RE: 4kqs Rear Suspension Question

["Dr. Ian McArthur" <imac@tcel.com>]

I have an 86 4000q with 320,000 km on the clock with the same problems in the back.  After extensive research (???) I am installing a SPAX performance spring / shock kit which, according to my local Q guru will solve it all.  4 springs, four shocks:  $800 cdn (That's about fifty bucks American :<).  

Supposedly, the problem is from tired springs and shock (A combination of both).  Also check ride height: it affects bump steer.  The SPAX kite lowers the car about an inch and alters the ride height.  This of course puts the suspension geometry out of (Audi) spec.  This worries me a little.

Someone wrote a long explanation of ride height / bump steer in this BBS a while back that was basically correct.  Maybe you should check it out.  I don't know how to find it in here.

Ian McArthur
86 4000Q
Lotus Elan


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From: 	Ceichman@aol.com[SMTP:Ceichman@aol.com]
Sent: 	Monday, October 16, 1995 8:55 PM
To: 	hans@caere.com; quattro@coimbra.ans.net
Subject: 	Re: 4kqs Rear Suspension Question

>     I've got an question regarding my 87 4000q.  Most of the time, not 
>     always, the rear end of the car seems to "sway" after hitting a bump 
>     or some railroad tracks.  The sway feels like a side to side motion 
>     and it feels like it's coming from the read end.  Any ideas on things 
>     that I ought to check?

I have the same car and the same problem.  It feels to me like the rear end
is a little "loose" over bumps (even small bumps like reflectors).  It was
particularly bad when I got the car, but went away after having the wheels
aligned (all 4).  I had the wheels aligned again recently, and now the
problem is back.  I have a feeling that this car is very sensitive to wheel
alignment, but I wouldn't be surprised if there is a rear suspension
component that is wearing out and exacerbating the situation.  I'm VERY
curious to hear other people's experiences with this problem - particularly
if they involve a solution.