Shock advice for 99 A6 Avant.
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Shock advice for 99 A6 Avant.
I have not been on AW much since I sold my B5 S4. (forgive me for not searching much, just hoping someone can give a good answer)
But we still have a A6 Avant that needs some love.(I don't drive it, but I have to work on it)
Not looking to put coilovers on it or anything fancy. Just want some fairly cheap but decent shocks for a daily driver. (car has about 130k on it and I don't think they have ever been changed).
It is cooking tires on the outside of the tread. Any ideas?
We have had it alighned multiple times yet it destroys the outside of the tires withing about 10k. Almost looks like the camber is off (sitting too high?)
Thanks.
But we still have a A6 Avant that needs some love.(I don't drive it, but I have to work on it)
Not looking to put coilovers on it or anything fancy. Just want some fairly cheap but decent shocks for a daily driver. (car has about 130k on it and I don't think they have ever been changed).
It is cooking tires on the outside of the tread. Any ideas?
We have had it alighned multiple times yet it destroys the outside of the tires withing about 10k. Almost looks like the camber is off (sitting too high?)
Thanks.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Mar 2004
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Stockies would probably be fine for you. I'm sure
there's going to be a lot of opinion on this. I always put the stock replacement shocks on my '95 90s and my '98 A6Q. I used to get them from Shokan (think they were Moog). But, I think you can find a better price. I'm putting Koni Sports on my '04 2.7T 6MT w/sport package this weekend - my first non-stock strut install on an Audi.... If you'd like, I'll let you know how it goes! They're $300/pair - not sure you want to spend that much.
For your tire wear issue, are you sure the alignment shop is performing a full alignment - or just adjusting your toe? To change the camber on our cars, the engine cradle needs to be re-positioned. I've only found one shop in my area willing to do it - otherwise you have to go to the dealer. Has the shop provided you with the spec sheet to show the before and after?
Here's another thing to consider. I drive a lot of miles, and I'm on my 3rd C5 A6. My '98 went for 270K miles, and I had to change the front arms twice. I changed them on my current '04 at 85K, and I was amazed how much tighter the car felt. Based on that experience, I think 130K is *way* overdue. Worn bushings and balljoints (which are built into the arms) could definitely cause a camber problem.
Otherwise, maybe wheel bearings? But, for that, I think you'd have to be hearing a lot of noise by now!
For your tire wear issue, are you sure the alignment shop is performing a full alignment - or just adjusting your toe? To change the camber on our cars, the engine cradle needs to be re-positioned. I've only found one shop in my area willing to do it - otherwise you have to go to the dealer. Has the shop provided you with the spec sheet to show the before and after?
Here's another thing to consider. I drive a lot of miles, and I'm on my 3rd C5 A6. My '98 went for 270K miles, and I had to change the front arms twice. I changed them on my current '04 at 85K, and I was amazed how much tighter the car felt. Based on that experience, I think 130K is *way* overdue. Worn bushings and balljoints (which are built into the arms) could definitely cause a camber problem.
Otherwise, maybe wheel bearings? But, for that, I think you'd have to be hearing a lot of noise by now!
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I would not run out and buy anything without checking what you have. I just replaced the shocks in our car. I was surprised to find that the original rear shocks where still fine. I should have left them in. Fronts had less overall miles on them, but again, they did not need to be replaced.
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I am having similar problems with 2000 Avant and tire wear, I have also felt that I need new front shocks but I talked to a mechanic and he mentioned that the shocks usually last longer than the 110K I have on the car. I thought it was the shocks because the front end just seems very loose but it could very well just be the control arms. I did the uppers about a year ago but not do the lowers so it might be time to try replacing them and see what happens before doing a shock replacement. Also I inspected the shocks and they did not have any sign of oil leaks that would indicate a bad seal.
has anybody had the same experience and traced it back to lower control arms?
has anybody had the same experience and traced it back to lower control arms?