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Audi A6 C6: Lowering Modifications and How to Install Coilover Lowering Kit

Do you want to install a coilovers in your A6, but aren't sure where to start? This article will walk you through the most popular upgrade options and show you how to install a lowering kit on your ride.

By Brett Foote - April 14, 2016

This article applies to the Audi A6 C6 (2004-2011).

Lowering kits provide a convenient, all-in-one solution for automotive enthusiasts who want to drop the ride height of their cars. Not only does a lowered suspension look great on any car, it also improves handling by lowering the center of gravity and stiffening the ride. As an added bonus, the struts and springs included in most lowering kits provide a big upgrade over the stock units, meaning that your damping is very likely to be better than before, with no wallowing land yacht feel.

Table of Contents

How to Install a Lowering Kit

Audi A6 C6: How to Install Lowering Kit

Materials Needed

  • Lowering kit
  • Jack and jack stands
  • Penetrating oil
  • Long flat head screwdriver
  • Hammer
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Sockets and ratchet with extension
  • Spring compressor

Step 1 – Remove the front shocks

Jack the front of the car up and place it on jack stands, then remove the wheels and tires. Remove the four body plugs using a flat head screwdriver and a hammer. Gently tap the screwdriver up and under the plugs, then pry them out. Use needle nose pliers if necessary. Loosen the four top bolts with a 13mm socket and wrench, but don't remove them. Remove the bolts from the sway bar end link, then the inner pivot bolt on the lower control arm. Remove the shock bolts and pull the shock assembly out of the car.

  • Remove the body plugs
    Figure 1. Remove the body plugs.
  • Remove the four 13mm nuts
    Figure 2. Remove the four 13mm nuts.
  • Remove the inner pivot bolt from the lower control arm
    Figure 3. Remove the inner pivot bolt from the lower control arm.

Step 2 – Install new coilovers

Depending on what kit you buy, you may have to reuse some parts off the old shock assembly. Read the instructions that came with your kit, and disassemble the old shocks as need be, being extra cautious with the spring compressor. Loosen the top nut a little, then compress the springs just enough to take the force off of it. You may need to retain the bump stops, top spring perch, and top bushing to reuse on the new coilovers.

Assemble the new coilovers per manufacturer spec and bolt them in place of the original pieces. Jack up the car's suspension so it is hanging freely and loosen the inner pivot bolts on all of the control arms so the bushings can rotate to their new at rest position. With the weight of the car on the wheels, and everything in place, tighten all the bolts on the control arms and sway bar end link.

Complete lowering coilover assemblies
Figure 4. Complete lowering coilover assemblies.

Step 3 – Remove the rear shocks

Jack up the rear of the car and place it on jack stands, then remove the rear wheels and tires. Remove the nut and bolt on the lower shock mount, then the rear sway bar nuts and bolts. Loosen all the inner control arm pivot bolts and remove the nut and bolt from the outer upper control arm. Remove the lower shock bolt and the two upper bolts in the shock assembly. Push down on the shock assembly so it comes out of the upper mount cavity. Pull the shock assembly out of the car.

  • Remove the sway bar nuts and bolts
    Figure 5. Remove the sway bar nuts and bolts.
  • Loosen the nuts shown
    Figure 6. Loosen the nuts shown.
  • Loosen the nuts shown
    Figure 7. Loosen the nuts shown.
  • Remove the rear shocks
    Figure 8. Remove the rear shocks.

Step 4 – Install the new coilovers

Disassemble the old shocks so that the top and bottom spring seats and bump stop can be reused if needed. Assemble the new unit per manufacturer specs and slide them into place. Install the bolts loosely to hold it all together. Torque all the loose bolts with the weight of the car sitting on the suspension, so the bonded rubber bushings are not under stress. Reinstall the wheels and tires and you're all set!

Featured Videos

  • Lowering Springs vs. Coilovers

  • Front Shock Replacement

Lowering Kit Reviews

Installing a lowering kit on your Audi A6 will instantly give it more curb appeal, a lowered ride height, and improved handling. But which one is best for you and your needs? Let's take a look at some of the most popular options on the market today.
H&R Street Coilovers
Stasis Handling Kit
Eibach Coilover Kit
Price
 $1,480 $1,295 $1,285
Front Lowered

1.6-2.5"

0.75-1"

1.5-3"
Rear Lowered
 1.3" 0.75-1" 1.5-3"
Handling
 Good Great Good
Ride
 Near Stock Stiff Stock
Best Quality: H&R

Best Value: Eibach

H&R

H&R coilover kit for an Audi A6

Price – $1,480

Front Ride Height Reduction – 1.6-2.5"

Rear Ride Height Reduction – 1.3"

Handling – Good

Ride – Near Stock

H&R makes high quality, well regarded suspension components that last a long time. They also provide a nice reduction in ride height that isn't extreme, but still looks great. Handling is greatly improved, and the front as well as rear are almost dead on even when they are installed. Owners report a slight degradation in ride quality, but nothing major. Recommended for anyone looking for a reasonable drop and quality parts that retain most of the OEM ride quality.

Stasis

A Stasis handling kit for an Audi A6.

Price – $1,295

Front Ride Height Reduction – 0.75-1"

Rear Ride Height Reduction – 0.75-1"

Handling – Great

Ride – Stiff

Stasis suspension components are well regarded within the Audi community, and for good reason. They provide a big boost in handling performance while also giving you just a bit of a lowered stance. Owners report a huge reduction in body roll and much flatter handling over stock, but the ride is quite a bit firmer over stock. Recommended if you don't necessarily want to drop your car in the weeds and value performance over ride quality.

Eibach

Eibach coilover kit for the Audi A6

Price – $1,285

Front Ride Height Reduction – 1.5-3"

Rear Ride Height Reduction – 1.5-3"

Handling – Good

Ride – Stock

If you're looking for the ultimate drop and want kit that comes with a long standing reputation in the automotive industry, look no further than Eibach. Eibach has been making aftermarket suspension components for a long time, and it shows in owner reviews. Expect no loss of ride quality, less squatting upon braking and acceleration, as well as flatter handling. Recommended for those who like a more extreme drop, but don't want to compromise ride quality for handling.

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