A8 Parts Forum  

Go Back   A8 Parts Forum > A8 D2 > D2 - Axles, Brakes, Suspension and Steering

D2 - Axles, Brakes, Suspension and Steering Brakes, Springs, shocks, steering racks, steering columns, suspension arms, wheel hubs etc.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6th June 2020, 12:15 PM
strummagnet strummagnet is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Gosport
Posts: 400
Default 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.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	20200606_111012.jpg
Views:	622
Size:	884.9 KB
ID:	23455   Click image for larger version

Name:	20200606_111016.jpg
Views:	445
Size:	615.8 KB
ID:	23456   Click image for larger version

Name:	20200606_111024.jpg
Views:	474
Size:	571.3 KB
ID:	23457   Click image for larger version

Name:	20200606_111033.jpg
Views:	716
Size:	1,015.8 KB
ID:	23458  
__________________
Paul
Gosport UK
________________________
Audi S8 2002 FE Avus Silver / Extended Red Leather.
Daily Driver: BMW 3 series GT - Just more practical for my camping trips!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6th June 2020, 03:10 PM
spannerrash spannerrash is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 399
Default

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.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6th June 2020, 03:53 PM
strummagnet strummagnet is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Gosport
Posts: 400
Default

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.
__________________
Paul
Gosport UK
________________________
Audi S8 2002 FE Avus Silver / Extended Red Leather.
Daily Driver: BMW 3 series GT - Just more practical for my camping trips!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6th June 2020, 05:01 PM
spannerrash spannerrash is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 399
Default

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
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6th June 2020, 05:24 PM
spannerrash spannerrash is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 399
Default

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.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6th June 2020, 06:26 PM
MikkiJayne MikkiJayne is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 5,017
Default

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?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6th June 2020, 06:53 PM
strummagnet strummagnet is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Gosport
Posts: 400
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MikkiJayne View Post
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.
__________________
Paul
Gosport UK
________________________
Audi S8 2002 FE Avus Silver / Extended Red Leather.
Daily Driver: BMW 3 series GT - Just more practical for my camping trips!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 6th June 2020, 09:53 PM
ainarssems ainarssems is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Rushden, Northants
Posts: 3,799
Default

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
__________________
Currently 8less
2011 Q7 S Line 3.0TDI, 2016 Tesla Model S 90D

8 history:
2006 A8 Sport 4.2TDI quattro SOLD,
1997 S8, reached end of life with gearbox failure
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT. The time now is 03:33 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.