SQ5 Lowering Springs

[rcprato]

Thinking about lowering my 18 SQ5 PP this summer, have about 27K and it's time to close the wheel/fender gap.

Has anyone done this with the KW H.A.S. Coilover kit ? https://www.kwsuspensions.com/produc...-253100bz.html

I wonder if the stock adaptive shocks will work well with these in the "Dynamic" mode ?

Lowering is 1.4" to 2.4", I was thinking 1.5" to 2" lowering would be good and not effect ride quality in a bad way.

[Mops@Nemesis]

I would highly recommend the ABT HAS kit. They knocked it out of the park in regard to spring tuning and playing well with the adaptive dampers.

[Hostile]

If only I could convince 034Motorsports to make their Dynamic+ Lowering Springs...

[rcprato]

Thanks Mops, that is the info I was looking for and you posted a pick of the blue SQ5 just like mine.

I noticed in the KW kit they included new links for adjusting the headlight sensors height control, is that needed for the ABT set up.

[Mops@Nemesis]

Thanks Mops, that is the info I was looking for and you posted a pick of the blue SQ5 just like mine.

I noticed in the KW kit they included new links for adjusting the headlight sensors height control, is that needed for the ABT set up.

The kits are nearly identical sans spring tuning, so the ABT kit should come with the links, but I am working to confirm. 👍🏼

[dirtysoil]

The kits are nearly identical sans spring tuning, so the ABT kit should come with the links, but I am working to confirm.

FYI Mops, the ABT kit I got through you had new links included.

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[rcprato]

FYI Mops, the ABT kit I got through you had new links included.

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Your thoughts on the ABT springs in your SQ5 ?

Mops, I have your email from when I bought spacers and will send you an email when I am ready to pull the trigger on this set up.

[dirtysoil]

Your thoughts on the ABT springs in your SQ5 ?

Mops, I have your email from when I bought spacers and will send you an email when I am ready to pull the trigger on this set up.

I have nothing bad to say at all. Mine is the Navarra Blue SQ that Mops shared a picture of.

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[Mops@Nemesis]

Mops, I have your email from when I bought spacers and will send you an email when I am ready to pull the trigger on this set up.

Sounds good, sir!

[K1196A]

I would highly recommend the ABT HAS kit. They knocked it out of the park in regard to spring tuning and playing well with the adaptive dampers.

What wheels are those in the top pic?

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[Mops@Nemesis]

What wheels are those in the top pic?

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http://www.nicheroadwheels.com/wheel...shID=22&lugs=5

👍🏼

[ibiski]

How is the ride comfort with the ABT HAS compared to OEM Q5 (not SQ5)? Thinking about a slight drop to eliminate the wheel gap but don't want a stiff or harsh ride.

[rcprato]

Has anyone installed new rear springs on their SQ5 ?

I pulled the trigger and ordered the ABT H.A.S. kit from Mops yesterday, to Mops for his great customer service, and from past experience with my B8 A4 getting the OEM springs out in the rear can be a PIA. On that car if you couldn't get a spring compressor on the spring you had to lower the rear sub frame to give you enough room to get the rear springs out of their perches.

Can you get the SQ5 springs out just by removing the rear shock and pushing down on the lower control arm ?

Any suggestions would be appreciated

[rcprato]

I feel like it’s Christmas morning, thanks mops@nemesis for your help making this happen



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[First4Ringz]

I feel like it’s Christmas morning, thanks mops@nemesis for your help making this happen

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Nice Looking to get the same setup at some point. Pics when the install is finished!

[rcprato]

Turns out getting the spring kit is the easy part of this mod, I have 2 calls at both the 2 local shops I would trust to install the new springs over the last 2 weeks and neither has called me back......

I'm contemplating doing the swap myself and see 2 areas of concern, being able to mark the headlight sensors with current set up so I know where to adjust the new links to after the new springs installed and set at desired ride height. Ideally I need the car on a lift where still supported by the tires like an alignment rack. Second is getting back springs out, looks like you have to lower rear sub frame to get original springs out which would be easiest with SQ5 on a lift and support rear end with a transmission jack.

