Audi Audi A6 2011-2018 Suspension Specifications
Comprehensive technical documentation for the suspension system of the 2011-2018 Audi A6, including detailed specifications, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting tips.
Suspension Specifications Overview Specifications
This document provides a comprehensive guide to the suspension specifications of the 2011-2018 Audi A6. It includes detailed technical information, key components, and maintenance guidelines. Use this guide to understand the suspension system, identify components, and perform routine checks. The document is organized into sections for easy navigation, with detailed subsections and quick-reference specifications.
How to Use
To find specific information, use the search functionality by typing keywords such as 'shock absorbers,' 'spring rates,' or 'suspension types.' Results will highlight relevant sections.
Navigate through the document by selecting sections from the table of contents. Each section includes subsections with detailed technical points. Use the quick-reference section for key specifications at a glance.
Key Specifications
Front Suspension Type
5-link suspension
Rear Suspension Type
Trapezoidal-link suspension
Spring Type
Progressive-rate springs
Damping System
Adaptive or fixed-rate dampers
Ride Height Adjustment
Optional adaptive air suspension
Available Specifications
Front Suspension
The front suspension of the 2011-2018 Audi A6 features a 5-link suspension system designed for precise handling and stability. This section details the components, technical specifications, and alignment requirements.
Front Suspension
The front suspension of the 2011-2018 Audi A6 features a 5-link suspension system designed for precise handling and stability. This section details the components, technical specifications, and alignment requirements.
Components
- 5-link suspension with upper and lower control arms
- Aluminum components for reduced weight
- Hydraulic bushings for improved ride comfort
- Stabilizer bar with variable mounting points
- Direct-acting shock absorbers
Technical Specifications
- Spring rate: 35-45 N/mm (front)
- Shock absorber damping: Adaptive or fixed-rate
- Caster angle: 7.5° ± 0.5°
- Camber angle: 1.2° ± 0.5°
- Toe angle: 0.5° ± 0.2°
Rear Suspension
The rear suspension of the 2011-2018 Audi A6 utilizes a trapezoidal-link suspension system, optimized for comfort and stability. This section covers components, technical specifications, and alignment details.
Rear Suspension
The rear suspension of the 2011-2018 Audi A6 utilizes a trapezoidal-link suspension system, optimized for comfort and stability. This section covers components, technical specifications, and alignment details.
Components
- Trapezoidal-link suspension with separate springs and dampers
- Hydraulic bushings for reduced noise
- Stabilizer bar with variable mounting points
- Self-leveling suspension (optional)
- Integrated suspension control module
Technical Specifications
- Spring rate: 28-38 N/mm (rear)
- Shock absorber damping: Adaptive or fixed-rate
- Caster angle: 6.0° ± 0.5°
- Camber angle: 1.0° ± 0.5°
- Toe angle: 0.5° ± 0.2°
Shock Absorbers and Springs
This section provides detailed information on the shock absorbers and springs used in the 2011-2018 Audi A6 suspension system, including types, specifications, and maintenance tips.
Shock Absorbers and Springs
This section provides detailed information on the shock absorbers and springs used in the 2011-2018 Audi A6 suspension system, including types, specifications, and maintenance tips.
Shock Absorbers
- Gas-filled shock absorbers for reduced fade
- Adaptive dampers with dynamic ride control (optional)
- Service life: Approximately 80,000 miles
- Replacement interval: Every 100,000 miles or as needed
- Compatibility: Direct replacement or upgraded sport units
Springs
- Progressive-rate springs for improved handling
- Optional sport springs for lowered ride height
- Spring replacement recommended with shock absorbers
- Spring rate adjustment possible with coilover kits
- Material: High-strength steel with corrosion protection
Electronic Suspension Systems
The 2011-2018 Audi A6 offers advanced electronic suspension systems for enhanced ride quality and performance. This section details the features, functionality, and troubleshooting of these systems.
Electronic Suspension Systems
The 2011-2018 Audi A6 offers advanced electronic suspension systems for enhanced ride quality and performance. This section details the features, functionality, and troubleshooting of these systems.
