Description

Audi A3 Training Manual – What You Actually Need to Understand the Running Gear

You’ve got an A3 on the lift. Customer says it pulls left, and the tire wear is uneven. You check tire pressure, ball joints, control arms – all within spec. But if you don’t have the factory wheel alignment data for that new multiple-link rear axle, you’re guessing. And guessing on an Audi costs you billable hours and a comeback. That’s where the Audi A3 Training Manual comes in. This isn’t a workshop manual with torque sequences and part numbers – read the note on page 2: “The Self Study Programme contains information on design features and functions. The Self Study Programme is not intended as a Workshop Manual.” Keep that in mind. What it does give you is 60 pages of factory-level understanding of how every system on this car works together.

Audi A3 Training Manual – Axles and Alignment Coverage

Front axle summary and system components start on page 4. Rear axle gets separate sections for front-wheel drive and quattro – because those are different animals. Wheel alignment specs for both axles are laid out on page 18. I’ve seen too many techs skip the rear axle alignment on a quattro and then wonder why the car still drifts. This manual breaks down the toe and camber adjustments so you know what you’re dealing with before you touch a tie rod. If you need the actual repair procedure, you want the Audi A3 1997 Workshop Manual instead.

Electromechanical Steering (EPS) – System Breakdown

Starting on page 20, the manual covers the electromechanical power steering (EPS). Summary, advantages, system components, mode of operation, CAN data exchange, and a block diagram. If you’re diagnosing a no-assist condition or a steering angle sensor fault, this section tells you how the system talks to the rest of the car. The EPS uses a CAN bus – and the block diagram on page 26? That’s the map you need to trace the wiring. Without it, you’re poking at pins hoping for a miracle. For context on how the automotive industry moved to electric steering, check the Automotive Industry Overview.

Does the Manual Cover the Brake System?

Yes, but not with rotor thickness specs or pad dimensions. The Brake section includes a summary, front and rear axle details, and new features – including the brake servo and optimised hydraulic servo assistance. Page numbers for the brake section start around page 30. This is design-level information: how the servo assist works, how the ESP interacts with the brakes. If you’re trying to understand why a customer’s pedal feels different after an ESP activation, this section explains the hydraulic logic. For actual replacement steps, you’ll need a workshop manual – like the Audi A3 1997 Service Manual – but the training manual gives you the why behind the procedure.

60 Pages of Factory Documentation – Not a Reprint

This is an original Audi Self Study Programme (SSP 313) in PDF form. 60 pages, no third-party rewrites, no generic diagrams. The table of contents shows sections for axles, steering, brake system, ESP, wheels/tyres, handbrake lever and pedal cluster. If you’ve ever wasted a morning on a Chilton wiring diagram that had the wrong wire colors, you’ll appreciate having Audi’s own block diagrams. For earlier models, check the Audi A3 1996 Self Study Programme – that one covers a different generation. This one is for the 2004-up running gear.

Understand the ESP System Before Diagnosing

ESP new features include optimised hydraulic servo assistance, speed sensors G44-47, steering angle sender G85, and sensor unit G419. The CAN data exchange and block diagram are included. If you get a code for implausible sensor signal, you need to know how these sensors talk to each other. The training manual explains the mode of operation – not a step-by-step diagnostic, but the theory that makes diagnostics faster. For manual transmission specific issues, the Manual Transmission reference might help, but remember this training manual focuses on the chassis.

FAQ – Common Questions About This Training Manual

Is this a workshop manual?

No. It is a self-study programme for understanding design and functions.

Are torque specifications included?

The manual includes values meant to explain the subject matter, but for actual repair you must use the latest workshop manual. Torque specs for suspension and brake components are not listed in this SSP.

How many pages does it have?

60 pages, covering axles, steering, brake system, ESP, wheels/tyres, handbrake lever, and pedal cluster.

Why would a seasoned tech need a training manual?

Because the multiple-link rear axle, electromechanical steering, and the way ESP integrates with the brake servo are not obvious from a parts diagram. Without understanding the design intent, you’ll waste time chasing symptoms. I’ve had guys replace steering racks only to find the real issue was a CAN bus fault. This manual shows you the signal paths and mechanical relationships so you can diagnose faster and stop throwing parts at it. That’s why I keep a copy in my toolbox.

If you’re serious about working on these cars, don’t rely on aftermarket summaries. Get the real thing. Access the Factory Manual and know your A3 from the ground up.

• Related: Audi A3 1997 Service Manual
• Related: Audi A3 1996 Self Study Programme
• Related: Audi A3 1997 Workshop Manual