Crazy how busy these places are right now

[JGutz]

Turns out getting the spring kit is the easy part of this mod, I have 2 calls at both the 2 local shops I would trust to install the new springs over the last 2 weeks and neither has called me back......

I'm contemplating doing the swap myself and see 2 areas of concern, being able to mark the headlight sensors with current set up so I know where to adjust the new links to after the new springs installed and set at desired ride height. Ideally I need the car on a lift where still supported by the tires like an alignment rack. Second is getting back springs out, looks like you have to lower rear sub frame to get original springs out which would be easiest with SQ5 on a lift and support rear end with a transmission jack.

Crazy how busy these places are right now

You can get the rears out with a spring compressor. Don’t have to lower the sub frame. It’s not that hard of a job just make sure you have a weekend available in case things take longer than expected. Just make sure you have a spring compressor tool and the basic Audi tools like torque bits, metric sockets, etc and you will be fine. Me and a friend did my abt has kit in 12 hours, that’s with a 2 hour set back. Good luck! Don’t cut the rear shock sensor wire, just keep the stock bump stops on and trim to size to match the supplied abt bump stops. Saves lots of time and head ache of soldering wires.


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[rcprato]

JGutz I appreciate the vote of confidence !
It looks like pretty standard connector on rear shock to disconnect

[JGutz]

JGutz I appreciate the vote of confidence !
It looks like pretty standard connector on rear shock to disconnect

That leads to a wire that sticks out of the top of the shock that is not removable , you will see


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[rcprato]

A quick update for anyone looking to do this work themselves, getting the back springs out can be a pain.

I am fortunate to have access to a lift and when I replaced the OEM rear springs on my B8 A4 Avant, it is very hard to get the lower control arm low enough to release the OEM spring so previously I lowered the rear sub-frame an inch plus that gave me enough room to pry the original springs out of their perches.

In the B8 A4 forum there is a guy who posted a method he used and others have since that I used this time. Even using his method of compressing the springs and using heavy duty zip ties to keep compressed I still had to have my brother pull down on the lower control arm with a 3' pry bar to get the springs out freely. I'm sure you can do this other ways but for me this worked well. https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...1#post12505872
https://www.mcmaster.com/1168N2/

Getting the springs in went well by having the height adjust all the way in and having my brother push down on control arm with pry bar.

There are rock guards on the lower control arms that need to be removed, there are plastic pins that hold these on and I could not figure out how to release so I broke them and ordered new. https://www.audiusaparts.com/oem-par...bC12Ni1nYXM%3D

The other challenge as stated above is the male connector prevents you from removing the top rear shock mount to replace the original bump stop with the shorter one provided with the new spring kit. You can just modify the original bump stop as JGutz said but I have found 2 options if interested.
1.) With the proper tool you can remove the pins from the connector so you can get the nut from the top shock mount and the mount pass the connector, I do not have these tools so going to #2
2.) You can buy a new connector that will allow you to cut the male connector off, I found the required connector on ebay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/293484376999



It was a hot day so I have not done the front springs and will hopefully get those done this week.
If a shop charges $600+ for install I understand why

[JGutz]

A quick update for anyone looking to do this work themselves, getting the back springs out can be a pain.

I am fortunate to have access to a lift and when I replaced the OEM rear springs on my B8 A4 Avant, it is very hard to get the lower control arm low enough to release the OEM spring so previously I lowered the rear sub-frame an inch plus that gave me enough room to pry the original springs out of their perches.

In the B8 A4 forum there is a guy who posted a method he used and others have since that I used this time. Even using his method of compressing the springs and using heavy duty zip ties to keep compressed I still had to have my brother pull down on the lower control arm with a 3' pry bar to get the springs out freely. I'm sure you can do this other ways but for me this worked well. https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...1#post12505872
https://www.mcmaster.com/1168N2/

Getting the springs in went well by having the height adjust all the way in and having my brother push down on control arm with pry bar.

