Time to replace struts?
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AudiWorld Member
Joined: Oct 2002
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Time to replace struts?
I have 198k miles on my '98 and the front suspension is getting loose. I'm replacing the control arms, sway bar bushings and end links. The struts are original and seem fine. Should I replace them anyway as long as the suspension is getting dismantled?
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 856
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From: Bellingham, Washington
That's up to you. If they aren't leaking and you're ok with the ride, you could stay with them for now.
I replaced the strut inserts on my B5 (with about the miles you now have on your car) with Bilstein B6 shocks. I really love the extra stability for cornering and firmer ride.
I replaced the strut inserts on my B5 (with about the miles you now have on your car) with Bilstein B6 shocks. I really love the extra stability for cornering and firmer ride.
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2020
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If you don't know the age (mileage) of the struts then I'd suggest replacing them. Struts are a wear item, and I've heard they are good for 70-80k miles though Google has a broader range of 50-100k.
The Bilstein "B6" struts (it's a model name, not the Audi B6) Desertsage used are really high quality. However, if you are on a budget the Bilstein "B4" (also the model name) is a nice OEM quality strut which I am using on my car.
The Bilstein "B6" struts (it's a model name, not the Audi B6) Desertsage used are really high quality. However, if you are on a budget the Bilstein "B4" (also the model name) is a nice OEM quality strut which I am using on my car.
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 856
Likes: 71
From: Bellingham, Washington
OK, funny story time.. I'd purchased my '97 B5 as a lease return in 2001, with about 60,000 miles on it. When it was up to about 120,000 miles, years later, I had decided I'd better change out the shocks, with that many miles on them, just because. I wasn't able to get much of a bounce out of the suspension and asked the service advisor at the Audi dealership how long the OE shocks on these cars have been lasting. His reply was that they had yet to change out a set of shocks on an A4 at this point. So wow, I was thinking that the A4 OE shocks (I've forgotten now if they are Sachs or Boge) must be very good! The A4s in the US had only been around for 7 or 8 years at that point.
By the time 200,000 miles rolled around I began to detect a little wallowing and body roll. So on rethinking this, I'll have to go with what Victorymike18 has suggested and advocate shock replacement, as it probably won't be very much longer before you notice those guys going out on you.
By the time 200,000 miles rolled around I began to detect a little wallowing and body roll. So on rethinking this, I'll have to go with what Victorymike18 has suggested and advocate shock replacement, as it probably won't be very much longer before you notice those guys going out on you.
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ACaudi
Audi 90 / 80 / Coupe quattro / Cabriolet
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Jun 19, 2003 11:54 AM
