Audi A4: Axle Alignment Information

Wheel alignment must only performed using VW/Audi-approved alignment equipment.

Each time wheels are aligned, both front and rear wheels must be aligned. Otherwise, the correct driving handling of the vehicle cannot be ensured.

  Note

• Axle alignment should not be performed until the vehicle has been driven 1,000 to 2,000 km (621 to 1242 miles), since it takes this long for the suspension to settle.
• The individual specifications should be followed as precisely as possible when making adjustments.

  WARNING

Risk of accident!

If the vehicle will be driving on the streets, all bolts and nuts must be tightened correctly according to the specifications.

Test Requirements

Follow the general information regarding vehicle alignment. Refer to → Chapter "Axle Alignment Information".

• Vehicle must be cool.
• Check suspension, steering and steering linkage for excessive play and damage, repair if necessary.
• Tread depth difference may be no more than 2 mm on an axle.
• Prescribed tire pressure
• Drive the vehicle onto the alignment rack without tension. Move the vehicle back and forth if necessary to relieve any tension on the axle components.
• Vehicle accurately aligned, suspension bounced and rocked several times.
• The steering wheel must be "evened out" into the center position before beginning the measuring and adjusting. Use Steering Wheel Scales -VAS6458- for this.
• Vehicles with coil springs in curb weight position, "curb weight position means: the vehicle weight (fuel tank full as well as the washer fluid reservoir for the windshield/headlamp washer system, spare tire, vehicle tool kit and vehicle jack) without the driver." Refer to → Chapter "Vehicles with Coil Springs, Checking the Curb Weight Position for Axle Alignment".
• Make sure that the sliding plates and turn tables are not touching the end stop when checking the wheel alignment.
• The measurement sensor must be properly adjusted and attached to the vehicle; observe device manufacturer's operating instructions.
• Perform wheel run-out compensation: Permissible axial run-out of the wheel rims can exceed the specified toe setting tolerance. If compensation for wheel run-out is not performed, it will not be possible to obtain a correct toe-in adjustment.
• Vehicle alignment platforms and the alignment equipment/alignment computers can deviate from their original calibration over time therefore they should be calibrated at least once a year during maintenance.
• Handle highly sensitive units with care.
• If necessary, contact the manufacturer for instruction on the proper use of the equipment.

Measurement Preparations

Preparation Work for Calibrating and Adjusting Driver Assist Systems

Perform the following steps using "quick access" if one or more systems on the vehicle will be calibrated/adjusted (without a previous axle alignment):

• Before driving the vehicle onto the alignment stand, make sure there is enough space between the vehicle and the ACC Adjustment Device. Distance between the setting device and the vehicle: 120 cm +- 2.5 cm (47.2 +- 0.98 inches).
• If there is not sufficient space, drive vehicle backward on alignment stand in order to be able to use the corresponding space.
• Check the DTC memory and correct any errors before beginning the calibration/adjusting.
• Vehicle accurately aligned, suspension bounced and rocked several times
• Make sure that the sliding plates and turn tables are not touching the end stop when checking the wheel alignment.
• Connect the battery charger for the battery support mode. Refer to → Electrical Equipment; Rep. Gr.27; Battery, Battery, Charging.
• Position the front wheels so they are straight.
• Connect the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester to the vehicle and guide the diagnostic cable through the open window.
• The vehicle exterior lamps are off.
• All the vehicle doors are closed.
• Using the screen, activate the calibration/adjustment on the wheel alignment computer.

Measurement Preparations

Special tools and workshop equipment required

• Vehicle Diagnostic Tester
• Brake Pedal Actuator -VAG1869/2-.
• Steering Wheel Scales -VAS6458-
• Wheel Alignment Computer released by VW/Audi

Test Conditions

• Drive the vehicle onto the alignment rack without tension. Move the vehicle back and forth if necessary to relieve any tension on the axle components.
• The steering wheel must be "evened out" into the center position before beginning the measuring and adjusting. Use -VAS6458- for this.
• The measurement sensor must be properly adjusted and attached to the vehicle; observe device manufacturer's operating instructions.
• Make sure that the sliding plates and turn tables are not touching the end stop when checking the wheel alignment.

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