Hello all... I am new to this forum and appreciate the opportunity to seek some advice.</P>


My 2001 A4 1.8T 5spd, Quattro, std suspension,has about 50k on it and it is starting to wallow like a pig around corners and over swales / bumps.The dealer has looked at it twice in the last 8k, says nothing is wrong, get a second opinion, Audi Customer line says the same, so I'll go that path too but here's myquestion: </P>


I have replaced struts myself on a couple other cars - is the process for an A4 so technical or difficult only a dealer should attempt this? Also, what aftermarketstrut would you consider for atight, controlled ride (not auto-x or lowered). Thanks!</P>

 

You can do it - but you will want to do your reading first. Audi does not use a MacPherson strut system. It has a multi control arm linkage system - it has 8 control arms in the front alone. You are familiar with suspension so I think you could do it if you were prepared.

You say you have 'std' suspension. Is that non-sport you mean? If you don't want to lower your car just buy a sport oem suspension - not worth the cash but thats an option. Otherwise buy koni sport shocks and some aftermarket springs.

If you have the non-sport suspension, then wallowing like a pig around corners is perfecty normal, and the Audi guys are likely correct in telling you nothing is wrong.

<edited><editID>brrman</editID><editDate>37887.6259027778</editDate></edited>

 

thx brrman.. it just feels far, farlooser than when new (I am at "fixing" this or selling the car - that's how bad it has become). </P>


Yes,it is a non-sport suspension, andagain, you are right - they are shocks, not struts.KYB and Bilstein seem to have some that fit as well.The dealeris quoting2 hours labor for each corner and then an alignment somaybe an independentshopis an alternative thatwill help me control costs if I cannot do this on my own. </P>


Would you buy a shop manual for the 'reading' you mention? And thanks again...</P>

 

If you wanna go ultimate cheapness. Buy a used Sport package setup from someone who has upgraded and install yourself. If you have all the tools (esp. spring compressor) and you can pick up a used setup for like $200-300, you'd save big $$. Other wise here are some common prices:

OEM non-sport - $???
Performance shock/damper combo - $600-800
Coilovers - $1100-1600
Install - $250-(whatever the dealer will gauge you for)
Alignment - $75-100

 

Hi i would deffinately buy a repair manual ive done my susp myself go with the konis for shocks/struts $280*i have the ajustables i love em though if you want to reajust them you have to take them off the car again(boy that sucks) im not to sure about springs and thats really what your problem is shocks just stableize you springs control the roll and attitude ive got intrax $210*which lower the call unnoticeably and their alright pretty stiff might be alright for you but i like that race car ride so there not stiff enough for me now <FONT size=3>most important</FONT><FONT size=2> buy spring commpressors no not the cheap ones youll be screwed i bought the cheap ones and had to buy the good ones just to free my coil spring from the disgrutled cheap compressors it was very tramatic for both of us and ive been going to counseling ever since</FONT></P>


<FONT size=2>all this might be useless depending on modle year mine was tough quasi impossible to do without extra hands(there are four different susp. set ups for any given year not too mention sport packages) And for god sakes watchout for the wheel speed sensors $168geez stretch one wire and your abs has a hissy fit lights come on abs gets diabled</FONT></P>


<FONT size=2>*prices from summit racing will vary i have different year/drivetrain</FONT></P>

 

SlimChriz - There are fully adjustable Koni Coilovers that don't have to come off the car to be adjusted. They just cost more.<img border="0" src=smileys/smiley6.gif border="0">

The spring compressors is a good point - the cheapos, if they dont warp and become unusable, can easily break and fire your spring into the side of your garage (or into your face). So get good ones and keep it safe. I've seen the aftermath of a broken cheap compressor.

 

[Deleted by Admins]

 

OOH come now the bonerattling is half the fun and at 130MPH it smooths right out anyway, so you go out to get a gallon ofmilk and come back with a gallon of cream<IMG src=smileys/smiley4.gif border="0"></P>


and the abillity to take off ramps at 90MPH is severly underated</P>