quattrothatcould

I think I am getting fvcked with. My dad called the dealership and they said that while they still haven't totally figured out what the problem is, they think that when my suspension was put in the rear differential/rear end was lowered out of the car. Keep in mind that I have the sport package springs and shocks out of a 2002 1.8t. They said that the shop I used lowered the rear differentail to put the new suspension in the car. I've been around cars all my life and this doesn't make sense.

I wouldn't complain if like everyone on here with some sort of aftermarket suspension had this problem, but I can only find one other instance. Am I getting played? This sounds like bs. I would aslo think that if there was a problem something would have happened right after I did the suspension, not 8000 miles later. WTF? TIA for any help.

Also, thanks for your responses in the earlier post. There was one member who posted a computer print out of the rear end assembly and I was wondering if you (I'm sorry I can't remember the user name off the top of my head) could either post a larger size pic of that or possibly email it to me? TIA

MikTip

<center><img src="http://home.ec.rr.com/miktip/coil1.jpg"></center><p>in your first paragraph you wrote; "when my suspension was put in the rear differential/rear end was lowered out of the car"

This a often a recommended proceedure around the forums here and over on AZ, to install lowering springs on the rear.

Why?

Namely because folks dont have, are unaware of, or dont want to buy the required specialized spring compressors to R&amp;R rear springs. Even with this tool, its often quite a challenge to R&amp;R the rear springs. BTDT! ;O)

So, what some folks do is drop the rear diff, to aid in the install of the rear springs. It wouldnt suprise me if some shops do the same.

The main problem with this proceedure is you can throw off your alignment, and the bolts loosened to drop the suspension are of the
"one-time-use" OEM stretch bolt. They should be replaced if loosened from their factory torque.

Main reason I bought the spring compressor, and did not drop my rear diff to install my H&amp;R springs

A4AdMan

who ever installed your OEM Sport Suspension lowered the rear differential. If they did lower it than I doubt think they know what they were doing. If you read the thread that Tgr_Clw linked in his reply earlier in the week plus the one that I just attached here I think you'll get a better understanding of the technical aspects of how a car's suspension effects the angle of the axles and how the axles connect with the rear diff.

Look at what is happening here. First they pick on the sway bar, then they pick on the suspension install (with OEM parts might I add). The dealership is trying to blame you for the problem that your car is having. They don't want to call it a warranty issue because that makes it a bigger hassle to them to deal with the paperwork. They'd rather just work you over until you cave and agree to pay them for the repairs.

You or your Dad need to sit down with the service advisor and the service tech who has looked at your car and have them explain with paper documentation how the suspension could have caused the issue.

I strongly suggest you read up on the how Raughle dealt with the issue. You should try to contact him too to see if he has any advice.

Good luck and keep us posted.<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a4gen2/msgs/927513.phtml">Read This!!!!</a></li></ul>

A4AdMan

I guess if some people don't have a spring compressor that they would go for the easy yet not recommended way out, to be able to remove the rear springs.

skeeball

Uh oh

quattrothatcould

of high end cars; when my car was being lowered it was next to a Lambo Murcialago and a 911 GT3; so they cater to expensive cars. Secondly, my salesman reccomended the shop to me because he takes all his cars there (likewise, race Porsches and a few S4's; hes a legit car guy) so it doesn't make sense that a shop that he condones would be doing this. The shop was not a backyard garage, it is a fairly large place that I hope would do it correctly. But thanks for the info anyway.

quattrothatcould

Thanks Dave I think we are going to need to do that. Ugh this doesn't add up..

bhvrdr

but botched the heck out of some turbo installs. Were you there for the install? Have your dealership show and explain to you exactly what the problem is that they are trying to blame so you can address it.

A4AdMan

You should get your salesman involved. The last thing he wants is to see a customer that has bought two cars from him (your A4 and your Dad's A6, right) upset at the dealership service department. If you stop going to them for routine service ietms over this rear diff issue than that it cash out of the dealership's pocket and who knows maybe the next time you or your Dad are in the market for an Audi you might shop elsewhere.

Just a thought.

heateris

the rear springs is a compressor like mike tip's. in the Bentley CD Rom, it specifies a VAG tool.