[A4] Strut vs. Cartridge Replacement Options

[Aaron Jongbloedt]

No that doesn't sound right at all!

Have a look at this person's HOW-TO page....the pictures and description
will help you get a better idea of what is going on.  Then take your car to
a different shop, one that knows German cars.
http://www.zpipedragon.com/Home/VW/Tinkering/Drivetrain+Performance/A4%20Suspension/a4_suspension.htm

The struts/shocks are one piece, not replaceable cartridges.  You should not
put the sport struts on a car w/o the matching sport springs and visa versa.
------------------------------
Aaron Jongbloedt  "YoungBlood"
http://testsvr.sabis.com
"Try a little Black Sunshine."
==============================
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==============================

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert" <gt40mkii at gmail.com>
To: "Doug Johnson" <ur-quattro at msn.com>
Cc: <a4 at audifans.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 02, 2007 10:15 PM
Subject: Re: [A4] Strut vs. Cartridge Replacement Options


> At 08:52 PM 1/2/2007, you wrote:
> >The local tire store told me that strut cartridges are only available for
B5
> >cars with sport suspensions.  And, since I don't have the sport
suspension,
> >I have to replace the complete strut assemblies.  Does that sound right?
>
> It sounds possible.  Is it because the cartridges physically won't
> fit, or because the dampening rates are different.  If its because of
> different dampening rates, you may be able to install the cartridges
> and move up to a stiffer spring.
>
>
>
> >Finally, might I risk damaging standard struts if I installed OEM sport
> >springs on them, by bottoming-out the struts?
>
> Probably not.  Most OEM dampers are designed with bump-stops to keep
> the dampers from bottoming out.
>
> And of you installed sport springs, they'd be LESS likely to bottom
> out, not more.
>
> Keep in mind though, that springs and dampers should be matched to
> each other.  A stiffer spring requires more damping -- one reason why
> lots of after market suspension setup ride so badly.  they move to a
> shorter spring to lower the car, often by removing coils from the
> factory spring.  This increases the spring rate beyond what the car's
> dampers are designed for and the car bounces around like a Model
> T.  Keep the dampers and springs matched and you end up with a nice ride.
>
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