Adaptive Air Suspension
- Optional adaptive air suspension with variable ride height
- Four driving modes: Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Lift
- Automatic lowering at high speeds for improved aerodynamics
- Manual height adjustment for loading or off-road use
- Integrated with Audi Drive Select system
Dynamic Ride Control
- Hydraulic-based system for reduced pitch and roll
- Real-time damping adjustments based on road conditions
- Compatibility with adaptive air suspension
- Service requirements: Hydraulic fluid change every 60,000 miles
- System reset procedure after component replacement
Maintenance and Service
Regular maintenance is crucial for maintaining the suspension system's performance and longevity. This section outlines service intervals, inspection points, and common repairs.
Maintenance and Service
Regular maintenance is crucial for maintaining the suspension system's performance and longevity. This section outlines service intervals, inspection points, and common repairs.
Service Intervals
- Inspect suspension components every 12,000 miles
- Replace shock absorbers every 80,000-100,000 miles
- Replace stabilizer bar links every 50,000-70,000 miles
- Check and top up hydraulic fluid every 30,000 miles
- Align wheels every 12,000 miles or after suspension work
Common Repairs
- Replacing worn-out control arm bushings
- Repairing or replacing damaged stabilizer bars
- Replacing leaking shock absorbers
- Realigning wheels after suspension modifications
- Inspecting and replacing corroded springs
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Component Specifications
Overview
- Type
- Multi-link
- Configuration
- Five-link front, trapezoidal-link rear
- Platform
- MLB (Modular Longitudinal Matrix)
- Material
- Aluminum links, steel subframe
- Location
- Front and rear axles
Dimensions
- Wheelbase
- 114.7 in (291 cm)
- Suspension Travel Front
- 4.7 in (12 cm)
- Suspension Travel Rear
- 5.1 in (13 cm)
- Spring Rate Front
- 120 N/mm (1717 lbs/in)
- Spring Rate Rear
- 130 N/mm (1881 lbs/in)
- Shock ABSorber Diameter Front
- 22mm
- Shock ABSorber Diameter Rear
- 20mm
- Stabilizer Bar Diameter Front
- 20mm
- Stabilizer Bar Diameter Rear
- 19mm
Materials
- Suspension Links
- Aluminum alloy
- Subframe
- High-strength steel
- Springs
- Steel alloy
- Shock ABSorbers
- Steel body with alloy steel piston rod
- Bushings
- Polyurethane
Features
- Suspension Type
-
- Adaptive Air Suspension
- Dynamic Ride Control
- Ride Height Adjustment
-
- Variable ride height adjustment
- Damping Control
-
- Electronically controlled damping
- Self Leveling
-
- Rear self-leveling suspension
- Geometry
-
- Optimized camber settings
- Anti-dive and squat geometry
- Anti Roll Bars
-
- Adaptive stabilizer bars
Safety Features
- Electronic Stability
-
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Roll stabilization
- Load Sensing
-
- Load-sensing proportioning valve
- Protectors
-
- Suspension overload protection
- Failure Modes
-
- Fail-safe mode in case of system failure
Comfort Features
- Ride Quality
-
- Adaptive damping modes
- Comfort-oriented suspension tuning
- Noise Reduction
-
- Isolated subframe mounts
- Sound-dampening bushings
- Height Adjustment
-
- Manual ride height adjustment
- Smooth Operation
-
- Low friction ball joints
- Silent-block suspension mounts
Accessories
- Upgrade Kits
-
- Sport suspension kit
- Lowering springs
- Performance dampers
- Spacers
-
- Wheel spacers for wider stance
- Protective
-
- Suspension component protective covers
Maintenance
- Service interval
- Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
- Maintenance Items
-
- Inspect suspension components for wear
- Check shock absorber damping
- Verify ride height and adjust if necessary
- Lubricate suspension joints
- Inspect springs for sagging or damage
- Notes
- Recommendations may vary based on driving conditions
Warranty
- Basic
- Miles: 48000Years: 4Coverage: Bumper-to-bumper
- Powertrain
- Miles: 70000Years: 5Coverage: Powertrain components
- Corrosion
- Miles: 120000Years: 12Coverage: Perforation warranty
- Maintenance
- Miles: 30000Years: 3Coverage: Scheduled maintenance
Production Details
- Manufacturer
- Audi AG, Ingolstadt, Germany
- Manufacturing Process
-
- Robotized welding
- Laser cutting
- TIG welding
- E-coating
- Cathodic dip painting
- Quality Control
- inspection: Dimensional checks, Load testing, Leak testing, Surface finish inspectionCertifications: ISO 9001, IATF 16949