There are rock guards on the lower control arms that need to be removed, there are plastic pins that hold these on and I could not figure out how to release so I broke them and ordered new. https://www.audiusaparts.com/oem-par...bC12Ni1nYXM%3D

The other challenge as stated above is the male connector prevents you from removing the top rear shock mount to replace the original bump stop with the shorter one provided with the new spring kit. You can just modify the original bump stop as JGutz said but I have found 2 options if interested.
1.) With the proper tool you can remove the pins from the connector so you can get the nut from the top shock mount and the mount pass the connector, I do not have these tools so going to #2
2.) You can buy a new connector that will allow you to cut the male connector off, I found the required connector on ebay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/293484376999



It was a hot day so I have not done the front springs and will hopefully get those done this week.
If a shop charges $600+ for install I understand why

Install would be around 1k at my local shop lol that’s why I said fuck it and did it myself


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[rcprato]

I needed some motivation to do the front so I called the local shop that does mods like this on German cars and just labor to replace front springs and alignment was $860 plus tax, I think I'm motivated !!!

I'll put the $700 in my sock drawer for the next mod I do down the road.

[rcprato]

Finished installing the front springs yesterday afternoon, this is a really nice set up with the OEM Drive Select shocks.

My goal for installing these springs was to reduce the tire/fender gap which was 4" from factory. In addition I wanted to firm up the ride and improve handling, happy to say very pleased with both of those.

I didn't want to have an inch or less tire/fender so set the adjustable springs at about 2 1/2' t/f gap which for me sets the stance to what I was looking for, I may go down another 1/2" in future but happy at this point with the set up.
Before:

After:

Unfortunately the new bump stops that come with the kit don't fit snugly into the top shock mounts so I cut the top of the OEM bump stop so only about 1/3" was left to push into the top shock mount. This made the front OEM bump stops very comparable to the length of the bump stops in the kit that I didn't use.

If anyone is considering this mod I would highly recommend these height adjustable springs, in my opinion this is how the SQ5 should drive from the factory.

to mops@nemesis for his recommendation and great service getting these delivered to me

[Mops@Nemesis]

So glad you’re pleased Robert. Truly is a great kit. I’ve been running the ABT kit on my B9 S4s for a few years now.


Mops on the Move

[rcprato]

PSA for anyone reading this post and considering installing these springs.
The kit includes adjustable links for the headlight level sensors and if you mark the sensors prior to installing the springs and drive around for awhile like I did make note of how much gas is in the tank.
I was finally able to get my SQ5 on an alignment rack last weekend and maxed out adjusters in rear before marks would align and hit me driving home that gas tank was under 1/4 and could have been close to full when I did the marks originally.
A rookie mistake, will put tank 1/2 to 3/4 full and adjust again at some point, not getting any error message so sensors are not out of range but headlights might be down a little too much


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[Jeheh]

Sorry for redirecting this. I’ve been trolling the forum for answers so maybe you can help. I’ve been looking at the KW has kit, mostly due to availability in canada. It’s ~$1400 here versus the ABT at ~$1800.

[Jeheh]

Oh boy…Im rusty in forum posting. Anyways to finish that thought. Is it worth the extra $400 spend on ABT? I do love the German tuners but KW is as reputable as they come for suspension and from what I gather makes the ABT kit only with a different spring rate. I’m looking to set it and forget it, for 4 seasons and crap roads. I think I’ll end up about 1.8” down, or the lowest air suspension setting on dynamic. Maybe 2”, I just want a nice even gap but to be able to clear out ice when it gets jammed in the wheelwell.

[Mops@Nemesis]

Oh boy…Im rusty in forum posting. Anyways to finish that thought. Is it worth the extra $400 spend on ABT? I do love the German tuners but KW is as reputable as they come for suspension and from what I gather makes the ABT kit only with a different spring rate. I’m looking to set it and forget it, for 4 seasons and crap roads. I think I’ll end up about 1.8” down, or the lowest air suspension setting on dynamic. Maybe 2”, I just want a nice even gap but to be able to clear out ice when it gets jammed in the wheelwell.

I've not ridden on the KW kit, but the ABT kit is known to provide the best ride quality if that's important.

That pricing variance is really odd. In the states, the KW is a bit more than the ABT. I can provide you with the ABT kit for $1,120 shipped USD.

