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ATTENTION:
The following instructions cover the installation of ECS coilover suspension sleeves on the front and rear of a B5 S4. Only special considerations need to be made when installing the rear sleeves. The front adjustment sleeves install as if you were just performing a standard spring/strut upgrade. If you are only installing the front sleeves still review the instructions below regarding the tightening of the set screws on the shock body. Front sleeves do not require the removal of the strut mount (as there is none).
1. Verify contents of the kit:
Before beginning any work on the suspension, verify that you have all the parts and tools necessary to complete the job. Contact ECS if you believe your kit is incomplete or require replacement parts.
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2. Rear Coil Over Installation - Loosen thread lock
Installation of the ECS rear coil over sleeves require that the upper strut mount be removed from the shock. Start by clamping the mount in a vise as shown. As a precautionary measure
wrap a wet shop rag around the shaft of the shock. Then with a torch apply heat to the upper
part of the mount for 5-10 seconds. This will help loosen the thread lock.
IT DOES NOT TAKE MUCH HEAT TO LOOSEN THE THREAD LOCK.
A small butane torch should produce more than enough heat to loosen the mount from the shock. Note, without heating the mount first will make removal impossible.
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2a. Remove strut-mount from strut shaft
Next with a pair of vise-grips or channel locks grab the shaft of the shock nearest the strut mount and rotate count-clockwise.
2b. Remove upper strut dust cap
Remove the upper strut dust cap by tapping with a hammer. Slide off and set aside.
Finally slide the threaded sleeve over the shock.
Notice the orientation of the sleeve in the photo on the right. The larger diameter slides on first over the shock. The lip on the inside of the sleeve should then catch on the C-clip on the shock body. Tighten down on each of the three set screws on the upper part of the sleeve. These only need to be snug to keep the threaded body from rotating while adjusting the ride height of the car. CAREFUL NOT TO OVER TORQUE these as damage to the shock body could result. Re-install the dust cap that was removed earlier. Use a thread locking compound when reinstalling the shock mount.
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3. Install front coilover sleeve
Installation of the front sleeve is very straight forward.
Simply slide the sleeve over the shock. The larger diameter slides on first over the shock like the rear. Make sure the sleeve is all the way down and seated against the C-clip. Tighten each of the
three set screws to keep the sleeve from rotating when making height adjustments. These only need to be snug to keep the threaded body from rotating while adjusting the ride height of the car.
CAREFUL NOT TO OVER TORQUE these as damage to the shock body could result.
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4. Reassmble
Reassemble the shock components removed above. Use a thread locking compound when reinstalling the shock mount onto the shock shaft.
DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP.
Due to the limited amount of torque that can be applied when tightening the shock mount the thread lock is necessary to prevent the shock mount from working loose.
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5. Installation onto car
Installation of the shock onto the car is the same as any shock/spring installation. Take the time to “guess” your final ride height and adjust the spring perches before installation. Match the perch height with the opposite side by counting exposed threads below the lowest perch nut.
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6. Rear Perch Adjustment
Temporarily removing the rear ABS sensor harness shield can gain you some needed room for adjust the rear perches if they are set near the bottom of the sleeve.
NOTE: While all components are protected from corrosion with a hard anodized finish, it is recommended that you spray the entire assembly with automotive lubricating spray like Castle Endura™
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