Audi Audi S3 2006-2012 Suspension Specifications
Comprehensive technical documentation for the suspension system of the 2006-2012 Audi S3, including detailed specifications, alignment data, and service procedures.
Overview Specifications
Comprehensive description of the suspension specifications for the 2006-2012 Audi S3, including key features, measurements, and technical details. This section covers the front and rear suspension systems, alignment specifications, and component-specific details.
How to Use
Use the search function to locate specific suspension components or measurements by entering keywords such as 'front strut', 'rear axle', or 'alignment angles'.
Navigate through the suspension documentation by selecting the relevant section from the table of contents. Each section is organized by major suspension components and their respective subsections.
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, spring rates, and damper specifications.
Front Suspension
Details of the front suspension system, including the MacPherson strut design, spring rates, and damper specifications.
MacPherson Strut Assembly
- Strut type: MacPherson with coil spring
- Spring rate: 25 N/mm
- Damper type: Gas-filled monotube
- Strut mounting bolt torque: 60 Nm
- Lower control arm material: Forged aluminum
Front Anti-Roll Bar
- Diameter: 22 mm
- Material: Hollow steel
- Bushings: Rubber with PTFE coating
- Mounting torque: 25 Nm
- Note: Anti-roll bar reduces body roll during cornering
Note: Ensure proper alignment of anti-roll bar bushings during installation.
Rear Suspension
Technical details of the rear suspension system, including the multi-link design, spring and damper specifications, and alignment settings.
Rear Suspension
Technical details of the rear suspension system, including the multi-link design, spring and damper specifications, and alignment settings.
Multi-Link Suspension
- Link configuration: 4-link design
- Spring rate: 28 N/mm
- Damper type: Twin-tube hydraulic
- Trailing arm material: High-strength steel
- Bushing material: Rubber with silicone filler
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
- Diameter: 18 mm
- Material: Solid steel
- Bushings: Polyurethane
- Mounting torque: 20 Nm
- Note: Enhances rear stability during high-speed maneuvers
Alignment Specifications
Alignment settings for the front and rear suspension, including camber, caster, and toe angles.
Alignment Specifications
Alignment settings for the front and rear suspension, including camber, caster, and toe angles.
Front Alignment
- Camber angle: -0.5° to -1.0°
- Caster angle: +7.0° 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: Rear alignment affects vehicle stability and cornering
Suspension Components
Detailed specifications for key suspension components, including bushings, mounts, and fasteners.
Suspension Components
Detailed specifications for key suspension components, including bushings, mounts, and fasteners.
Bushings and Mounts
- Front strut mount material: Reinforced rubber
- Rear subframe bushings: Hydroelastic
- Bushing durometer: 70 Shore A
- Mounting bolt torque: 80 Nm
- Note: Inspect bushings for wear during routine maintenance
Fasteners and Torque Specifications
- Strut-to-knuckle bolt torque: 90 Nm
- Control arm bolt torque: 100 Nm
- Wheel hub nut torque: 180 Nm
- Note: Use a calibrated torque wrench for all fasteners
Search Specifications
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Component Specifications
Front Suspension
- Type
- MacPherson strut with lower control arm
- Spring Rate
- 28 N/mm
- Shock ABSorber Type
- Gas-filled monotube
- Strut Part Number
- 8P0 412 031
- Lower Control Arm Part Number
- 8P0 407 151
- Bushings Material
- Rubber with steel reinforcement
- Anti Roll Bar Diameter
- 22 mm
- Anti Roll Bar Part Number
- 8P0 411 305
- Track Width
- 1542 mm
- Caster Angle
- 7.5 degrees
- Camber Angle
- -0.5 degrees
- Toe in
- 0.10 degrees
Rear Suspension
- Type
- Four-link independent suspension
- Spring Rate
- 32 N/mm
- Shock ABSorber Type
- Gas-filled twin-tube
- Trailing Arm Part Number
- 8P0 505 121
- Lateral Link Part Number
- 8P0 505 131
- Bushings Material
- Polyurethane with steel reinforcement
- Anti Roll Bar Diameter
- 18 mm
- Anti Roll Bar Part Number
- 8P0 511 409
- Track Width
- 1528 mm
- Camber Angle
- -1.2 degrees
- Toe in
- 0.15 degrees
Shock ABSorbers
- Front Shock Part Number
- 8P0 413 031
- Rear Shock Part Number
- 8P0 513 049
- Front Shock Travel
- 150 mm
- Rear Shock Travel
- 140 mm
- Compression Damping
- 1200 Ns/m
- Rebound Damping
- 1800 Ns/m
- Operating Temperature Range
- -40°C to 120°C
Springs
- Front Spring Part Number
- 8P0 411 105
- Rear Spring Part Number
- 8P0 511 115
- Front Spring Free Length
- 380 mm
- Rear Spring Free Length
- 420 mm
- Front Spring Wire Diameter
- 12.5 mm
- Rear Spring Wire Diameter
- 13.0 mm
- Spring Material
- High-strength steel
Bushings And Mounts
- Front Strut Mount Part Number
- 8P0 412 355
