The UK quattro Network
The UK's mobile Audi 5-cylinder mechanic - 07833 654800, 24x7
Specialist in turbos, quattros, electrics and non-starts
"Bei Einstellarbeiten sind die jeweiligen Sollwerte so genau wie möglich anzugestreben."
"During adjustment each nominal value must be achieved as closely as possible."
A correct four-wheel alignment (to specification, not just within tolerances) is critical to quattro handling. Correct adjustment requires an alignment ramp on which all movements can be fully relaxed and an optical measuring rig. A LASER rig has no particular advantage over a cross-hair mirror rig - the critical factors are the skill and dedication of the operator. The job can actually be done by a real expert using fishing line and simple measuring equipment, though this is time-consuming and not recommended.
And a printout is pointless if the numbers on it are wrong.
The greatest single danger is that one or more adjustments will be too stiff for the operator to move and will be left because they are "within tolerance". This is unacceptable. The best way to avoid this is to free up and deliberately mis-set all adjustments before taking the vehicle for alignment. After alignment, check that the front track rod arm ends sit vertically in the steering arms. It's a good idea to have the mechanic slip a length of bicycle inner tube over the rear track rods, then pack this with grease and tie-wrap the ends once adjustment is complete.
It is always a good idea to let new bushes bed in a little before having an alignment done. If the wishbones and balljoints are separated, a light spray of paint before separation will enable them to be put back as they were, though if the old bushes and ball joints were worn, the alignment could still be significantly out.
The A4's suspension code is on the label located in the spare tyre recess and in the service booklet. It is listed with the car's option codes, usually near the lower right hand corner of the label.
| Code | Suspension | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BA | Standard | ||||
| 1BB | Heavy duty (20mm higher) | ||||
| 1BC | Special purpose | ||||
| 1BD | S4 | ||||
| 1BE | Sport | ||||
| 1BP | Heavy duty (same height as 1BA but with limited bump) | ||||
| 1BT | Heavy duty (7mm higher) | ||||
| Front axle - all cars (FWD + quattro) with steel mounting brackets | |||||
| 1BA,1BC,1BP | 1BE | 1BB,1BT* | 1BD | ||
| Camber: | -25' + 25' | -40' + 25' | -15' + 25' 1BT -30' + 25' | -50' + 25' | |
| Max allowable diff between sides: | 30' | ||||
| Toe per wheel (kerb weight): | +10' + 2' | ||||
| Toe check per wheel (kerb weight): | +10' + 5' | ||||
| Toe constant per wheel (setting value): | +7' + 2' | ||||
| Toe constant per wheel (kerb weight): | +7' + 7' | ||||
| Toe out on turns 20° | -1° 20' + 30' | ||||
| Front axle - all cars (FWD + quattro) with aluminium mounting brackets | |||||
| 1BA,1BC,1BP | 1BE | 1BB,1BT* | |||
| Camber: | -35' + 25' | -50' +25' | -20' + 25' 1BT -30' +25' | ||
| Max allowable diff between sides: | 30' | ||||
| Toe for each wheel (kerb weight) | +10' + 2' | ||||
| Toe check value per wheel (kerb weight): | +10' + 5' | ||||
| Toe constant per wheel (setting value): | +9' + 2' | ||||
| Toe constant per wheel (check value): | +9' + 7' | ||||
| Toe out on turns at 20° | -1° 20' + 30' | ||||
| Rear axle - FWD - All suspension types | |||||
| Camber: | -1° 30' + 20' | ||||
| Max allowable diff between sides: | 30' | ||||
| Overall toe: | +20' +15'/-10' | ||||
| Max allowable diff in direction of travel relative to longitudinal vehicle center line (thrust angle) | +15' | ||||
| Rear axle - quattro - all suspension types | |||||
| Camber: | -1° 40' + 30' | ||||
| Max allowable diff between sides: | 30' | ||||
| Overall toe: | +8' + 5' | ||||
| Max allowable diff in direction of travel relative to longitudinal vehicle center line (thrust angle) | +10' | ||||
Kerbside Motors Home Page and Contact Information
Contact Phil Payne by email or use mobile/SMS 07833 654800