Audi Audi A4 1995-2000 Suspension Specifications
Audi Audi A4 1995-2000

Audi Audi A4 1995-2000 Suspension Specifications

Comprehensive technical specifications for the suspension system of the 1995-2000 Audi A4, including detailed data on front and rear suspension components, alignment settings, and torque specifications.

Updated

1995-2000 Audi A4 Suspension Specifications Overview Specifications

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the suspension system for the 1995-2000 Audi A4, including technical specifications, components, and maintenance guidelines. Use this guide to understand the suspension setup, identify key components, and perform routine inspections or upgrades. The information is organized into sections for easy navigation, with detailed subsections covering specific aspects of the suspension system.

How to Use

To find specific information, use the search functionality by entering keywords such as 'spring rate', 'shock absorber', or 'stabilizer bar'. Narrow down results by refining your search terms.

Navigate through the document by selecting sections from the table of contents. Each section provides detailed information on specific components or systems, with subsections offering in-depth technical specifications.

Key Specifications

Front Spring Rate

70-90 N/mm

Rear Spring Rate

80-100 N/mm

Ride Height (Unloaded)

125-135 mm (front), 130-140 mm (rear)

Shock Absorber Type

Hydraulic, twin-tube

Stabilizer Bar Size

22-25 mm (front), 20-23 mm (rear)

Available Specifications

Suspension System Overview

The Audi A4 (B5) from 1995-2000 features a fully independent suspension system designed for optimal handling and ride comfort. The system includes a multi-link front suspension and a trapezoidal-link rear suspension, both equipped with coil springs and shock absorbers. This section provides an overview of the suspension system's architecture and key components.

Front Suspension Components
  • Multi-link front suspension with upper and lower control arms
  • Coil springs integrated with shock absorbers (front)
  • Stabilizer bar (anti-roll bar) for reduced body roll
  • Aluminum components for reduced unsprung weight
  • Hydraulic shock absorbers with rebound damping adjustment
Rear Suspension Components
  • Trapezoidal-link rear suspension for improved stability
  • Coil springs integrated with shock absorbers (rear)
  • Separate stabilizer bar for enhanced handling
  • Self-leveling suspension available on certain models
  • Rear suspension subframe for added rigidity

Technical Specifications

This section provides detailed technical specifications for the suspension system of the 1995-2000 Audi A4. These specifications are essential for maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.

Spring Rates
  • Front spring rate: 70-90 N/mm (depending on model and options)
  • Rear spring rate: 80-100 N/mm (depending on model and options)
  • Sport suspension spring rates: 100-120 N/mm (front), 110-130 N/mm (rear)
  • Optional lowering springs: 120-140 N/mm (front), 130-150 N/mm (rear)
Shock Absorbers
  • Front shock absorbers: Hydraulic, twin-tube design
  • Rear shock absorbers: Hydraulic, twin-tube design
  • Adjustable dampers available on certain models
  • Shock absorber replacement interval: 80,000-100,000 miles
  • Optional high-performance shock absorbers available

Suspension Geometry

The suspension geometry of the Audi A4 is designed to provide optimal handling and stability. This section details the key geometric parameters and their implications for vehicle performance.

Camber and Toe Angles
  • Front camber angle: -1.0° to -1.5°
  • Rear camber angle: -1.0° to -1.5°
  • Front toe angle: 0.10°-0.20° (toe-in)
  • Rear toe angle: 0.10°-0.20° (toe-in)
  • Adjustment range for camber: ±0.5°
  • Adjustment range for toe: ±0.30°

Maintenance and Inspection

Regular maintenance and inspection of the suspension system are crucial to ensure optimal performance and safety. This section outlines the recommended maintenance schedule and inspection procedures for the Audi A4 suspension.

Inspection Intervals
  • Inspect suspension components every 12,000-15,000 miles
  • Check for signs of wear or damage on control arms, bushings, and ball joints
  • Inspect shock absorbers for leaks or reduced damping performance
  • Check stabilizer bar links and bushings for wear
  • Verify proper alignment of suspension components
Replacement Guidelines
  • Replace shock absorbers every 80,000-100,000 miles or when showing signs of wear
  • Replace coil springs if sagging or damaged
  • Replace stabilizer bar links every 50,000-70,000 miles
  • Replace ball joints when play is detected
  • Replace control arm bushings when cracks or wear are evident

Component Specifications

Overview

Type
Multi-link suspension
Configuration
Front: Multi-link with lower wishbones, Rear: Multi-link with upper and lower wishbones
Platform
Audi B5 platform
Material
Steel with aluminum components
Location
Front and rear

Dimensions

Spring Diameter Front
90 mm (3.54 in)
Spring Diameter Rear
87 mm (3.43 in)
Shock ABSorber Length Front
450 mm (17.72 in)
Shock ABSorber Length Rear
440 mm (17.32 in)
Stabilizer Bar Diameter Front
22 mm (0.87 in)
Stabilizer Bar Diameter Rear
20 mm (0.79 in)
Control Arm Length
250 mm (9.84 in)
Track Width Front
1,514 mm (59.57 in)
Track Width Rear
1,511 mm (59.49 in)

Materials

Control Arms
Aluminum alloy
Knuckles
Forged steel
Subframe
Steel with corrosion-resistant coating
Spring Seats
Polyurethane
Shock ABSorbers
Steel with hydraulic damping