- Rear Shock Mount Part Number
- 8P0 512 349
- Front Control Arm Bushing Part Number
- 8P0 407 181
- Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Part Number
- 8P0 505 141
- Bushing Durometer
- 70 Shore A
- Mount Material
- Rubber with aluminum housing
Alignment Specifications
- Front Caster Range
- 7.0 to 8.0 degrees
- Front Camber Range
- -0.7 to -0.3 degrees
- Front Toe Range
- 0.05 to 0.15 degrees
- Rear Camber Range
- -1.5 to -0.9 degrees
- Rear Toe Range
- 0.10 to 0.20 degrees
- Thrust Angle
- 0.0 degrees
Torque Specifications
- Front Strut Mount Nuts
- 50 Nm + 90°
- Rear Shock Mount Bolts
- 60 Nm
- Front Control Arm Bolts
- 90 Nm + 90°
- Rear Trailing Arm Bolts
- 110 Nm
- Anti Roll Bar Link Nuts
- 40 Nm
- Wheel Bolts
- 120 Nm
Diagnostic Specifications
- Shock ABSorber Leakage Limit
- No visible fluid leakage
- Bushing Wear Limit
- No cracks or excessive play
- Spring Sag Limit
- Max 10 mm deviation from free length
- Alignment Tolerance
- ±0.2 degrees
- Anti Roll Bar Play Limit
- Max 2 mm lateral movement
Maintenance Specifications
- inspection Interval
- Every 20,000 miles or 24 months
- Lubrication Points
-
- Front control arm bushings
- Rear trailing arm bushings
- Anti-roll bar links
- Replacement intervals
- Shock ABSorbers: Every 60,000 milesBushings: Every 80,000 milesSprings: Every 100,000 miles
- Alignment Check interval
- Every 10,000 miles or after suspension work
Safety information
- Warning
- Always use a torque wrench for suspension components
- Note
- Inspect suspension components for wear or damage after impact
- Caution
- Do not exceed maximum torque specifications to avoid component failure
Service Information Service
Detailed service requirements and schedules for the suspension system
- Inspect shock absorbers for leaks
- Check bushings for wear or damage
- Verify alignment specifications
Replace worn components immediately to avoid further damage
- Replace shock absorbers
- Inspect and lubricate all bushings
- Check spring condition and free length
Use only OEM parts for replacement to ensure proper fit and performance
- Replace suspension springs
- Inspect and replace all worn bushings
- Perform full alignment check
Ensure all torque specifications are followed during reassembly
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about torque specifications
Q1 What type of suspension does the 2006-2012 Audi S3 use?
What type of suspension does the 2006-2012 Audi S3 use?
The 2006-2012 Audi S3 features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a four-link independent rear suspension. Both systems are tuned for sporty handling and include anti-roll bars to reduce body roll during cornering.
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 2006-2012 Audi S3 is approximately 150 mm (5.9 inches) at the front and 145 mm (5.7 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 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 must be done carefully. Audi recommends using only approved lowering springs or coilovers, such as those from the Audi Sport or OEM-approved aftermarket suppliers. Improper lowering can negatively affect handling, alignment, and suspension geometry.
Q4 What is the torque specification for the front suspension strut bolts?
What is the torque specification for the front suspension strut bolts?
The torque specification for the front suspension strut-to-knuckle bolts is 90 Nm (66 lb-ft) plus an additional 90-degree turn. Always use a torque wrench and follow Audi's tightening sequence to ensure proper installation and safety.
Q5 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 or annually, whichever comes first. Pay special attention to bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers for signs of wear or damage, especially if the vehicle is driven aggressively or on rough roads.
Q6 What is the purpose of the adaptive damping system on the Audi S3?
What is the purpose of the adaptive damping system on the Audi S3?
The optional adaptive damping system, available on some trims, adjusts the shock absorber stiffness in real-time based on driving conditions and driver input. It enhances comfort during normal driving and improves handling during spirited driving or on uneven surfaces.
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 maintenance, repair procedures, and torque specifications for the 2006-2012 S3.
Audi Genuine Parts Catalog
Coming SoonAccess the official Audi parts catalog to find genuine suspension components, including shocks, springs, and bushings, for the 2006-2012 S3.
Suspension Alignment Guide
Coming SoonStep-by-step guide to performing a proper wheel alignment on the Audi S3, including recommended settings and tools.
Adaptive Damping System Overview
Coming SoonTechnical overview of the adaptive damping system, including operation, diagnostics, and troubleshooting tips.
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Technical Information
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