Brake Swap In Progress

Given the better resistance to brake fade that the Stoptech brakes exhibited as compared to the stock S4 brakes during my braking test I’ve decided to install my Stoptech brakes on the Avant.

I began with removing the Stoptech’s from the driver’s side of my Silver Sedan and then removing the corresponding stock S4 brake from the Black Avant.  I was equipped this time with appropriate plugs for the ends of the brake hard lines, so that I did not have a brake fluid mess to deal with.

The install of the parts on the new vehicles went without fanfare.

Stoptech 332 BBK Installed on Audi B5 S4 Avant
Stoptech 332 BBK Installed on Audi B5 S4 Avant

With the driver’s side complete, aside from bleeding the brakes, I’ve stopped for the day and will try to get the passenger side completed tomorrow.

Also noticeable in the background is the blue shielding that covers the line to the Stasis/Ohlin Motorsport Oil Reservoir, the Motorsports are now completely in place on the Avant.

Creating Work

Getting started with the front suspension component swap I knew this was going to be a bit of work, but fairly straight forward.  First the driver’s side coilover was removed from the Sedan.

Then the same component on the Avant was removed.

As it turns out both cars have Stern upper controls arms, saving me some effort in what may have been a swap of upper control arms.  With both coilovers removed I was ready to re-install them in their new homes.

Stasis Ohlin Motorsport (L) Stasis Streetsport (R)

With the Motorsports it becomes necessary to partially remove the windshield washer tank so that the line to the oil reservoir for the coilover can be snaked up into the engine compartment.  Unfortunately removing the washer tank on the Avant was not as easy as I was expecting.  Someone had routed the wires to the lower tank pump around the bracket that holds the horn in place.  Simply lowering the washer tank was not happening.  I thought I might be able to remove the end of the electrical connector, but that was not to be, at some point someone had broken the tab that releases the connector.

The next option was to drain out the washer fluid so I could then remove the pump and get some better leverage to pop the connector apart.  Eventually this was successful and the Motorsport coilover was in place on the Avant, along with the 034 front swaybar end link.

Car Wash

Today was warmer so I finally got around to cleaning the Avant off.  Lots of brake dust on the front SSR Comps from all of the test driving.

I’m leaning towards swapping the Stoptech brakes over, which will change the front caliper color to red.