Removing and installing upper links: Audi A8 D4

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi A8 D4 (4H, 2010–2017)

• Special tools named: puller

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• The speed sensor must be removed to avoid denting or damaging the encoder ring on the drive shaft.The encoder ring must be renewed if it is dented or damaged .
• Do not lift or lower the vehicle while the engine/gearbox jack is under the vehicle.Do not leave the engine/gearbox jack under the vehicle for longer than necessary. — Detach bolt connection (1).
• Lower wheel bearing housing only as far as necessary.
• Take care not to damage any part of the vehicle.
• Bonded rubber bushes can only be turned to a limited extent. The suspension mountings must therefore only be tightened when the suspension is in the unladen position or reference position .

📋 Procedure

1. Position vehicle on lifting platform .
2. Remove body brace .
3. Remove wheel trim; on light-alloy wheels, pull off trim cap (use puller in vehicle tool kit).
4. Remove wheel.
5. Secure brake disc with one wheel bolt. [Note: The speed sensor must be removed to avoid denting or damaging the encoder ring on the drive shaft.The encoder ring must be renewed if it is dented or damaged .]

6. Remove speed sensor (front)Audi A8 2010 ► Brake system45Removing and installing parts of ESP system.
7. Detach bolt connection (1).
8. Remove bolt (1).
9. Detach bolt connection (3).
10. Remove bolt (3).
11. Detach brake line and electrical wiring from bracket on wheel bearing housing.
12. Turn wheel hub until one of the wheel bolt holes is at the top.
13. Attach support T10149(1) to wheel hub using wheel bolt.
14. Support wheel bearing housing using support T10149 with engine and gearbox jackV.A.G 1383 A.
15. ⚠ Do not lift or lower the vehicle while the engine/gearbox jack is under the vehicle.Do not leave the engine/gearbox jack under the vehicle for longer than necessary. — Detach bolt connection (1).
16. Take both joint pins of upper links (2) out of wheel bearing housing. [Note: Lower wheel bearing housing only as far as necessary.]
17. Unscrew nuts (arrows) and swivel air spring strut down and outwards out of suspension turret. [Note: Take care not to damage any part of the vehicle.]
18. Remove bolts (4) and (3) and detach upper link (front) and upper link (rear). [Note: Bonded rubber bushes can only be turned to a limited extent. The suspension mountings must therefore only be tightened when the suspension is in the unladen position or reference position .]
19. Fit upper links and hand-tighten bolts (4) and (3).
20. Fit both joint pins of upper links (2) into wheel bearing housing and insert bolt (1).
21. Insert air spring strut into suspension turret and tighten nuts (arrows).
22. Refit bolt connection (3), but do not tighten yet.
23. Tighten bolt connection (1) to specified torque. [Note: Press down upper links as far as possible while tightening nut.]
24. Raise suspension to reference position Raising suspension to reference position before tightening bolts. [Note: When tightening bolts (3) and (4), upper links must be pressed towards inside of vehicle.]
25. Tighten bolts (4) and (3).
26. Tighten remaining bolts.
27. Fit and secure wheel Wheels and tyres44.
28. Set down vehicle on its wheels .
29. Check and adjust wheel alignment as required, see chart .

🎬 Related video tutorial

Independent AUTODOC tutorial for the same job, filmed on a different model (A6 2 (C6)) — the technique carries over, the fasteners and figures on this page are the ones for your car.

How to change front suspension arm / front control arm on AUDI A6 2 (C6)

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