jseklund

Hi guys, I know very little about this, so I wanted to get some opinions. My gf's 2001 A4Q 1.8T has a cracked spring in the rear. The car seems to drive OK anyway, but I'd like to replace them. The car has about 160,000 on it but is in OK shape.

I'm looking and it seems like I can get a set of springs for around $250 - but struts would cost almost $500-600 more. Is it worth replacing the struts? Or should the springs be enough? Do the struts usually last or are they prone to failure?

I plan on taking them off the car, bringing them to a shop to compress the springs, etc. I don't want to put the springs on the towers myself...too dangerous.

David.Norton

Compressing the springs is easy as can be, take the strut off the car complete, then compress the spring and take it apart. It takes very little force at that point, and auto parts stores will frequently rent you the compressors for free. The point is to use only as much force as you need, that way there is very little risk. As far as the struts are concerned check them for rebound, if you recover on the first bounce, and the strut is not leaking (check for oil on the shaft seal, it is easy to see), I would leave them. Otherwise replace, and do both.

jseklund

Thanks David! I appreciate it. I've heard the springs can be very dangerous if they let go....but I see what you mean about using as little force as possible.