Sven_S8

Any metal workers here? ;-) I need some new brackets for the strut brace...

Problem: right in the centre of each strut housing (?) sits now a small button to adjust the suspension. So, the std. brackets won't fit anymore...

I'll need something circular, with a 'raise' to get to the desired hight.

<img src="http://www.type-f.co.uk/rear_brace/images/strut_brace001.jpg">

Something like this, but preferably 'full circle', with multiple bolts - like OEM - instead of the one shown here, made of aluminum (to prevent contact corrosion a.o.), and of course at the right hight and angle. Ideally so the OEM brace can be re-used...

So, not that easy to get it exactly right methinks. (But I'm no good with this, so maybe - hopefully - someone who is, will think different).

Or is there perhaps some aftermarket brace for the A8 that might do?

Any thoughts, suggestions and help are most welcome!

TIA

Paldi

Seems like you could have a metal shop machine a hole to allow the adjustment button access. Would also need, perhaps, welding of aluminum reinforcement metal to provide supports around the newly created hole?

ryoung

If not, once you have the shocks the way you want, re-install the brackets and bar.

Or a variation on Paldi's idea. The gusset is certainly in the way. Grind it away, drill the hole, and weld two new gussets straddling the hole at a 45 deg angle to the original gusset.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/17157/strutbar.jpg">

ex-a8drifter

I don't believe I have one of those braces on my car. I will look at it tomorrow and maybe I'll whip up a CAD design quick. Couldn't hurt since I might look into making one myself! I have access to a CNC machine and I will see if I can rig one up with the hole in it. A steel one would be the easiest, but I don't know how accurate I can weld, machining is easy...but I don't know how strong the prototyping aluminum is that I have access to.

ex-a8drifter

img src=&lt;"http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/77296/strut-tower.jpg"&gt;

ex-a8drifter

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/77296/strut-tower.jpg">
&lt;img src=

PaulW

Make me one of those bad boys too!

Sven_S8

Respect! <img src="http://www.tyresmoke.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/notworthy.gif">

It looks like that's exactly what the doctor ordered!

Tell you what, If you could/would machine something like that, I'll give you the OEM brackets for your car! If that's fair that is..? If not, tell me what it would cost...


The problem with adapting the custom ones is that the adjuster **** sits exactly where the bracket rises to the brace support. So it's not on a flat part of the bracket. (My English fails me here to explain it better, sorry). :-/

I'll make some pictures later today...


Randy's idea sounds simple but genius. I'd have to look if that would be possible. The **** is fortunately very small (unlike the huge Koni's), but I fear it might damage the base of the adjuster if some fore were to be transferred onto that. It may be a few mm above the surface of the strut housing, but I'll check.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/79649/audis8frc.jpg">

The ****

a8drifter's idea sounds like the best of both worlds though. And because of the size of the **** it doesn't need that much room fortunately. It's just an awkward spot.

Many thanks all for your help so far! :-)

Sven_S8

the **** is located (roughly). That's why adaptung the OEM bracket wouldn't work (imho).

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/79649/strutbarx.jpg">


Excuses for the abuse of Randy's photo... ;-)

Paldi

The diameter of the hole is small. Might need to extend shaft so the **** fits above the bracket.