2003 AUDI A8 subframe

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Body
Front doors
The doors are made up of a combination of
aluminium panels, aluminium sections and
aluminium castings.
Optimised rib geometry and wall thickness in
the hinge and lock mounting castings formed
the basis for ideal implementation of the
lightweight construction concept.
Rear doors
Large, high-strength side impact members
are integrated into the door to provide even
load distribution in the event of side impact.
SSP282_039
Door shell and door frame are connected at
the door pre-assembly stage by means of
fitted bolts to ensure the accurate
assignment of both components. Window
lifter frame, window lifter motor/gear
mechanism, door control unit and speaker
are pre-assembled on a base plate and bolted
to the door subframe.

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All axle components are new on account of
the geometric and kinematic modifications as
compared to the predecessor model, the air
suspension and the weight reductions
achieved.
Front axle
The familiar four-link front axle was retained
for the Audi A8 '03.
A significant new feature is the air
suspension in combination with
electronically controlled dampers (refer to
Section on air suspension).
Front axle highlights
– Subframe
– Auxiliary frame
– Anti-roll bar
– Wheel bearing housing
– Wheel bearing with wheel speed sensing
– Mounting bracket for damper unit
Front axle design and operation are
described in SSP 285.
SSP282_050
Running Gear

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All axle components are new on account of
the geometric and kinematic modifications as
compared to the predecessor model, the air
suspension and the weight reductions
achieved.
Rear axle highlights
– Use of air suspension in conjunction with
electronically controlled damping
– Aluminium subframe to help
reduce weight
– Connection of anti-roll bar to trapezium
link
– Use of shorter track rod to reduce change
in toe on compression and extension of
suspension
– Use of ball studs to connect wheel bearing
housing and track rod, thus reducing
secondary spring rate
– Use of slotted bonded rubber bushes in
upper transverse link and connection
between trapezium link and subframe
Rear axle design and operation are
described in SSP 285.
Rear axle
The rear axle is a more advanced version of
the familiar Audi A8 trapezium-link axle.
Running Gear
SSP282_051