 Is it time for new Audi shocks or struts? Looking for the Vw shock strut page?
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 shocks or struts. The importance of new shocks or struts goes beyond mere comfort. Worn shocks or struts can affect steering, tire wear and your Audi's responsiveness. New Audi shocks and struts along with 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 one of Blausport's Autobahn Series Audi Shock Strut Kits.
Do I Really Need To Replace My Audi Shock or Strut Mounts, Stops, and Boots?
The importance of servicing your Audi 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 shocks and struts in our own service facility, we've seen that other suspension parts  (i.e. Audi 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 shocks or struts, 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 or strut related components can simulate the same symptoms as bad shocks (see below section regarding the complexity of diagnosing Audi A4 A6 A8 suspension system noises). Why go through the significant labor to replace the Audi shocks or struts 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 Bump Stops and Dust Boots (Depending on Model). Many times when a shock or strut begins to go bad the seals begin to seep oil. This 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 Shock or Strut Mounts. Nearly all Audi models that we've had in our facility for shock or strut replacement needed new mounts. These Audi 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 strut mounts often cause a noticeable clunking noise when going over bumps (see below section regarding the complexity of diagnosing Audi A4 A6 A8 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 A4 A6 A8 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 A4 A6 A8 unique in complexity. This also makes your Audi expensive to maintain. Stay tuned for a more detailed page regarding the common front end noises that can be associated with control arms.
From 1978-1995 all Audi models front suspensions were equipped using a strut assembly design. Starting in 1996 with the introduction of the A4 and 1998 with the Vw Passat, they began using a very complex 8 piece control arm front suspension design utilizing just a shock absorber for dampening. This complex 8 piece control arm and shock absorber design is still being used on the larger platform Audi A4, A6, A8 models. Vw discontinued the complex 8 piece control arm design and shock absorber in 2005. With the exception of the Phaeton and Toureg models which still use shock absorbers all other Vw models, Jetta, Golf, Rabbit, EOS and Beetle utilize strut assemblies. The popular Audi A3 models uses a strut system.
What Is The Difference Between an Audi Shock Absorber and an Audi Strut Assembly? |
Autobahn Series Strut and Shock Absorber Kits for Audi and Vw Vehicles
2) Blausport Audi strut and shock absorber valving is designed specifically for each individual vehicle application.
5) Unlike other popular name brand struts and shocks, Blausport Audi struts and shock absorbers are filled with a long life, multi viscosity oil containing Mos2 moly lubricant. Mos2 helps resist fluid breakdown and maintains year round shock fluid performance under all weather driving conditions. Mos2 greatly reduces wear on all internal shock components extending the shock life for years of great shock performance.