[Jeheh]

You’re undoubtedly the stance guru on here. Ride quality matters, which is why I’m staying away from H&R but odd that KW would be firmer than ABT which intuitively would be more aggressive. Let me check with my broker what I can expect with duties, if it’s reasonable I’ll take your offer. How low down should I go in ABT?

Can you let me know about spacers at the same time? 12/15 or 15/20….so many debates. I have the stock 21’s (same that came with your blue SQ5), used is fine for me if you have.

[Mops@Nemesis]

You’re undoubtedly the stance guru on here. Ride quality matters, which is why I’m staying away from H&R but odd that KW would be firmer than ABT which intuitively would be more aggressive. Let me check with my broker what I can expect with duties, if it’s reasonable I’ll take your offer. How low down should I go in ABT?

Can you let me know about spacers at the same time? 12/15 or 15/20….so many debates. I have the stock 21’s (same that came with your blue SQ5), used is fine for me if you have.

Replied to your email with all detail. 👍🏼

[TheContrarian]

You’re undoubtedly the stance guru on here. Ride quality matters, which is why I’m staying away from H&R but odd that KW would be firmer than ABT which intuitively would be more aggressive. Let me check with my broker what I can expect with duties, if it’s reasonable I’ll take your offer. How low down should I go in ABT?

Can you let me know about spacers at the same time? 12/15 or 15/20….so many debates. I have the stock 21’s (same that came with your blue SQ5), used is fine for me if you have.

If you lower the car 2" and have a comfortable ride, the springs are soft or utilize progressive spring rates. There's no magic, springs are springs. Visually the ABT appears to use progressive springs.

[Local]

FYI,

Everyone that uses ABT has good things to say about it. The only person I know on here that was using the KW kit ended up removing it and installing the ABT kit.


regards,

[dytrdr5]

Replied to your email with all detail. 👍🏼

Hi Mops, thinking about the ABT kit for a B9.5 SQ5 but on the site it says shipping address not allowed. It's Baton rouge, La 70817. Let me know if you can ship here, thanks

[Mops@Nemesis]

Hi Mops, thinking about the ABT kit for a B9.5 SQ5 but on the site it says shipping address not allowed. It's Baton rouge, La 70817. Let me know if you can ship here, thanks

Most certainly can! Hit me up and I'll get it processed for you. 👍🏼

[email protected]

[Jeheh]

I ordered the ABT kit from Mops. Now I’m finding the exhaust too muted. And here it begins…I need more sound and have the stock exhaust tips. I don’t want to start with the full exhaust system but think I need something to hear the upshifts without hammering on the gas

[Hostile]

I ordered the ABT kit from Mops. Now I’m finding the exhaust too muted. And here it begins…I need more sound and have the stock exhaust tips. I don’t want to start with the full exhaust system but think I need something to hear the upshifts without hammering on the gas

Get 034’s Res-X or have your big resonator cut out.

I had a muffler shop delete my res a couple years ago and the car is a bit louder in S and Dynamic modes.

[Jeheh]

Great suggestion, the video on the 034 site sounds nice and seems like a simple install (for a shop, not me). I still have a clubman exhaust in my attic I can get rid of and this but seems smaller if I return it to stock later.

Ps- so jealous about your district green. That’s the color I wanted but they are hard to find where I live. I have the ventilated seats and agree that they don’t look as special or sporty as the other options.

[puckerth]

After a lot of reading and comparisons, pretty sure I'm going with H&R sport and stock shocks. Car is a 22 but only has ~7k miles on it. Not looking super aggressive as it's a daily and we get snow, but definitely need to close that gap a bit. It appears that there is some variance in how much these will drop it but anything will be better than stock (to my eyes anyway).

[rcprato]

Everyone with the ABT springs like the ride with stock shocks, not sure that will be the case with the H&R springs.
Just my 2 cents


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[puckerth]

Everyone with the ABT springs like the ride with stock shocks, not sure that will be the case with the H&R springs.
Just my 2 cents

I've read so much both ways. Hoping I don't regret whichever route I go. Both in the ride and the pocketbook.