amsnooze

i would recommend RMT, been running RMT strut for couple years. Arnott has really nice 'how-to' instructions on their site.

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

I've verified the leaks on the right strut today with soap water. It does seem like everyone has the right side failed and it leaks at the same area like Storka strut. By looking at the strut diagram, although it's not very clear, but it does seem like the o-ring inside the strut worn out and leaks, not the rubber case is broken. All these rebuilt struts may just have these o-rings and the sleeves reglued.
Questions:
1. What's the difference between sport and standard struts since there's only air hose connecting to it?
2. I looked, but there is no electrical wiring on it? Is it on the top?
3. Will this work?https://www.carid.com/2006-audi-a8-s...207696711.html


Cheers,

Louis

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

Do you know what they really rebuilt on the struts?

Thanks,

Louis

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

I'm reading and looking at the strut diagram, it seems like there are a few places that sell the strut air bag for the A8. I was wondering if anyone ever tried to disassemble the strut and replace the air bag only, these are new instead of rebuilt. The only thing I'm not sure about is how it is disassembled. Is the center shock will come out and plug back into the new air bag? I can see the vacuum port and the top/bottom is hollow. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I would like to do this instead of buying a rebuilt one that don't really know what they do. How does the shock secured in the air bag? For some reasons, none of them come with instruction.

https://www.carid.com/2006-audi-a8-s...207696711.html
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Air-Suspension-Repair-Kit-Shock-Strut-For-Audi-A8-Left-Right-Repairs/322400834602?_trksid=p2141725.c100338.m3726&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150313114020%26meid%3D47055f4ccf8f48ef9ad504daa67c7a7e%26pid%3D100338%26rk%3D14%26rkt%3D30%26sd%3D292008748987


Thanks,

Louis

97urS6

Hey Louis, From reading the Self-Service Program 292 Adaptive Air Suspension (page 12), it suggests that the difference between Sport and Standard is not actually in the strut, but actually in the Control Module and the software that it runs... and how it maps the density and action of the strut. So it appears that the strut itself is the same for both.

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

Do you know how to disassemble one and put it back with a new air bag?
It does look like these rebuild places buy these new air bags and just swap the shocks.

Thanks,

Louis

97urS6

Sorry... never been there nor done that. I'm sure a rebuilt unit from a reputable shop would give you many years of service tho.

MP4.2+6.0

Sport and non sport have different part #'s for starters. I think the valving is set up stiffer on sports, at least on S8 level ones where Audi described it as 30% stiffer. Rebuild places like Arnott also distinguish between the two and Arnott originally didn't even deal with sport ones. Also since sport starts at a lower base ride height and has total adjustability down of only the last 5 mm, it may have some other internal differences for that--whether total length, how bag is positioned, or otherwise.

Bottom line, only do like for like depending on whether it came non-sport or sport.

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

MP4,
I read on all description of bags, I think the difference is internal shock, where the bag mounted to the shock constitute the s or standard. If I know how to replace the bag clearly, I wouldn't hesitate to get the new bag and use my old shock. There is no manual anywhere. I may just buy the darn thing and try, the worst case is out of extra $220, but it will be something worth experimenting.
Thanks ur6 for page 12

Cheers,
Louis

Benjamin Linder Frylmark

Hi. I just bought a replacement bag for my a8. Its really easy to assemble. To remove the strut from the car you only need to remove the bolt in the shock that goes in the front lower control arm. I used straps to pull the shock up to get it beside the control arm.remove the air hose connector. Then there are three bolts on top of the shock in the engine compaetment. Ones those are loose the shock will com down enough to reach the 13mm four nuts on top. When they är gone the shock will come off. Then you need to remove the contact from the cable on top of the strut in order to get off the 18 mm nut later. First you remove the big nut on top of the shock an that has locktite so it won't com hof easy. Then you can reatch the 18mm nut with a regular wrench. When you loosen the 18mm nut you need to hold the shock piston with a 9mm wrench. Then just take the dust cover of and lift the metal casing right up and there you go.