Audi Audi S8 2012-2018

Audi Audi S8 2012-2018 Suspension Specifications

Comprehensive technical specifications for the 2012-2018 Audi S8 suspension system, including air suspension, adaptive damping, and electronic chassis control. Ideal for technicians and enthusiasts.

Updated Oct 24, 2023

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the suspension specifications for the 2012-2018 Audi S8, including key features, measurements, and technical details. This section covers the adaptive air suspension system, front and rear suspension components, and alignment specifications.

How to Use

Use the search function to locate specific suspension specifications by entering keywords such as 'adaptive air suspension', 'front 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

Ride Height Adjustment Range

-20 mm to +25 mm

Front Anti-Roll Bar Diameter

28 mm

Rear Anti-Roll Bar Diameter

22 mm

System Response Time

< 50 ms

Front Camber Angle

-0.5° to -1.0°

Available Specifications

Adaptive Air Suspension System

Details about the adaptive air suspension system, including its components, functionality, and technical specifications.

System Overview

Electronically controlled adaptive air suspension with adjustable damping
Four air springs integrated with shock absorbers
Automatic leveling system for optimal ride height
Dynamic mode lowers ride height by 20 mm at speeds above 120 km/h
Comfort mode raises ride height by 25 mm for rough terrain

Technical Specifications

Air spring pressure range: 8-16 bar
Damping force adjustment range: 0-100% in 0.1% increments
Ride height adjustment range: -20 mm to +25 mm
System response time: < 50 ms
Note: System requires Audi-specific diagnostic tools for calibration

Note: The adaptive air suspension system is designed to provide a balance between comfort and sporty handling.

Front Suspension

Detailed information about the front suspension components, including geometry, materials, and specifications.

Component Overview

Five-link front suspension with aluminum components
Electromechanical power steering system
Anti-roll bar diameter: 28 mm
Wheel carrier made of forged aluminum
Spring strut with integrated adaptive damping

Alignment Specifications

Camber angle: -0.5° to -1.0°
Toe-in: 0.10° to 0.20°
Caster angle: 7.5° to 8.5°
Kingpin inclination: 12.5° to 13.5°
Note: Alignment settings vary slightly between Comfort and Dynamic modes

Rear Suspension

Technical details about the rear suspension system, including its design, components, and alignment specifications.

Component Overview

Trapezoidal-link rear suspension with aluminum components
Anti-roll bar diameter: 22 mm
Air springs integrated with adaptive dampers
Wheel carrier made of forged aluminum
Electronically controlled rear differential

Alignment Specifications

Camber angle: -1.2° to -1.8°
Toe-in: 0.15° to 0.25°
Caster angle: Not applicable (rear suspension)
Note: Rear suspension alignment is critical for stability and tire wear

Suspension Maintenance

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

Inspection Intervals

Inspect suspension components every 15,000 km or 12 months
Check air spring pressure and damping system functionality
Inspect bushings and mounts for wear and tear
Verify alignment settings during routine maintenance
Note: Use Audi-approved diagnostic tools for system checks

Common Issues

Air spring leaks due to wear or damage
Damping system faults caused by electronic failures
Bushing wear leading to increased noise and vibration
Alignment drift due to worn components
Note: Address issues promptly to avoid further damage

Search Specifications

Search by specification name, value, or description

Component Specifications

Front Suspension

Type: Multi-link independent suspension

Spring Type: Coil spring with adaptive air suspension

Shock ABSorber Type: Electronically controlled dampers

Stabilizer Bar Diameter: 28.5 mm

Wheel Alignment: Camber: -0.5° to 0.5°
Toe: 0.10° to 0.20°
Caster: 7.0° to 8.0°

Part Numbers: Strut Assembly: 4H0 412 303
Control Arm: 4H0 407 151
Stabilizer Link: 4H0 411 317

Rear Suspension

Type: Multi-link independent suspension

Spring Type: Coil spring with adaptive air suspension

Shock ABSorber Type: Electronically controlled dampers

Stabilizer Bar Diameter: 22.0 mm

Wheel Alignment: Camber: -1.5° to -0.5°
Toe: 0.10° to 0.20°

Part Numbers: Strut Assembly: 4H0 512 031
Control Arm: 4H0 507 151
Stabilizer Link: 4H0 511 317

Air Suspension System

Compressor Type: Single-piston electric compressor

Air Spring Type: Rubber bellows with integrated damping

Pressure Range: 8 to 16 bar

Height Adjustment Range: ±50 mm

Part Numbers: Compressor: 4H0 607 257
Air Spring: 4H0 512 115
Valve Block: 4H0 607 279

