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D2 - Axles, Brakes, Suspension and Steering Brakes, Springs, shocks, steering racks, steering columns, suspension arms, wheel hubs etc. |
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#1
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Polybushes, Coilovers, etc
Thanks to the wonderful condition of our roads, my S8's suspension is beginning to feel a little loose and rattly again, despite replacing everything on the front end just a few years ago. So it's time for an overhaul again and I'm looking at the options.
I'm also about to change the rear subframe (no holes but it's heavily rusted, plus I replaced the front subframe a couple of years ago), so I'm looking to replace all of the bushes at the back too. I fitted new Bilstein shocks when the front suspension was done, so they've probably got some life left in them yet, but I've never changed the springs so I think they might be overdue. And since the rear springs will be coming down with the subframe, I think it might be a good time to change those. So I'm leaning towards genuine parts (where available) but wondering if there are better options. I don't want a firmer ride (in fact I'd prefer it a little softer) but I'd like to get that tight 'new' feeling back and I'd like it to stay feeling tight and new for more than a couple of years this time. I've considered replacing every bush with polybushes but I've been told that, while they generally last longer, they usually make the ride firmer and have a tendency to squeak. I'm also wondering if I should go for coilovers, but are there any advantages to these, other than an adjustable ride height (which I don't need)? I'm told that coilovers can also make the ride firmer (which I don't want). Any suggestions greatly appreciated
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Mark ------------------------------------------------------ 2002 FE S8 Ebony Black Pearl ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ Cars Owned: The Tesla Era: 2020 Model S Performance Ludicrous+ (present) (Black, with all black premium interior and carbon fibre décor, 21" sonic carbon twin turbine wheels and FSD capability) The Audi Era: '97 A8 4.2 (Ming Blue) --> '96 A8 4.2 QS (Dark Green) --> '02 FE S8 (present) The Citroen Era: '84 BX 1.6 RS --> '89 BX 1.9 DTR Turbo --> '94 XM 2.0L Turbo --> '96 XM 2.0L Turbo Exclusive --> '00 Xantia Activa 2.0L Turbo The Banger Era: '76 1.2L Lada VAZ-2101 (Ruski Fiat 124) --> '80 1.7L Morris Ital HL, finished in Ermine White and Rust |
#2
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My S8 had coilovers and lowered suspension when I first test drove it. It was absolutlely awful IMHO and I had standard suspension refitted before I bought it. It was not a practical rife at all and I’ve never regretted ditching the modified suspension.
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2002 Final Edition S8. Ebony black with Silver Grey leather and myrtle wood trim. Current mods: solar sun roof, 20mm rear spacers, 15 mm on front, red brembo callipers, 6k headlights, rear view camera, engine remap, alloy dash dial rings, alloy navi rings, tt/phaeton pedal upgrade, (and custom matching foot rest) dension ipod interface & parrot hands free kit (both fully hidden), av input, tv in motion switched thro' PF switch in blanking plug right of steering column, Audi 'quattro' sill covers, repositioned centre console switches, radio clock, .Planned mods: auto-dimming rear view mirror, dash cam (as steamship's), fit the ski hatch, refit philips drl's (or maybe not - nope, definitely not - horrible botch!). |
#3
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Thanks Jim
Yeah, I certainly woudn't want to lower it; it's a hard enough ride as it is, especially with the 20" wheels. I'll probably just replace the springs. I just wondered if there was anything a little more sophisticated available (short of air suspension) that would improve the ride without negatively affecting the handling or ride height.
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Mark ------------------------------------------------------ 2002 FE S8 Ebony Black Pearl ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ Cars Owned: The Tesla Era: 2020 Model S Performance Ludicrous+ (present) (Black, with all black premium interior and carbon fibre décor, 21" sonic carbon twin turbine wheels and FSD capability) The Audi Era: '97 A8 4.2 (Ming Blue) --> '96 A8 4.2 QS (Dark Green) --> '02 FE S8 (present) The Citroen Era: '84 BX 1.6 RS --> '89 BX 1.9 DTR Turbo --> '94 XM 2.0L Turbo --> '96 XM 2.0L Turbo Exclusive --> '00 Xantia Activa 2.0L Turbo The Banger Era: '76 1.2L Lada VAZ-2101 (Ruski Fiat 124) --> '80 1.7L Morris Ital HL, finished in Ermine White and Rust |
#4
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When you change suspension only install all genuine Audi parts.
Otherwise you'll replace everything gain in a couple of years.
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I'd rather drive on left |
#5
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Quote:
Which is why I figured there might be something better than genuine.
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Mark ------------------------------------------------------ 2002 FE S8 Ebony Black Pearl ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ Cars Owned: The Tesla Era: 2020 Model S Performance Ludicrous+ (present) (Black, with all black premium interior and carbon fibre décor, 21" sonic carbon twin turbine wheels and FSD capability) The Audi Era: '97 A8 4.2 (Ming Blue) --> '96 A8 4.2 QS (Dark Green) --> '02 FE S8 (present) The Citroen Era: '84 BX 1.6 RS --> '89 BX 1.9 DTR Turbo --> '94 XM 2.0L Turbo --> '96 XM 2.0L Turbo Exclusive --> '00 Xantia Activa 2.0L Turbo The Banger Era: '76 1.2L Lada VAZ-2101 (Ruski Fiat 124) --> '80 1.7L Morris Ital HL, finished in Ermine White and Rust |
#6
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I did all my front arms a few years ago with quality, non-Audi parts (apart from the big upper arm that’s unique to the 20” wheels models). The only one I’ve had to replace again is the genuine Audi part!
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2002 Final Edition S8. Ebony black with Silver Grey leather and myrtle wood trim. Current mods: solar sun roof, 20mm rear spacers, 15 mm on front, red brembo callipers, 6k headlights, rear view camera, engine remap, alloy dash dial rings, alloy navi rings, tt/phaeton pedal upgrade, (and custom matching foot rest) dension ipod interface & parrot hands free kit (both fully hidden), av input, tv in motion switched thro' PF switch in blanking plug right of steering column, Audi 'quattro' sill covers, repositioned centre console switches, radio clock, .Planned mods: auto-dimming rear view mirror, dash cam (as steamship's), fit the ski hatch, refit philips drl's (or maybe not - nope, definitely not - horrible botch!). Last edited by The_Laird; 17th November 2018 at 03:53 PM. |
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