Re: Sub frame bushings

[paul.heneghan@bbc.co.uk (Heneghan,Paul)]

I quite like the Pi springs.  They seem to have lowered the car a 
 little - I'm not sure how much.  This is not a particularly good idea 
 in this age of speed bumps.  My exhaust down pipe seems to have been 
 crushed slightly.

Eric et al warn about bump steer with reduced height - I presume this 
 is a change in steering direction caused by the suspension being 
 deflected outside  its usual operating range - I haven't noticed any 
 even with the appalling roads we have in Worcestershire (pronounced 
 Woostersheer for our transatlantic readers).

The main thing I notice is that as expected the handling has improved a 
 lot and the ride quality is now more bumpy on bad roads (I haven't 
 even had a wheel alignment yet).  How much of this is due to the Pi 
 springs and how much is due to the Boge Turbo Gas shocks, I don't 
 know, but I like the combination.

Paul
paul.heneghan@bbc.co.uk
1984 Audi 80 quattro
1983 Audi 100 Avant

p.s. You say your shocks are in good condition - I would consider 
 changing them anyway unless they are brand new.  You will probably 
 find some leaked hydraulic fluid in the struts which may influence 
 your decision.

p.p.s. I have heard a rumour that a small amount of antifreeze should 
 be poured into each strut - something to do with achieving good 
 thermal conduction?  I couldn't find any reference to this in Haynes 
 or Bentley - any suggestions anyone?
----------
From: Ian Gregory
>I have conflicting reports about PI Springs.  Some love em and some hate
>em. Phillip Ross in Edinburg had a bad experience with them, other I have
>spoken to with other cars swear by them (Care to comment Phillip?).  What
>do you think?  I need to replace my front nearside spring eventually so I
>will be looking at a pair.  I can get OEM (Boge) springs for GBP50 each
>(anybody know a better deal?), wich don't lower the car.  I think the car
>is low enough considering the amount of Speed humps in Nottingham, and I
>don't want to have to replace the shocks as well because they are in good
>nick.