Audi Audi S8 1996-2011

Audi Audi S8 1996-2011 Suspension Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the suspension system of the 1996-2011 Audi S8, including front and rear suspension components, alignment settings, and maintenance guidelines.

Updated Oct 24, 2023

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the suspension specifications for the 1996-2011 Audi S8, including key features, measurements, and technical details. This section covers the front and rear suspension systems, alignment specifications, and critical components.

How to Use

Use the search function to locate specific suspension specifications by entering keywords such as 'front suspension', 'rear suspension', or 'alignment settings'.

Navigate through the suspension documentation sections using the table of contents or by scrolling through the major sections and subsections.

Key Specifications

Front Track Width

1590 mm

Rear Track Width

1575 mm

Front Stabilizer Bar Diameter

28 mm

Rear Stabilizer Bar Diameter

22 mm

Ride Height (Standard)

140 mm

Available Specifications

Front Suspension

Detailed information about the front suspension system, including components, measurements, and alignment specifications.

Front Suspension Components

Double wishbone independent suspension design
Aluminum control arms for reduced weight
Coil springs with gas-filled shock absorbers
Stabilizer bar diameter: 28 mm
Front track width: 1590 mm

Front Alignment Specifications

Camber angle: -0.5° to -1.0°
Toe-in: 0.10° to 0.20°
Caster angle: 6.5° to 7.5°
Steering axis inclination: 12.5°

Note: Alignment settings may vary slightly depending on tire size and vehicle load.

Rear Suspension

Detailed information about the rear suspension system, including components, measurements, and alignment specifications.

Rear Suspension Components

Trapezoidal-link independent suspension design
Aluminum suspension components for weight reduction
Coil springs with gas-filled shock absorbers
Stabilizer bar diameter: 22 mm
Rear track width: 1575 mm

Rear Alignment Specifications

Camber angle: -1.5° to -2.0°
Toe-in: 0.15° to 0.25°
Thrust angle: 0.0°
Ride height: 140 mm (measured from wheel center to fender)

Note: Ensure proper alignment to avoid uneven tire wear and handling issues.

Suspension Tuning and Adjustments

Information on suspension tuning, adjustments, and optional features available for the Audi S8.

Adaptive Air Suspension (Optional)

Electronically controlled air springs
Adjustable ride height: 15 mm range
Four driving modes: Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Lift
Automatic leveling system for load compensation

Dynamic Ride Control (DRC)

Hydraulic damping system for enhanced stability
Adjustable damping force based on driving conditions
Reduces body roll during cornering
Improves traction on uneven surfaces

Note: DRC is standard on all Audi S8 models from 2006 onwards.

Suspension Maintenance

Guidelines for maintaining the suspension system, including inspection intervals and common issues.

Inspection and Maintenance Schedule

Inspect suspension components every 20,000 km
Check for worn bushings and ball joints
Replace shock absorbers every 80,000 km
Lubricate suspension linkages annually

Common Suspension Issues

Excessive tire wear due to misalignment
Noise from worn bushings or ball joints
Uneven ride height caused by air suspension leaks
Reduced handling performance due to worn shocks

Note: Address suspension issues promptly to maintain optimal vehicle performance.

Search Specifications

Search by specification name, value, or description

Component Specifications

Front Suspension

Type: Double wishbone with air suspension

Spring Type: Air spring with adaptive damping

Shock ABSorber Type: Electronically controlled adaptive dampers

Stabilizer Bar Diameter: 28 mm

Bushings Material: Synthetic rubber with aluminum housing

Part Numbers: Air Spring: 4E0 412 031 A
Shock ABSorber: 4E0 413 031 B
Stabilizer Bar: 4E0 411 305 A

Rear Suspension

Type: Multi-link with air suspension

Spring Type: Air spring with adaptive damping

Shock ABSorber Type: Electronically controlled adaptive dampers

Stabilizer Bar Diameter: 22 mm

Bushings Material: Synthetic rubber with aluminum housing

Part Numbers: Air Spring: 4E0 512 031 C
Shock ABSorber: 4E0 513 031 D
Stabilizer Bar: 4E0 511 305 B

Air Suspension System

Compressor Type: Single-piston electric compressor

Air Tank Capacity: 5 liters

Pressure Range: 8-16 bar

Height Sensors: 4 sensors (one per wheel)

Part Numbers: Compressor: 4E0 907 727 A
Height Sensor: 4E0 941 303 B

Adaptive Damping System

Control Unit: Integrated with Audi Drive Select

Adjustment Range: 5 levels (Comfort to Dynamic)

