Spring install question on one time use bolts

[gringoloco2000]

So, I heard a new noise a few days ago and today it got a lot worse. I finally tracked it down and found that all 4 of the top strut assembly mount bolts on the passenger side were loose and two were about to fall off. All of them were loose enough that I tightened them by hand 10+ turns before they stopped. So, I went 1.5 years with improperly tightened top bolts courtesy of my local shop. I am lucky that the entire assembly did not come off and get me killed.

So, on to my question. I pulled up my PDF collection I got off ERWIN to check the torque specs for these. They appear to be stretch bolts. Looking a little further most of the suspension bolts appear to be stretch bolts. The manual says "always replace after removing". Is everyone getting springs installed replacing all of these bolts? Any reports of broken reused bolts? I know that the shop that did this work did not. I am wondering about the driver's site which is tight and appears to be fine. I also found that the top bolts have an tightening pattern which I am sure the shop did not do either. I am trying to decide if I should pull all of these bolts and replace them or just worry about the side that is loose.

Also, anyone have these bolts back out? I really doubt that mine did after being properly torqued. One side is fine.

This is the sort of thing that really pisses me off and why I try to do all work myself. I should not have trusted these SOBs to do this right.

[gringoloco2000]

Here is the diagram of the nuts/bolts. The only bolts that are not one time use according to the manual are the two number 3 bolts. The rest including the nuts are one time use.

[gringoloco2000]

Anyone have any feedback? Very curious about reuse of any of these bolts/nuts. Thanks.

[pbudra15]

I wish I had something, but I was going to get my suspension done sometime in the next few weeks. I will speak to my shop about it as they only deal with Audi, VW, and Porsche. Thanks for the info too!

[gringoloco2000]

Sure. Here are the full two pages that call out each numbered item.

[wwhan]

There are many stretch to yield bolts on the S4. A full set of new bolts/nuts for springs or C/O instal runs about $90-100.

I have installed the C/O both ways, new bolts or blue locktite, both methods work fine. If you are worried get new bolts.

If you are Not using new fasteners, then use Blue Locktite instead of the extra 90deg or 180deg twist on the bolts that would normally require the stretch torque.

Note X under source "S", the Stasis upper strut nut torque value is higher than most struts.

B8 A4/S4 TORQUE VALUES Suspension and Wheels

.................................................. .....Source "S"............... Source "A"

Front damper to upper mount ............ 37 ft-lbs ..........,.... (37 ft-lbs) 50NM

Front damper upper mount to body .....xx ft-lbs ..........,.... (30 ft-lbs) 40NM + 90deg

Front damper fork pinch bolt .......... .. 30 ft-lbs .................(30 ft-lbs) 40NM + 180deg

Front damper fork to lower link .......... 66 ft-lbs ............... (66 ft-lbs) 90NM + 90deg

Upper link pinch bolt ........................ 29 ft-lbs ................ (30 ft-lbs) 40NM

Rear damper to upper mount ............ 26 ft-lbs ................. (26 ft-lbs) 35NM

Rear damper upper mount to body .... 37 ft-lbs ................. (37 ft-lbs) 50NM + 45deg

Rear damper to upright .................. 111 ft-lbs ................. (111 ft-lbs) 150NM + 180deg

Front & Rear sway bar link to sway bar ....... 30 ft-lbs........(29.5 ft/lb) 40Nm + 90 deg

Front & Rear sway bar mounts .................... 19 ft-lbs.......... (26 ft-lbs) 35NM

Wheel lug bolts .............................. 90 ft-lbs

[gringoloco2000]

Thanks. That helps. My concern was that the stretch bolts would break which I remember happening in the R32 world. If there is no risk of breakage and I can use Loctite, then I am in good shape. Thanks again.

[wwhan]

Don't overtorque the bolts and if you reuse, do not turn the extra 1/4 or 1/2 turn, just use blue loctite.

[Gee123]

Gringo, where did you get those diagrams?

[gringoloco2000]

Got them here. https://erwin.audi.com

Gringo, where did you get those diagrams?

[Gee123]

Got them here. https://erwin.audi.com

Thanks!

[Gee123]

So I took this diagram and showed it to the parts "kid", and was unable to order the stretch bolts i needed. He said he needs part numbers. Anyone out there have the part #'s for the stretch bolts for the front and rears? Im trying to install CO's on my B8 s4.

[bootleg.rs5]

Where did you find this? I would like to find the same information for a 2008 A6

[gringoloco2000]

I got the info from erwin. You can do a short subscription and go print a ton of stuff out. That is what I did. https://erwin.audiusa.com/erwin/showOrderFlatrate.do

[vwgtivr6]

So I took this diagram and showed it to the parts "kid", and was unable to order the stretch bolts i needed. He said he needs part numbers. Anyone out there have the part #'s for the stretch bolts for the front and rears? Im trying to install CO's on my B8 s4.

Parts kid should have access to the same diagrams and easily pull part numbers directly from there... But no matter.

Here it is on 7zap.com

Or you can use Audi USA Parts to find part numbers and prices. Enter your VIN for diagrams and parts listings specific to your car.

Good luck!
Ken