ltooz_a6_a8_q7

Logically, if the shock is good, the air spring leaks, why not just replace the bag as I did. Why buy a so called 'rebuilt' that failed more than work since I've read about these problems. The shock has electrical wire pressure controlled, why trust someone else strut? People who can't diy, best is to buy from dealers.
For $200 a bag, I can replace these all day long. Haven't had any problem with mine. I think most of the problems due to operator errors from both rebuilders and car installers.
Cheers,
Louis

Aceler8

i see your point...i watched your video, but decided to purchase a refurb to save some time and extra steps. Plus, you think these guys do enough rebuilds to get it right.

I'm going to live with the yellow suspension light on dash after i put a piece of black tape over it. The tape should cover the CEL for bad cat converter too....hahaha

Aceler8

This is one way to go, but risky to purchase a used part without knowing when it will fail. After doing the labor on these, i don't want to do it again. (although i did with 1 side).

Either way, there is no 'right' answer to these as the OEM are super pricey.

the_duke

This seems like a terrible idea.

svxit

All, just a quick fyi/add to this thread. I recently had a cardone unit installed on an 07 S8, front left. So far, no codes and no abnormalities in the ride whatsoever. Probably the exception to the rule. I purchased it from Amazon October of last year, but am just getting around to doing the install. I'll report back if it gives problems, but as of this writing I am experiencing no issues from the strut. I asked the shop to return the old strut so that I can get it rebuilt in the future.

Aceler8

consider the alternative....

pay for another strut or swap it again and do the labor all over again

spend a ton of money to replace the cat converter to remove the CEL.

Oh, and the adaptive light is bad in one light so that icon is constantly flashing at me.

Car is not worth spending that type of money so i'll live with the warning lights until the car gets replaced, but i hope to get 200k plus. I'm now at 170k.

Tape does the job.

Aceler8

Glad the cardone brand is working for you. Good to hear they do some of them correct.

Jack88

I thought you were joking, Duke is right, that's a terrible approach. You will not get to 200k.

Aceler8

I'm curious.

Situation:
A 12 year old A8 with 170k miles is worth maybe 5-6k. Are you saying spending close to $4k plus labor on this car is a better approach?

As a bonus, i have a timing belt job due for another $1700 estimate.


- $1200 cat converter pipe to clear CEL
- $2000+ for 2 new front OEM air struts to clear yellow suspension icon
- $500-700 for used headlight -- to clear adaptive headlight error
_____________
$3800 (not including labor for all this work)

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

Just open the timing belt cover to check for the belt, if it's still good, let it be. Mine is 120k miles with original timing belt.
Buy some tools and replace the bags for the struts, if the struts don't leak air, the warning is due to the wiring from the "unknown strut", open it up, re-wired, it may solve your warning problems.
PS: Yesterday, driving the family to dinner on the A8L, my wife was complementing the ride compared to the eGolf we commute everyday with it... Night and Day... :-) My son was streaming his music from the iPad in the back... Amazing car for a few thousand $.

Cheers,

Louis