/- 30' (rough presetting). If toe is not as specified, adjust toe-in to specification. See «TOE ADJUSTMENT (FRONT)»(ref-161420-S02408374482004040800000).
4. Place lifting jacks under front end jacking points and lift vehicle. With vehicle lifted as specified, push cylinder from threaded spindles. Ensure that locking pins are correctly positioned. (Scheme 7) Lower vehicle onto spacer gauge. Observe and compare toe-in constant "S" measurement on alignment computer to specifications. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-161420-S13530794422004040800000).
5. If toe-in constant "S" measurement is as specified, check toe-in. See «TOE ADJUSTMENT (FRONT)»(ref-161420-S02408374482004040800000). If toe-in constant "S" measurement is not as specified, adjust as necessary. See «ADJUSTING TOE-IN CURVE (ALL MODELS)»(ref-161420-S09515640782004040800000).

TOE ADJUSTMENT (FRONT)

Before attempting toe adjustment, see PRELIMINARY CHECKS and WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE. Loosen lock nut "B" on tie rod. (Scheme 9) Also, loosen rack boot outer clamp. Adjust toe by turning hex nut "A" until proper setting is reached. Do not allow boot to twist during adjustment, straighten twisted boots when toe in is set. Tighten tie rod lock nuts and clamps. Recheck toe adjustment.

Scheme 9

Note. If steering wheel position was changed, and vehicle is equipped with Electronic Stability Program (ESP), zeroing of steering angle sensor must be performed using VW factory scan tool. For zero position of steering angle sensor procedure, see appropriate ANTI-LOCK article in BRAKES.

Scheme 10