Audi Audi S3 1999-2003 Suspension Specifications
Comprehensive technical specifications for the 1999-2003 Audi S3 suspension system, including detailed component information, alignment settings, and torque values for professional repair and maintenance.
Overview Specifications
Comprehensive description of the suspension specifications for the 1999-2003 Audi S3, including key features, measurements, and technical details. This section covers the front and rear suspension systems, including components, alignment settings, and performance characteristics.
How to Use
Use the search function to locate specific suspension components or specifications by entering keywords such as 'front strut', 'rear axle', or 'alignment settings'.
Navigate through the suspension documentation by selecting the relevant section from the table of contents. Each section is organized by major components and subsystems.
Key Specifications
Front Spring Rate
25 N/mm
Rear Spring Rate
28 N/mm
Front Anti-Roll Bar Diameter
22 mm
Rear Anti-Roll Bar Diameter
18 mm
Front Camber Angle
-0.5° to -1.0°
Available Specifications
Front Suspension
Details of the front suspension system, including the MacPherson strut design, anti-roll bar, and steering components.
Front Suspension
Details of the front suspension system, including the MacPherson strut design, anti-roll bar, and steering components.
MacPherson Strut Assembly
- Strut type: Gas-filled shock absorber with coil spring
- Spring rate: 25 N/mm
- Strut diameter: 50 mm
- Upper mount bearing type: Ball joint
- Lower control arm material: Forged steel
Anti-Roll Bar
- Diameter: 22 mm
- Material: Hollow steel
- Bushings: Polyurethane
- End link type: Ball joint
- Note: Reduces body roll during cornering
Note: Ensure proper torque on anti-roll bar mounting bolts to prevent noise and premature wear.
Rear Suspension
Details of the rear suspension system, including the multi-link design, anti-roll bar, and damping components.
Rear Suspension
Details of the rear suspension system, including the multi-link design, anti-roll bar, and damping components.
Multi-Link Suspension
- Link configuration: 4-link design
- Spring rate: 28 N/mm
- Shock absorber type: Twin-tube gas-filled
- Bushings: Rubber with steel sleeves
- Toe adjustment: Adjustable via eccentric bolts
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
- Diameter: 18 mm
- Material: Solid steel
- Bushings: Rubber
- End link type: Rubber bushing
- Note: Enhances stability during high-speed cornering
Alignment Specifications
Factory-recommended alignment settings for the 1999-2003 Audi S3, including camber, caster, and toe angles.
Alignment Specifications
Factory-recommended alignment settings for the 1999-2003 Audi S3, including camber, caster, and toe angles.
Front Alignment
- Camber angle: -0.5° to -1.0°
- Caster angle: +6.5° to +7.5°
- Toe angle: 0.0° to +0.2°
- Steering axis inclination: 12.5°
- Note: Ensure proper alignment for optimal tire wear and handling
Rear Alignment
- Camber angle: -1.5° to -2.0°
- Toe angle: +0.1° to +0.3°
- Thrust angle: 0.0°
- Note: Adjustable via eccentric bolts on lower control arms
Suspension Performance
Performance characteristics and specifications of the suspension system, including ride height, damping, and load capacity.
Suspension Performance
Performance characteristics and specifications of the suspension system, including ride height, damping, and load capacity.
Ride Height
- Front ride height: 140 mm (measured from wheel center to fender)
- Rear ride height: 135 mm (measured from wheel center to fender)
- Ground clearance: 120 mm
- Note: Ride height may vary with aftermarket modifications
Damping Characteristics
- Front damping force: 2,500 N at 0.5 m/s
- Rear damping force: 2,200 N at 0.5 m/s
- Rebound damping: Adjustable on performance variants
- Note: Damping settings optimized for sporty handling
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Component Specifications
Front Suspension
- Type
- MacPherson strut with lower control arm
- Spring Rate
- 25 N/mm
- Shock ABSorber Type
- Gas-filled telescopic
- Strut Part Number
- 8N0 412 031
- Lower Control Arm Part Number
- 8N0 407 151
- Bushing Material
- Rubber with steel sleeve
- Track Width
- 1520 mm
- Camber Angle
- -0.5° to -1.0°
- Caster Angle
- 6.5° to 7.5°
- Toe in
- 0.1° to 0.3°
Rear Suspension
- Type
- Multi-link independent suspension
- Spring Rate
- 22 N/mm
- Shock ABSorber Type
- Gas-filled telescopic
- Trailing Arm Part Number
- 8N0 501 541
- Lateral Link Part Number
- 8N0 501 531
- Bushing Material
- Rubber with steel sleeve
- Track Width
- 1500 mm
- Camber Angle
- -1.5° to -2.0°
- Toe in
- 0.2° to 0.4°
Springs
- Front Spring Part Number
- 8N0 411 105
- Rear Spring Part Number
- 8N0 511 115
- Front Spring Free Length
- 380 mm
- Rear Spring Free Length
- 400 mm
- Front Spring Wire Diameter
- 12.5 mm
- Rear Spring Wire Diameter
- 11.5 mm
- Spring Material
- High-tensile steel
Shock ABSorbers
- Front Shock ABSorber Part Number
- 8N0 413 031
- Rear Shock ABSorber Part Number
- 8N0 513 031
- Front Shock Travel
- 150 mm
- Rear Shock Travel
- 140 mm
- Front Shock Diameter
- 45 mm
- Rear Shock Diameter
- 40 mm
- Fluid Type
- Synthetic oil
Anti Roll Bars
- Front Anti Roll Bar Diameter
- 22 mm
- Rear Anti Roll Bar Diameter
- 18 mm
- Front Anti Roll Bar Part Number
- 8N0 411 305
- Rear Anti Roll Bar Part Number
- 8N0 511 309
