Gallardo Performante Misting Front Suspension Struts

[sardis]

Hi all,

As per the title, my late 2011 model Gallardo Performante is showing signs of misting and leaking especially on the near side. It has the lifting system and the quote for replacement of both units is a rather eye watering £8k.

Just wondering if anyone out there has had similar issues and has some helpful advice or pointers to resolve this problem without having to donate several of my limbs. Many thanks in advance.

[TBCReece]

Is that quote from a main dealer or a top-notch indie like Ricky at RE Performance?

[sardis]

It’s main dealer quote as car is in for service at the moment, just wanted to get a bit of perspective on the price, cheers.

[ChrisPackit]

There is an alternative. There's a company called Negangast that refurbish them now for less than half the price and, so far, I've not heard anything bad about them. Assuming they're the same as the R8 at least.

Cheers

C

[sardis]

Hi Chris, thanks for the tip. I’m also speaking to Dark Arts Design, who came up in a PH search. The car went through its MoT cleanly, but I will still need to address the misting this year. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

[mikiec]

I replaced the front dampers on my R8 through nagengast. About 1/4 the price of the Audi oems.
You basically order some refurbed ones, fit them, and then send your originals to them where they will refund a portion of the price back to you.

My research at the time showed the seem to last as long as the originals.

[sardis]

Thanks also Mikie, I have just emailed them for a quote, cheers.

[TBCReece]

There is certainly good and bad reports regarding Nagengast refurbished units.

You do have to take in account that the shocks are not designed to be refurbished and so are a sealed unit. Nagengast break them open, refurbish them and then fit/fix them back together although by what mechanism I don't know. They are financially an attractive option.

I think it's another internet myth that these shocks are awful an only last a few 1,000 miles. Generally, they will last 20,000 miles at least although it will depend on your driving style.

Misting is a sign they are on their way out but for R8's, Audi won't replace them under warranty until they bottom out with a "clunk". So if they are just misting, you may have more miles in them than you think.

[sardis]

Hi Reece, thanks for the comments. I’m going in with my eyes reasonably wide open, but truly appreciate everyone’s input and perspective. I’m just trying to weigh up the cost/benefit against future use and longevity of ownership. The car has a complete service history and has been well looked after so I want to maintain that, excuse the pun. Nagengast do offer a warranty with their refurbs so have some skin in the game and as I said earlier the car went through its MoT with no issues so as you rightly say it may be some time before I need to act.
All thoughts and advice are welcome thanks.