Adaptive Damping System

Damping Modes

Comfort
Auto
Dynamic

Response Time: 50 ms

Sensor Types

Acceleration sensors
Position sensors

Part Numbers: Control Module: 4H0 907 375
Damper Unit: 4H0 413 031

Wheel Bearings

Front Bearing Type: Sealed roller bearing

Rear Bearing Type: Sealed roller bearing

Torque Specifications: Front Wheel Bearing Bolt: 200 Nm + 180°
Rear Wheel Bearing Bolt: 200 Nm + 180°

Part Numbers: Front Bearing: 4H0 498 625
Rear Bearing: 4H0 598 625

Suspension Bushings

Material: Rubber with aluminum housing

Durometer Rating: 70 Shore A

Replacement interval: 100,000 miles

Part Numbers: Front Bushing: 4H0 407 183
Rear Bushing: 4H0 507 183

Suspension Mounts

Front Strut Mount Type: Rubber with integrated bearing

Rear Strut Mount Type: Rubber with integrated bearing

Torque Specifications: Front Strut Mount Nut: 60 Nm + 90°
Rear Strut Mount Nut: 60 Nm + 90°

Part Numbers: Front Mount: 4H0 412 331
Rear Mount: 4H0 512 331

Suspension Limits

Maximum Load: 650 kg

Maximum Ground Clearance: 180 mm

Minimum Ground Clearance: 130 mm

Maximum Speed With Lifted Suspension: 80 km/h

Diagnostic Specifications

Fault Codes: C10A1: Air suspension compressor malfunction
C10A2: Air suspension valve block malfunction
C10A3: Air spring pressure sensor fault

Diagnostic Tools

VAS 5054A
ODIS

Test Procedures

Check air suspension pressure with VAS 6230
Perform damper response test using ODIS

Maintenance Specifications

inspection Intervals: Air Springs: Every 30,000 miles
Shock ABSorbers: Every 50,000 miles
Bushings And Mounts: Every 100,000 miles

Lubrication Points

Front control arm bushings
Rear control arm bushings

Torque Checks

Strut mount nuts
Wheel bearing bolts
Stabilizer bar links

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the Audi S8 suspension system

10,000 miles

12 months

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

Perform visual inspection of suspension components for wear or damage

30,000 miles

36 months

Lubricate control arm bushings
Inspect air springs for cracks or wear
Check stabilizer bar links for play

Replace worn components as necessary

50,000 miles

60 months

Replace shock absorbers if necessary
Inspect and replace suspension mounts if worn
Verify adaptive damping system operation

Use OEM parts for replacements to ensure proper performance

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

What type of suspension system does the 2012-2018 Audi S8 use?

The 2012-2018 Audi S8 is equipped with an adaptive air suspension system, which includes adaptive damping and self-leveling capabilities. The system adjusts ride height and damping force based on driving conditions, offering a balance between comfort and performance.

What is the ride height range of the Audi S8's air suspension?

The ride height of the Audi S8's air suspension can vary between 120mm (4.7 inches) in the lowest setting (dynamic mode) and 160mm (6.3 inches) in the highest setting (off-road mode). The default ride height in comfort mode is approximately 140mm (5.5 inches).

How does the adaptive damping system work in the Audi S8?

The adaptive damping system in the Audi S8 uses sensors to monitor road conditions, vehicle speed, and driver inputs. It adjusts the damping force at each wheel independently, providing optimal handling and comfort. The system offers multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual, each with distinct damping characteristics.

What is the recommended maintenance interval for the air suspension system?

Audi recommends inspecting the air suspension system every 20,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first. This includes checking for leaks, inspecting air springs, and ensuring the compressor and valves are functioning correctly. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent system failure and ensure optimal performance.

Can the Audi S8's suspension be manually adjusted?

Yes, the Audi S8's suspension can be manually adjusted through the MMI (Multi Media Interface) system. Drivers can select between different ride heights and damping settings, depending on driving conditions or personal preference. However, automatic adjustments are made by the system in real-time for optimal performance.

What are the signs of a failing air suspension component?

Common signs of a failing air suspension component include uneven ride height, excessive bouncing, unusual noises (such as hissing from air leaks), and warning messages on the dashboard. If any of these symptoms occur, it is recommended to have the system inspected by a qualified technician 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

A detailed guide to the adaptive air suspension system, including its components, functionality, and maintenance tips.

Air Suspension Troubleshooting Guide

Coming Soon

Step-by-step instructions for diagnosing and troubleshooting common air suspension issues in the Audi S8.

Audi Genuine Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Access the official Audi parts catalog to find genuine replacement components for the S8's suspension system.

Suspension Maintenance Best Practices

Coming Soon

Learn about best practices for maintaining the air suspension system, including inspection intervals and common pitfalls to avoid.

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