Suspension advice - Shocks and Springs
 

Hello Again.

I have finally got round to taking out the front suspension and i am needing some further advice / guidance. I am actually enjoying it, its frustratingly therapeutic. I have attached images of the shock absorber. The part numbers are: Sachs 81-8903-556-683 Audi 4D0-413-037-CE.

The car has covered 99000 miles, do you think the shock absorber warrants changing at this point? Seeing as i have everything out I thought I might as well do this. It is not looking its best.

Would the springs warrant changing at the same time?

I have a feeling this is going to be an expensive pastime, but then I have classed it as a hobby and the therapeutic value is worth it.

I'm actually just finishing up doing something very similar. I took both struts off and gave them a paint. Also painted the springs.

Mine looked similar to yours but maybe slightly less corrosion. I have access to a good quality spring compressor so it was logical for me to strip the struts down to facilitate painting and also to test the operation of the dampers. Mine were OK but it won't really be possible for you to test yours whilst under spring pressure. Cars can fail an Mot if the dampers are excessively corroded even if they are still working.

Genuine dampers are no longer available so you will have to look at aftermarket if you want to replace them. Springs are only available from Audi Tradition and are super expensive so aftermarket again really.

I did have the same dilemma you are having. Do I change things whilst I am in there? Decided to paint and replace for now whilst I get my parts together and put this down as a future project.

I stripped the first strut down and decided to replace the shocks (should I use the term damper?). Figured with everything else being changed I might as well cover that base too. The springs are in really good condition, visually, so will stick with these.

Now trying to get a close match.

Don't take my word for this, please do some research but I think these are the ones S8 owners tend to go for. According to what I have read, they are slightly harder than stock, a bit more sporty.

Of course there are other options, coil overs etc but if you want to keep it "more or less" stock this is what I would be looking at.

Bilstein B6 - Sport Damper 24-066785

Sorry Paul but I have only just noticed that you are working on a 2.8, it may be that dampers are still available for that model.

At 100k I'd clean them up and put them back on. Stock Audi dampers can last much longer than that - I have 270K on my A6 and it still drives and handles just fine.

The Bilstein B6s are too hard for the 2.8 springs. It ends up uncomfortable and fidgety.

Ainars has those new PF 2.8 dampers though?

I found Bilstein 24-026093 that part match the damper code I have. I will do the clean first, then decide on a replacement. I suppose if I get another 50K out of the car it will outlive me.

Thanks Guys.

Billstein 24-026093 are for 1997-2000, 24-066785 is 2001+, they don't do different ones for different engines. I have pair of 4D0413037AQ which were for PF 2.8

PF 4D0413037AQ for V6 was dropped in 2008 and V8 version 4D0413037AR used for all engines, it was discontinued in 2013.

FL 4D0413037CE for V6 was dropped in 2008 and V8 version 4D0413037CD used for all engines and discontinued 2017