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Well I tried to lower my a4 c5 tonight and was just a little disappointed 'cause the adjusting bolts were "frozen" and I was unable to turn them. Just looking for suggestions on how to free them up without creating more of a problem. Just an fyi it does have the F45 shocks.
PB Blaster and a short length of 2x4 on end to gently contact the leaf spring just inside of the control arm when the car is carefully lowered to relieve the pressure and friction on the bolt. Do this at your own risk but made turning the bolts much easier for me. Repeat for the other side.
It's hit or miss for the front spring. I've had them snap off in the spring and I've had the threaded insert break free from the spring. I've had success with welding a nut to the stud after tons of PB Blaster. You can also try using vise grip pliers to grab the metal part of the adjuster (where the rubber is bonded) and use a piece of pipe for leverage.
If you get it out, be sure to chase the threads with a tap before you reinstall the bolt.
Thanks to all. I'll try the blaster and I know that the pressure was off the bolt. i
If the blaster does not work it isn't that bad the way it is I'll just leave it the way it is and be happy. What do you expect from a 15 year old car that still kicks ***?
OP, I had the EXACT same problem. Tried everything including PB blaster, acetone/ATF mixture, etc. Ended up breaking the insert loose inside of the spring.
Decided I would just hack the bolts flush with the bottom of the spring. Thought was that if it sat too low I would just replace the spring. I absolutely love the stance now with the front bolts gone. There is no wear on the spring from where it rests on the control arm. Goodluck!
OP, I had the EXACT same problem. Tried everything including PB blaster, acetone/ATF mixture, etc. Ended up breaking the insert loose inside of the spring.
Decided I would just hack the bolts flush with the bottom of the spring. Thought was that if it sat too low I would just replace the spring. I absolutely love the stance now with the front bolts gone. There is no wear on the spring from where it rests on the control arm. Goodluck!
Well that is a different approach to the problem. Do you have any pictures of the way it sits? Did you do anything to the rears? Thanks for the idea.
I lowered the rear and have 3 threads showing on each side. It was a for sure redneck way to lower the front, but it works. To be honest the air dam does scrape a lot but I haven't had any issues with anything other than that scraping. I'll try to upload a pic but I am on my iPhone so I don't know if it will pull correctly.
I lowered the rear and have 3 threads showing on each side. It was a for sure redneck way to lower the front, but it works. To be honest the air dam does scrape a lot but I haven't had any issues with anything other than that scraping. I'll try to upload a pic but I am on my iPhone so I don't know if it will pull correctly.
I think a big part of the OP's problem, is the age of a C-5. Those bolts have been sitting in that position, both unmoved, and unlubricated for a long time. it's quite possible the bolt and insert have "welded" themselves together.
FWIW, I'm the original owner of my '01 C-5, (with the F45, by the way), and it sat up like a 4x4, when I first took delivery of it. It was lowered, several months later..........
I think a big part of the OP's problem, is the age of a C-5. Those bolts have been sitting in that position, both unmoved, and unlubricated for a long time. it's quite possible the bolt and insert have "welded" themselves together.
I really think you are right!!
FWIW, I'm the original owner of my '01 C-5, (with the F45, by the way), and it sat up like a 4x4, when I first took delivery of it. It was lowered, several months later..........
Did you do something radical or simple? I like simple 'cause I'm a simple person. Any advice is welcome, good or bad.
Last edited by C52002Vert; May 13, 2017 at 09:15 PM.
Reason: added more
Did you do something radical or simple? I like simple 'cause I'm a simple person. Any advice is welcome, good or bad.
Because my car was new, at the time I lowered it, I really didn't have to fight with the bolts in the front spring. I may have given them a shot of oil, a day or two before I tried to turn them, so the oil had some time to soak in. Keep in mind, that you're going to be turning the bolts counter-clockwise, to lower the car, which will in effect be drawing the previously "exposed to the elements" portion of the bolts, up into the threaded insert.
My only suggestion, besides being very patient, would be to put a few drops of oil into the top if the bolt/insert interface, and let it sit for a few days, and hope it "wicks" down into the threads. Maybe even do this 2-3 times. Then when you're ready to try and turn the bolts, spray some lube on the exposed portion of the bolt, under the spring, which would help the bolt turn, as it goes up into the insert.
One other suggestion....on the top of the bolt, put a drop of paint, to use as a reference, so you can tell how far you've turned the bolt, so you can replicate it on the other side of the car. I'd also suggest using a socket, when turning the bolt, rather than an open end wrench. This will lessen the chance of rounding off the hex.
Lowering Problem
