ar_bucky

I have a 2001 AR with 90,000 miles with very poor ride quality. The rear of the car feels like it is riding on the air springs/bags with no cushion over bumps on level 1. On level 2 or 3, the rear of the car bounces and tracks poorly. The alignment is perfect and I am driving on new nokian snows. The air springs/bags do not leak air and the struts show no sign of oil/fluid leakage. I can only think the struts need to be replaced. But the rear struts are very expensive to replace and my Audi parts department has only sold 1 pair in the last year.

Has anyone experienced poor struts and replaced them?

Thanks

paulroad

I have 144K miles on my ride..original shocks as well. They tend to go at 70K give or take, but we all get used to the ride.

There are not many options.

1...stay away from the dealer they charge TOOOOO much.

you can buy the OEM shocks from genuineaudiparts.com or from cheter@riversideaudi.com. These are two Audi dealers that sell at 15% over their cost to audiworld posters.

Then find an indy shop to do the work. It will be less costly than any dealer.

Or..you can spend about 1600.00 plus labor and replace the entire adjustable air system with a conventional coil over set up.

You should also make sure that your tires are properly inflated and have the right load rating. H-sport sway bars are a nice upgrade too.

mustbeaudi

Nice summary, Paul. Again. Thanks. (Maybe ar_bucky will update later.)

arnick'02-6spd

Probably at the same time I have my TB done. I decided at some point last year I won't be going the coilover route. And I do know for a fact, fresh struts will make a difference - My folks' considerably fresher 04 4.2 feels very different - not like mine at all, and has none of the level one wallowing which in my care is seriously starting to grate on my nerves.

So, when I bite the bullet, I will report here.