[spannerrash]

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.