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Why buy pair since only one failed? Especially if you do it yourself? Why fix something not broken?
Itooz,this is one of the best questions posted to this forum I have ever seen. However, I unfortunately know the answer. It all boils down to the Audi factory procedure stipulating that both air struts have to be replaced whenever one side goes bad. Same as the Audi factory procedure stipulating that both wheel bearing have to be replaced if one goes bad. Lastly, I have had my driver wheel bearing go bad, only replace the relevant side, and not face any ill effect, gives Basenco something to think about. It quite honestly boggles my mind why they would replace both, but I wouldn't be surprised if it has to do with dealership revenue.
May be the dealers tested them out and found out it's not totally compatible with the original one, hence both sides would be the same although different from original since they have to guarantee the work. Since you buy and install yourself, all bets are off. Sometimes it's not just revenue, also the liability.
Cheers,
Louis
If the OE strut has adjustable damping (soft/firm) and the Arnott strut only has one setting, then this would be a good reason to replace them in pairs.
left to right struts with different damping can’t be good for stability.
Sometimes I wondered why people replaced things knowing not compatible?
Either do it right as MR. Bally or do the cheap way as mine. Fix whatever is wrong, which is the air spring. The eShock is the most important of the ride. Do the lazy way replacing the whole strut compromised with the incompatibility?
Anything but the original is a gamble, I rather gamble with $200 than $700 knowing not compatible. Yes, I was going to buy the whole rebuilt one, easy, but knowing my eShock was perfect, why take chances on someone else?
18 mos and 7k miles later... I know I'd made the right decision, suspension works perfectly.
Cheers,
Louis
Last edited by ltooz_a6_a8_q7; 09-15-2018 at 12:27 PM.
Had to pull out the operating table with my old ground pillow which saves my knees and get busy on that strut. My son was eager to give that extra pair of hands while learning at the same time. Tested for leaks, error lights are off and the suspension controls are working smooth as silk. By the way, my 1987 Mercedes 420 SEL has over 325,000 miles on her and counting. Bought it with 137,000 miles on the odometer. I've now have had her for over 18 years. She's a real work horse. I want to thank all who chimed in with their knowledge and advice to help me get this problem resolved. Take care!
Last edited by Basenco; 09-22-2018 at 03:04 PM.
Reason: Added more info
09-14-2018, 10:54 PM
