Is it time for new Audi A6 shocks?
According to a 2009 AASHTO summary report, only 1/2 of US major roads are said to be in good condition with more than 60% of roads in major cities in poor condition. This translates into an estimated $335 in vehicle maintenance and operation costs each year and up to $746 in major cities.

Bad road conditions may be out of our control, but you can be more prepared for them by replacing your worn out Audi A6 shocks. The importance of new shocks goes beyond mere comfort. Worn shocks can affect steering, tire wear and your A6's responsiveness. New Audi A6 shocks and related suspension components (i.e. ball joints etc.) can improve your vehicle's ability to maintain traction, help it respond to quick turns, and emergency stops. If you notice bald patches on your tires, excessive shock oil seepage, vehicle pulling, a spongy feel and slow recovery time after driving over large bumps, or sharp knocks such as when going over railroad tracks, it may be time to purchase Blausport's Autobahn Series Audi A6 Shock Absorber Kit.

Do I Really Need To Replace My Audi A6 Shock Mounts, Stops, and Boots?
The importance of servicing your Audi A6 suspension the correct way can not be overstated! In this economy many are trying to save wherever possible. However, think carefully before cutting corners in this department. When replacing Audi A6 shocks in our own service facility, we've seen that other suspension parts (i.e. Audi A6 shock mounts, stops, boots, and hardware) show significant signs of wear or have already begun to deteriorate and are not reusable. Many customers who've replaced only their Audi A6 shocks, have found that they're still experiencing similar suspension problems as well as random front end suspension noises. This may be because other worn shock related components can simulate the same symptoms as bad shocks (see below section regarding the complexity of diagnosing Audi A6 suspension system noises). Why go through the significant labor to replace the Audi A6 shocks only to realize a failure in one or more of the related items, consequently needing to redo your suspension job again? Many wish they would have spent the extra money up front than face this labor intensive job again. Consider the following:

Audi A6 Bump Stops and Dust Boots. Many times when a shock begins to go bad the seals begin to seep oil. This shock oil leaks onto the bump stop and begins to eat away at the rubber foam material, affecting its density and ability to perform its job properly. If the bump stop isn't replaced, your new shocks have the chance of bottoming out, causing internal shock damage and premature failure. Replacing the stops helps protect new shocks from bottoming out when hitting potholes and rough roads. Leaking shock oil can also get onto the dust boots. Over time this eats way at and weakens the rubber causing it to deteriorate and eventually rip. Ripped dust boots allow road grime and dirt to contaminate the shock causing scarring of the shock shaft and seals resulting in premature shock failure. Replacing the boots protects new shocks (shock shaft and seal) from dirt and dust ensuring that they last a long time.

Audi A6 Shock Mounts. Nearly all A6 models that we've had in our facility for shock replacement needed new shock mounts. These Audi A6 shock mounts are made of a rubber material and with age collapse and deteriorate. This is especially noticeable in the front of the car since it supports the engine and endures the brunt of road impact. Worn shock mounts often cause a noticeable clunking noise when going over bumps (see below section regarding the complexity of diagnosing Audi A6 suspension system noises). There may also be noticeable play at the top of the spring perch while the suspension is loaded (not un-sprung).

Audi A6 models have one of the most complicated front suspension systems on the road today!
We often get calls from customers who are still experiencing noise after replacing their shocks and related components. This is because control arm and shock related noises can be very similar. It is a difficult task to diagnose front end problems; even for the most experienced mechanics that work on these special suspension systems. Only automotive technicians that are familiar with the complexity of your specific Audi front suspension should trouble shoot and repair it. Equipped with 8 control arms (each with ball joints), 2 tie rod assemblies (each with inner and outer joints), and 2 sway bar links; the front suspension has a combined 24 moving hemi / ball joints and bushings that make your front Audi A6 unique in complexity. This also makes your A6 expensive to maintain. Stay tuned for a more detailed page regarding the common front end noises that can be associated with control arms.

Blausport's IMPROVED Front Audi A6 Shock Absorber
Our Blausport shock kit for 1999-01 A6 models with either a V6 2.7 liter turbo or a V8 4.2 liter can be classified as improved over OE and most aftermarket shocks. These Blausport shocks have an increased body displacement shock absorber of 50mm verses the stock 45mm.

Audi A4 and A6 models with the V6 2.8 liter engines were equipped with a 45mm body displacement shock absorber. This 45mm shock is an adequate displacement for proper dampening of the V6 2.8 engines. However, these 45mm shocks were also used on 1999-01 Audi A6 V6 2.7 liter turbo and V8 4.2 liter models. This seems to be somewhat undersized, which can be confirmed because in 2002 they started to come stock with a 50mm shock. The 1999-01 model's ride characteristics are a little softer in the front due to this undersized 45mm shock. The primary cause being the heavier engine of the 2.7 liter turbo and V8 4.2 liter additional weight to the front end. Be careful when choosing replacement shocks for the front of your 1999-01 Audi A6 V6 2.7 liter turbo and V8 4.2 liter models, since most aftermarket shocks are 45mm in diameter and may not give you the desired ride quality and longevity.

What Is The Difference Between an Audi Shock Absorber and an Audi Strut Assembly?