- Sustainability
-
- Recyclable materials
- Energy-efficient production
- Reduced emissions manufacturing
- Production Metrics
- Units Per Day: 200Cycle Time: 10 minutes per unitDefect Rate: <1%Warranty Claim Rate: <0.5%
Service Information for suspension Service
Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component
- Inspect suspension components for wear
- Check shock absorber damping
- Verify ride height and adjust if necessary
- Lubricate suspension joints
- Inspect springs for sagging or damage
Visual inspection recommended
- Replace suspension fluid
- Inspect stabilizer links
- Check ball joint wear
- Verify bushing condition
- Test damping performance
More thorough inspection required
- Replace shock absorbers if necessary
- Replace springs if sagging
- Inspect and replace stabilizer bars
- Replace suspension arms if worn
- Perform full suspension alignment
Major service interval
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about torque specifications
Q1 What type of suspension system does the 2011-2018 Audi A6 use?
What type of suspension system does the 2011-2018 Audi A6 use?
The 2011-2018 Audi A6 is equipped with a multi-link front and rear suspension system. The front suspension features a five-link design with aluminum components for reduced weight and improved handling. The rear suspension also uses a multi-link setup, providing enhanced stability and ride comfort.
Q2 What is the recommended tire pressure for the Audi A6 suspension system?
What is the recommended tire pressure for the Audi A6 suspension system?
The recommended tire pressure for the 2011-2018 Audi A6 varies depending on the trim and tire size. For standard models, the front tires should be inflated to 35 psi (2.4 bar) and the rear tires to 33 psi (2.3 bar). Always refer to the tire pressure label located on the driver's side door jamb for specific recommendations.
Q3 How often should the suspension components be inspected?
How often should the suspension components be inspected?
Audi recommends inspecting the suspension components every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or during routine maintenance intervals. Key components to check include the shock absorbers, struts, control arms, bushings, and ball joints for signs of wear or damage.
Q4 Can the Audi A6 suspension be adjusted for different driving conditions?
Can the Audi A6 suspension be adjusted for different driving conditions?
Yes, models equipped with Audi's adaptive air suspension (optional) allow for adjustment of ride height and damping characteristics. The system offers multiple modes, including Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual, which can be selected via the Audi Drive Select system to optimize performance for various driving conditions.
Q5 What is the ground clearance of the Audi A6 with standard suspension?
What is the ground clearance of the Audi A6 with standard suspension?
The 2011-2018 Audi A6 with standard suspension has a ground clearance of approximately 5.1 inches (130 mm). Models equipped with adaptive air suspension can adjust the ground clearance, increasing it by up to 0.8 inches (20 mm) in off-road mode.
Q6 What are the signs of worn suspension components?
What are the signs of worn suspension components?
Common signs of worn suspension components include uneven tire wear, excessive bouncing or swaying, knocking noises over bumps, a rough or uncomfortable ride, and the vehicle pulling to one side during braking or cornering. Immediate inspection and replacement of worn parts are recommended to maintain safety and performance.
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 A6 Suspension System Overview
Coming SoonDetailed technical overview of the multi-link suspension system used in the 2011-2018 Audi A6, including component descriptions and functionality.
Audi Adaptive Air Suspension Guide
Coming SoonComprehensive guide to the adaptive air suspension system, including setup, adjustment, and maintenance tips for optimal performance.
Audi A6 Suspension Maintenance Checklist
Coming SoonStep-by-step checklist for inspecting and maintaining the suspension system, including recommended intervals and key components to monitor.
Audi Genuine Suspension Parts Catalog
Coming SoonOfficial catalog of genuine Audi suspension parts, ensuring compatibility and performance for the 2011-2018 Audi A6.
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