Response Time: 10 milliseconds

Part Numbers: Control Module: 4E0 907 375 A
Damper Valve: 4E0 413 031 C

Wheel Alignment

Front Camber: -0.5° to +0.5°

Rear Camber: -1.5° to -0.5°

Front Toe: 0.10° to 0.20°

Rear Toe: 0.15° to 0.25°

Caster: 7.5° to 8.5°

Tolerances: ±0.2° for all angles

Suspension Bushings

Front Lower Control Arm Bushing: 75 mm diameter, synthetic rubber

Rear Trailing Arm Bushing: 60 mm diameter, synthetic rubber

Durometer Rating: 70 Shore A

Part Numbers: Front Bushing: 4E0 407 181 A
Rear Bushing: 4E0 507 181 B

Suspension Mounts

Front Strut Mount: Aluminum with integrated bearing

Rear Shock Mount: Steel with rubber isolator

Part Numbers: Front Mount: 4E0 412 331 A
Rear Mount: 4E0 512 331 B

Operational Limits

Maximum Ground Clearance: 180 mm

Minimum Ground Clearance: 120 mm

Maximum Load Capacity: 600 kg

Maximum Speed With Lifted Suspension: 80 km/h

Temperature Range: -40°C to +120°C

Diagnostic Specifications

Fault Codes

C1031 - Air suspension compressor fault
C1032 - Height sensor signal implausible
C1033 - Adaptive damper valve malfunction

Diagnostic Tool: VAS 5051 or equivalent

Test Procedures

Check air compressor pressure output
Verify height sensor calibration
Test damper valve response time

Maintenance Specifications

Air Spring Inspection Interval: Every 30,000 miles or 24 months

Shock ABSorber Replacement interval: Every 60,000 miles or 48 months

Bushing Inspection Interval: Every 50,000 miles or 36 months

Alignment Check interval: Every 15,000 miles or 12 months

Lubrication Points

Front lower control arm bushings
Rear trailing arm bushings

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the Audi S8 suspension system

15,000

Inspect air suspension system for leaks
Check shock absorber operation
Verify wheel alignment settings

Alignment check is critical after any suspension component replacement

30,000

Inspect air springs for cracks or wear
Lubricate suspension bushings
Test adaptive damping system functionality

Use only Audi-approved lubricants for bushings

60,000

Replace shock absorbers if necessary
Inspect and replace worn bushings
Perform full suspension diagnostic scan

Shock absorbers should be replaced in pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

What type of suspension system does the 1996-2011 Audi S8 use?

The 1996-2011 Audi S8 is equipped with a fully independent suspension system, featuring a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. This setup is designed to provide superior handling and ride comfort, with adaptive air suspension available as an option on later models.

What is the recommended tire pressure for the Audi S8 suspension system?

The recommended tire pressure for the Audi S8 varies depending on the load and driving conditions. For normal driving conditions, the front tires should be inflated to 32 psi (2.2 bar) and the rear tires to 30 psi (2.1 bar). Always refer to the tire pressure label located on the driver's side door jamb for specific recommendations.

How often should the suspension components be inspected?

Audi recommends inspecting the suspension components every 20,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first. This includes checking for wear on bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers. Regular inspections are crucial to maintaining optimal handling and safety.

Can the adaptive air suspension be retrofitted to earlier models of the Audi S8?

Retrofitting adaptive air suspension to earlier models of the Audi S8 is technically possible but requires significant modifications, including the installation of air springs, compressors, and control modules. It is recommended to consult with an authorized Audi service center to ensure compatibility and proper installation.

What are the signs of a failing suspension system in the Audi S8?

Common signs of a failing suspension system include uneven tire wear, excessive bouncing or swaying, knocking noises over bumps, and a noticeable drop in ride height. If any of these symptoms are observed, it is important to have the suspension system inspected and serviced immediately.

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 S8 Suspension System Overview

Coming Soon

Detailed technical overview of the suspension system used in the 1996-2011 Audi S8, including diagrams and component specifications.

Adaptive Air Suspension Maintenance Guide

Coming Soon

Step-by-step guide on maintaining and troubleshooting the adaptive air suspension system in the Audi S8.

Suspension Inspection Checklist

Coming Soon

Comprehensive checklist for inspecting the suspension components of the Audi S8, including common issues and recommended service intervals.

Genuine Audi Suspension Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Catalog of genuine Audi suspension parts for the 1996-2011 S8, including part numbers and compatibility information.

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