Best ‘Bang for Your Buck’ Suspension Mod!

The Audi B7 RS4 OEM rear sway bar is considered to be one of the best ‘bang for your buck’ suspension mods for Audi A4 B6/B7 (Sedan and Avant). The much larger, firmer 22mm bar from the RS4 will greatly improve handling characteristics by reducing the under steer and adding over steer. In other words, your A4 will handle better on tight corners, winding roads and even when changing lanes on the highway.

Audi Models

• Audi A4 B6/B7 (2002 – 2008)

Parts Required

• RS4 Rear Sway Bar Kit including:
• 1 x RS4 Rear Sway Bar (Part #8E0511409AL)
• 2 x RS4 Rear Sway Bar Bushings (Part #8E0511327D)
• 2 x Bushing Brackets (Part #8E0511439)
• 4 x Bolts for Brackets (Part #N10127707)
• 2 x Bolts for ARB links (Part #N10528103)

You will also need:

• Blue (Medium Strength) Thread-lock
• Ramps (can be bought at local Sears for around $50)

Tools Required

• Ratchet (preferably 3/8” drive)
• Medium Extension
• 13mm Long Socket
• 13mm Short Socket
• 16mm Short Socket
• 18mm Open End Wrench

Disclaimer

To install the sway bar, the vehicle’s suspension needs to be loaded, i.e. it needs to have weight on it. The easiest way to accomplish this is to use a set of ramps, where there will be weight over the rear suspension. Be careful when backing the vehicle onto ramps, and if possible, use a spotter to guide you.

The vehicle’s exhaust needs to be lowered in order to remove the rear sway bar from its perch. Let the exhaust cool before touching it.

Instructions

Step 1

Back the vehicle onto ramps. Set the parking brake.

Step 2

Using the extension and the 13mm long socket, loosen and remove the bolts for the exhaust hangers at the rear of the car. There are two bolts on each side of the hanger. When the bolts are removed, set them aside and let the hanger hang off to the side. Repeat on each side of the car.

Step 3

Inspect the orientation of the sway bar and take note of how it is in place. There are (4) bolts (two on each side) holding the brackets on (perpendicular to the rear of the car), and (2) bolts (one on each side) for the sway bar end links.

Step 4

Remove the two end link bolts for the sway bar using the 16mm socket. They will require a bit of force to break the thread lock, but should come out easily afterwards. The best way to access the bolt is from the inside of the control arms. The bolts face towards the inside of the car.

Step 5

Remove the (4) bolts for the brackets using the 13mm socket (note: depending on the bolt and location, a combination of the short and long sockets and the extension may be necessary. The clearance varies for each bolt). Loosen all four bolts, then remove the lower two, then remove the upper two. Take care not to strip or cross-thread the bolts. Take caution as the bar may drop a little when it is finally released.

Step 6

Remove the sway bar over the top of the exhaust. Take note of how the bar is removed. You will have to maneuver the bar back and forth to get it out. The good news is that the new sway bar goes in much easier. Note: Having someone hold the exhaust down will make the job less difficult.

Step 7

Prepare the RS4 rear sway bar for installation. Use the stock sway bar as a guide for how the bushings and brackets should be set up. Get the bracket/bushing orientation as close to perfect as you can (some adjustment may be necessary once it’s installed).

Step 8

Install the sway bar in the reverse order of how you took it out. Install and tighten the (4) bracket bolts first (making sure not to cross-thread them), and then connect the end bolts. Make sure to align the end links (the part attached to the control arm) with the hole in the end of the sway bar before tightening the bracket bolts.

Step 9

Apply the blue thread lock liberally on the end bolts before you install them. When installing the end bolts, you may need to use the 18mm wrench to hold the end link assembly stationary. Insert the wrench on the outside of the sway bar. Tighten all bolts when finished.

Step 10

Reinstall the exhaust hangers and tighten the bolts. Remove the car off the ramps and go for a drive. Listen for any noises. If necessary, re-tighten the sway bar bolts.

Step 11

You are done!

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