Worn suspension, what to replace?

[944fan]

The suspension on my 2001 Audi A6 is very wallowy (if that's the word), the handling is worse than it used to be and it bounces about a lot. It I go over a speed bump the front valance scrapes (unless I go very slowly). I am pretty sure the shocks (front and rear) need replacing (if I bounce a corner it rebounds a couple of times) but what about the springs? How do I know if these need doing too?

Should I just replace the lot given that I have to remove the springs anyway?

[Sam_68]

944fan said:

...but what about the springs? How do I know if these need doing too?

Should I just replace the lot given that I have to remove the springs anyway?

Easy way is to check the ride heights of the car with the springs on, then measure the free length of the springs when you've removed them and check both against manufacturer's specification. If the free lengths (or ride heights) are out of spec., or differ by more than a few mm between pairs of springs at either end of the car, it's time to change them.

It is pretty much unheard off for a spring to lose significant temper without losing free length and ride height sagging badly as well, but if you're feeling particularly paranoid, you could take them to your local race car suspension specialist or coil spring supplier who can check the spring rates in minutes on a spring tester.

Unless you've good reason to believe that the springs have lost temper/sagged, then you're probably better off spending the money on new bushes (unless money isn't an issue, in which case, yes, change the lot).

It does sound like dampers are the main cause of your problem, though, and since it's only an old Audi, I'd be inclined to just change those unless you have evidence of other problems.

[944fan]

Thanks, the ride height at the back does seem slightly lower than it used to be but not too bad. Think I'll just replace the dampers for now and see how I get on.

Cheers