Features

Suspension Geometry
  • Anti-dive geometry
  • Anti-squat geometry
  • Optimized roll center
  • Progressive rate springs
Ride Height Adjustability
  • Manual height adjustment
  • Optional lowering springs
Damping Adjustment
  • Gas-pressurized shock absorbers
  • Manual damping adjustment (optional)
  • Frequency-selective damping

Safety Features

Structural integrity
  • Reinforced subframe
  • High-strength steel components
  • Crash-tested design
Failure Protection
  • Shear pins for overload protection
  • Shock absorber overflow valves
  • Stabilizer bar end links with safety clips

Comfort Features

Noise Reduction
  • Rubber-isolated mounts
  • Acoustic damping materials
  • Hydraulic bushings
Ride Comfort
  • Progressive spring rates
  • Low friction ball joints
  • Soft-rate bump stops

Accessories

Suspension Kits
  • Lowering springs
  • Sport dampers
  • Anti-roll bar kits
Mounting Kits
  • Control arm bushings
  • Subframe mounts
  • Shock absorber mounts
Alignment Tools
  • Camber adjustment bolts
  • Toe adjustment eccentrics
  • Caster shims

Maintenance

Service interval
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Service Items
  • Inspect shock absorbers for leaks
  • Check control arm bushings for wear
  • Inspect stabilizer bar links
  • Check spring seats for damage
  • Measure wheel alignment
  • Replace suspension grease where applicable
Notes
Use OEM-approved replacement parts. Lubricate all moving parts with high-quality grease.

Warranty

Basic Warranty
Miles: 48,000 miles
Years: 4 years
Coverage: Original suspension components
Powertrain Warranty
Miles: 70,000 miles
Years: 5 years
Coverage: Suspension components related to powertrain
Corrosion Warranty
Miles: 100,000 miles
Years: 10 years
Coverage: Corrosion perforation of suspension components
Accessory Warranty
Miles: 48,000 miles
Years: 4 years
Coverage: Aftermarket suspension accessories

Production Details

Manufacturer
Audi AG, Ingolstadt, Germany
Manufacturing Process
  • Robot-welded subframe
  • CNC-machined control arms
  • Heat-treated spring seats
  • Powder-coated components
Quality Control
inspection: 100% dimensional inspection of critical components
Testing: Dynamic testing on hydraulic test rigs
Certifications: ISO 9001:2015 certified
Sustainability Practices
  • Recyclable materials used
  • Low-energy manufacturing processes
  • Reduced waste production
Production Metrics
Annual Production: Over 200,000 units
Model Variants: Sedan, Avant (wagon)
Assembly Time: Approx. 40 hours per vehicle suspension assembly

Service Information for suspension Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component

15,000 miles
12 months
  • Inspect shock absorbers for leaks
  • Check control arm bushings for wear
  • Inspect stabilizer bar links
  • Check spring seats for damage
  • Measure wheel alignment
  • Lubricate all suspension joints

Perform wheel alignment if any suspension components have been replaced.

30,000 miles
24 months
  • Replace suspension grease
  • Inspect subframe mounts for cracks
  • Check ball joints for play
  • Measure stabilizer bar bushing wear
  • Inspect coil springs for sagging
  • Check tire wear pattern

Use high-temperature grease for suspension components. Replace any worn or damaged parts.

60,000 miles
48 months
  • Replace shock absorbers if necessary
  • Replace control arm bushings
  • Replace stabilizer bar links
  • Replace subframe mounts if necessary
  • Inspect coil springs for damage
  • Perform four-wheel alignment

Major service interval. Replace any worn components to maintain ride quality and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What is the recommended torque specification for the front suspension strut mount bolts on a 1995-2000 Audi A4?

The recommended torque specification for the front suspension strut mount bolts is 44 lb-ft (60 Nm). Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface and the suspension is loaded before tightening to avoid misalignment.

Q2

What is the ride height specification for the 1995-2000 Audi A4?

The factory ride height for the 1995-2000 Audi A4 is approximately 24.8 inches (630 mm) from the ground to the wheel arch at the front and 25.2 inches (640 mm) at the rear. Variations may occur depending on trim level and suspension type.

Q3

How do I identify if my Audi A4 has a sport suspension package?

The sport suspension package on the 1995-2000 Audi A4 can be identified by a 20 mm lower ride height compared to the standard suspension. Additionally, the sport suspension uses firmer shock absorbers and stiffer springs, which are often marked with specific Audi part numbers (e.g., 8D0 412 031 for front springs).

Q4

What is the recommended alignment specification for the front suspension?

The recommended alignment specifications for the front suspension are: camber -0.5° to -1.0°, caster +6.5° to +7.5°, and toe-in 0.10° to 0.20°. Always verify with a professional alignment tool and adjust according to driving conditions.

Q5

Can I replace the rear suspension control arms individually, or do they need to be replaced as a set?

While it is possible to replace individual rear suspension control arms, it is recommended to replace them as a set to ensure even wear and proper alignment. The rear control arms are prone to bushing wear, and replacing them as a set can prevent future alignment issues.

Factory Service Resources

Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.

Audi A4 Suspension System Overview

Coming Soon

Detailed guide covering the suspension components, their functions, and maintenance tips for the 1995-2000 Audi A4.

Front Strut Replacement Procedure

Coming Soon

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the front struts on a 1995-2000 Audi A4, including torque specifications and alignment requirements.

Sport Suspension Upgrade Guide

Coming Soon

Technical guide for upgrading to the Audi A4 sport suspension, including part numbers, installation tips, and performance benefits.

Rear Control Arm Replacement Tutorial

Coming Soon

Comprehensive tutorial on replacing rear control arms, including bushing inspection and alignment considerations.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

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