A6 suspension refurb

[Grant Lenahan]

My advice is 4-fold:

1. On C5 series cars you generally dont need strut bushings, unlike 
earlier cars. Of course, with 100k, maybe you do, but check first.
2. You definitely dont need springs. You may *wish* to replace them with 
something firmer, but i seriously doubt they are worn.
3. Beware of replacement control arms kits. Not that there is anything 
wrong wiht a kit per se, but there are horror stories of particular 
replacement brands that last 1-2 years.  Audi OEM are pretty solid, 
supposedly so are the Bilstein kits. Others may have more info.
4. I'm sure you need TREs as well. They may be impossible to separate 
from the tie rods themselves at this point, so you may need the whole 
assembly. I needed "one and one".  At 54k.  Most people like to replace 
with the solid-member units from the B5 S4 - for almost no more money.

Good luck.  BTW, i just replace them as they go. Typically all the CAs 
dont go - certainly not all at once.

You cna also try greasing them if they just creak. Clunks are further 
gone.  Works for me!

Grant

David Kavanagh wrote:
> I've been off-list for a while (well, just not reading this e-mail for many
> months). Anyway, my 2000 A6 2.7t is creaking and clunking in the supension
> area. It is almost 8 years old with 110K on the clock, so I don't doubt it
> is time to R&R the suspension. I found a kit at PAP for the front control
> arms/bushings that comes in at about $500. Then, I'd need something for the
> rear and then shocks, strut bushings, and maybe springs. I have the comfort
> suspension, and wonder if putting a firmer suspension on a car of this age
> is a good idea. It has been very quiet when it comes to any squeaks or
> rattles. Very solid car overall. I've had it for about 4.5 years now (and
> put over 65K miles on it).
>
> Opinions, or BTDT?
>
> David
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