So posting this on a weekend was a waste as it was missed by most. I'll rehash it from the start as there are many asked and unasked questions. I'll end this with a 5 day of driving impression.

Thank you MUSTBEAUDI for responding to some of the past posts from the others of the forum.

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My ar has 153,000 miles on it. I'm the original owner. When I got it I took out GEICO's Lifetime Mechanical Breakdown coverage (MBI) whatever breaks, they will pay to replace with a 250.00 deductible.

Back at about 130K I asked my Audi savvy indy tech how long the shocks last? He said about 60-80K and that I was just used to the ride.

Well, as the next 20K progressed both my son, my wife and I noticed the ride and handling was really getting bad. Floaty and vague in turns, and harsh on bumps.

I called Geico, thinking it was a wear item and asked if they would cover it. They said yes in principal but an inspection was needed.

(FYI... I wanted to keep the adjustable air ride so retrofitting coilovers was not an option.)

Two weeks ago I brought it to Mike at Tyrol (my indy) he has worked with Geico for me in the past. He knew the drill: Convince the inspector that this was a breakdown of the components and have them pay the bill and I'd pay the deductible. Mike submitted the estimate of all 4 shocks plus 10 hours of labor knowing Geico "negotiates'.

After the inspection, Geico wanted to say no because of the H-Sports. They were quickly educated by me and Mike as to how the H-sports play no part in this issue.

Then Geico argued that the Mitchell Auto Labor Estimate Book was showing 5-6 hours of labor. I politely told the inspector that Tyrol is Audi Trained, knows the electronic aspects of the system as well as the mechanical. I also said he is a $90.00/hour shop. If they did not approve my choice of repair shop, (as the policy states I have this choice) I'd bring the car to an Audi Dealer and they are now over $125.00 per hour.

Geico negotiated a bit with Tyrol and he gave up the planned cushion/negotiation of labor and brought it in for about 8 hours.

The parts were ordered from his supply dealer and surgery commenced. Mike discovered that the O rings that seal the shock to the air spring were generally shot and should also be replaced.

All done it was over a $2000.00 repair.

(As an aside, about 15K miles ago, Tyrol replaced all front control arms and all the tie rod ends. One front air spring was DIY replaced at 103K miles and the other by Tyrol at 140K.)

Now the drive.

After 5 days I can honestly say IT IS WORTH the $2000.00 price tag. (And yes, I wouldn't moan if it was 100% from my pocket.)

The ar is just like new in terms of ride, handling, comfort and control. The ar is once again able to dive into turns, handle bumps and undulations in the road with a secure feeling. The ar is as tight now, as when I took it up to Limerock. More importantly, the ar is safe and secure feeling again.

My level 1 which is 402 - 18 or 20 MM (I forget as I did it 5 years ago), is a joy on turns, exit ramps, weaving in and out on the morning NYC commute. Even my wife as a passenger said: "Whatever it cost, it was worth it. The car feels like new."

So my fellow and sister `roaders, I will say, if you feel the need and have the cash, do replace the shocks. We all become used to a deteriorated ride over the years. If you bought a used ar and it has miles above the 90K mark, I suggest replacing the shocks. If you love the ar now, you will flip over it with it with new shocks.

 

Nice writeup. Food for thought, for the future. Thanks.

 

what he said!

 

standards. I understand that most of us got used to a deteriorating ride quality, but with 137K I still have to wait; the reason is quite simple - my last lap times were still improving so it isn't too bad at all - yet ;-)

Like to get a ride in your car now to really feel the difference, that might be the trigger needed to get moving on this project (no coilovers :-)

 

flip over it?.....it's not an explorer.