- Bushing Material
- Polyurethane
- Mounting Bracket Part Number
- 8N0 411 327
Bushings
- Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Part Number
- 8N0 407 181
- Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Part Number
- 8N0 501 547
- Front Anti Roll Bar Bushing Part Number
- 8N0 411 329
- Rear Anti Roll Bar Bushing Part Number
- 8N0 511 311
- Material
- Rubber with steel sleeve
- Durometer Hardness
- 70 Shore A
Wheel Alignment
- Front Camber Range
- -0.5° to -1.0°
- Rear Camber Range
- -1.5° to -2.0°
- Front Caster Range
- 6.5° to 7.5°
- Front Toe in Range
- 0.1° to 0.3°
- Rear Toe in Range
- 0.2° to 0.4°
- Thrust Angle Tolerance
- ±0.2°
Torque Specifications
- Front Strut Mount Nuts
- 50 Nm
- Rear Shock ABSorber Mount Bolts
- 60 Nm
- Front Lower Control Arm Bolts
- 90 Nm
- Rear Trailing Arm Bolts
- 80 Nm
- Anti Roll Bar Link Nuts
- 40 Nm
- Wheel Bolts
- 120 Nm
Operational Limits
- Maximum Axle Load Front
- 950 kg
- Maximum Axle Load Rear
- 900 kg
- Maximum Vehicle Weight
- 1850 kg
- Maximum Speed With Load
- 250 km/h
- Minimum Ground Clearance
- 120 mm
Diagnostic Specifications
- Shock ABSorber Leak Test
- No visible fluid leakage
- Bushing Wear Limit
- 2 mm play
- Spring Sag Limit
- 10 mm from free length
- Anti Roll Bar Bushing Wear Limit
- 1 mm play
- Wheel Bearing Play Limit
- 0.05 mm
Service Information Service
Detailed service requirements and schedules for the suspension system
- Inspect shock absorbers for leaks
- Check suspension bushings for wear
- Verify wheel alignment settings
- Tighten all suspension bolts to specified torque
Replace worn components immediately to avoid further damage
- Replace front and rear shock absorbers
- Inspect and replace anti-roll bar bushings if necessary
- Check spring condition for sag or damage
- Lubricate all suspension pivot points
Use only Audi-approved replacement parts
- Replace all suspension bushings
- Inspect and replace lower control arms if necessary
- Check and replace wheel bearings if play exceeds limits
- Perform full wheel alignment
Ensure alignment is performed by a certified technician
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about torque specifications
Q1 What type of suspension system does the 1999-2003 Audi S3 use?
What type of suspension system does the 1999-2003 Audi S3 use?
The 1999-2003 Audi S3 is equipped with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. This setup provides a balance of sporty handling and ride comfort, with specific tuning for the S3's performance-oriented design.
Q2 What is the recommended ride height for the Audi S3 suspension?
What is the recommended ride height for the Audi S3 suspension?
The factory ride height for the 1999-2003 Audi S3 is approximately 140mm (5.5 inches) at the front and 135mm (5.3 inches) at the rear, measured from the wheel center to the fender lip. This measurement may vary slightly depending on trim and optional suspension packages.
Q3 What are the torque specifications for the suspension components?
What are the torque specifications for the suspension components?
Key torque specifications include: front strut mounting bolts (70 Nm), rear suspension control arm bolts (100 Nm), and rear shock absorber mounting bolts (90 Nm). Always refer to the official Audi service manual for precise torque values and tightening sequences.
Q4 Can I lower the suspension on my Audi S3 without affecting handling?
Can I lower the suspension on my Audi S3 without affecting handling?
Lowering the suspension can improve aesthetics and reduce body roll, but it may compromise ride quality and increase wear on suspension components. If lowering, use Audi-approved lowering springs or coilovers and ensure proper alignment to maintain handling characteristics.
Q5 How often should the suspension components be inspected?
How often should the suspension components be inspected?
Audi recommends inspecting the suspension system every 15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Pay special attention to bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers for signs of wear or damage.
Q6 What is the recommended wheel alignment setup for the Audi S3?
What is the recommended wheel alignment setup for the Audi S3?
The factory alignment settings for the 1999-2003 Audi S3 are: front camber -0.5° to -1.0°, front toe 0.0° to +0.2°, rear camber -1.5° to -2.0°, and rear toe +0.1° to +0.3°. These settings ensure optimal handling and tire wear.
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 S3 Suspension Service Manual
Coming SoonOfficial Audi service manual detailing suspension repair, maintenance, and torque specifications for the 1999-2003 S3.
Suspension Upgrade Guide
Coming SoonComprehensive guide to upgrading the suspension system on the 1999-2003 Audi S3, including recommended parts and installation tips.
Alignment and Handling Optimization
Coming SoonDetailed instructions for achieving optimal wheel alignment and handling performance on the Audi S3.
Suspension Troubleshooting
Coming SoonStep-by-step guide to diagnosing and resolving common suspension issues on the 1999-2003 Audi S3.
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Technical Information
- All specifications, including torque values, fluid capacities, and maintenance procedures, should be verified against your vehicle's factory service manual.
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