[s-cars] Replacing struts...

[Bill de Alva]

Thanks for the helpful feedback.  I spoke with a service rep at Elk Mountain Motors, an Audi dealer in Glennwood Springs, CO.  The service rep advised that, based on my description of the clunking noises, he thought the problem was more likely a tie arm or other suspension connection.  He stated that the struts almost never go bad (???).  I pulled my front wheels and indeed, it appears the rubber bushing on my right tie rod is shot: http://volcano.photobucket.com/albums/v11/tachyon/Audi/Dscn2445.jpg
 
I assume one has to replace the entire tie rod as the rubber bushing appears to be cast into the rod.  I also assume I will need an alignment after replacing the tie rod.
 
The other suspension joints look ok:
http://volcano.photobucket.com/albums/v11/tachyon/Audi/Dscn2446.jpg
http://volcano.photobucket.com/albums/v11/tachyon/Audi/Dscn2448.jpg
 
The tie rod on the left looks pretty good except for a small crack in the rubber.  I assume I should start with replacement of both tie rods and a wheel alignment and then see if the clunking noises are gone.
 
Any further suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
 
Thanks.

Djdawson2 at aol.com wrote:
In a message dated 1/27/04 8:01:18 PM Mountain Standard Time, billdealva at yahoo.com writes:

I am in need of new struts for my 95 S6 with 93,000 miles and would appreciate some guidance.

1) Are any specialized tools required to replace the struts and is it a reasonable undertaking for a moderately experience home mechanic?

Really pretty easy.  No special tools required.



2) Should all four struts be replaced at once (or is it unreasonable to replace just the front struts)?

It would be reasonable to do just the fronts IMO, if that's what you want to do.


3) Should I plan on replacing the upper strut bearings along with the struts?

Unlikely, IMO.


4) What other parts should I plan on replacing along with the struts?

Struts alone would be fine.


5) What are the best struts for the 95 S6 and what are some good sources?  I have a quote from Shox.com for Bilstein OE sport suspension struts (rear shaft 12mm) at $449 in sets of four (not sure whether the price is for one or for all four).

Bilsteins are nice.  I use Konis and like them as well.  That price would be for all 4, and shox.com is about as good of a price as you will find.


6) Approximate how much should I expect to pay a dealer for the complete job?


I have no guess.  More than the struts, probably.

Good luck, and HTH,
Dave in CO



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