Hey guys. Well I just bought my A4 about a month and a half ago from a VW dealer and the previous owner was the Audi service tech at the VW dealer, so needless to say the car is immaculate. I have a parts list of all the stuff they did to the car when it came onto the lot, tie rod ends, upper control arms, etc.. Anyway, I doubt the shocks have ever been changed and was wondering if now would be a good time? I don't notice a rough ride whatsoever and I don't really have the money for new shocks right now, but is it something I should be looking into within the next 10K miles? 20K? If and when I do the shocks I will probably go Billstein with H&R sport springs, I just can't afford coilovers and they're completely overkill for a daily driver anyway. Once the car is lowered I'll drive it with the stock wheels for a while then swap out for some 18's when I get some more money. Thanks for the help.

 

Any time is a good time to lower it. But you mentioned that you ride is not harsh, Actualy as the shock wears out the ride can become softer and have a floaty feel to it. If after going over a large bumb or through a hump in the road the car does not immediatly settle back into it original position. then your shocks are likely blown. My feeling is that they are. but as long as they arent wearing your tire funny, no huge hurry.

 

It does float around, but not too badly. It'll settle fairly quick, but still hangs a bit.. Tire wear looks good, the tires are close to new Potenzas. I'm gonna try to get through winter with this setup, in which case I shouldn't put more than 5K miles on the car between now and then, but next spring she'll get new shocks/springs/wheels.

 

"shot" on an audi is better than most, but I'd guess they're shot. also plan on replacing the front control arms. i did shocks and springs w/o doing the control arms and now a month or so later they're shot to hell too. replaced all the control arms this weekend and she's rockin' again.