Audi Shocks and Struts

Warning Sign - Effect of rough roads on Audi shocksIs it time for new Audi shocks?

According to a 2009 AASHTO summary report, only 1/2 of US major roads are said to be in good condition with more than 60% of roads in major cities in poor condition. This translates into an estimated $335 in vehicle maintenance and operation costs each year and up to $746 in major cities.

Bad road conditions may be out of our control, but you can be more prepared for them by replacing your worn out Audi shocks. The importance of new shocks goes beyond mere comfort. Worn shocks can affect steering, tire wear and your Audi’s responsiveness.  New Audi shocks and related suspension components (i.e. ball joints etc.) can improve your vehicle's ability to maintain traction, help it respond to quick turns, and emergency stops. If you notice bald patches on your tires, excessive shock oil seepage, vehicle pulling, a spongy feel and slow recovery time after driving over large bumps, or sharp knocks such as when going over railroad tracks, it may be time to purchase BLAU's Audi Shock Absorber Kit.

Audi models have one of the most complicated front suspension systems on the road today!

We often get calls from customers who are still experiencing noise after replacing their shocks and related components. This is because control arm and shock related noises can be very similar. It is a difficult task to diagnose front end problems; even for the most experienced mechanics that work on these special suspension systems. Only automotive technicians that are familiar with the complexity of your specific Audi front suspension should trouble shoot and repair it. Equipped with 8 control arms (each with ball joints), 2 tie rod assemblies (each with inner and outer joints), and 2 sway bar links; the front suspension has a combined 24 moving hemi / ball joints and bushings that make your front Audi unique in complexity. This also makes your Audi expensive to maintain.  Stay tuned for a more detailed page regarding the common front end noises that can be associated with control arms.

Audi Shock Labor CostIs It Necessary to Replace the Shock Mounts, Stops, and Boots Too?

The importance of servicing your Audi suspension the correct way cannot be overstated! In this economy many are trying to save wherever possible. However, think carefully before cutting corners in this department. When replacing Audi shocks in our own service facility, we've seen that other suspension parts Audi Shock Labor Cost (i.e. Audi shock mounts, stops, boots, and hardware) show significant signs of wear or have already begun to deteriorate and are not reusable. Many customers who've replaced only their Audi shocks, have found that they're still experiencing similar suspension problems as well as random front end suspension noises. This may be because other worn shock related components can simulate the same symptoms as bad shocks (see below section regarding the complexity of diagnosing Audi suspension system noises). Why go through the significant labor to replace the Audi shocks only to realize a failure in one or more of the related items, consequently needing to redo your suspension job again? Many wish they would have spent the extra money up front than face this labor intensive job again. Consider the following:

Audi Shock Mounts Boots Stops

Audi Bump Stops and Dust Boots. Many times, when a shock begins to go bad the seals begin to seep oil. This shock oil leaks onto the bump stop and begins to eat away at the rubber foam material, affecting its density and ability to perform its job properly.  If the bump stop isn't replaced, your new shocks have the chance of bottoming out, causing internal shock damage and premature failure. Replacing the stops helps protect new shocks from bottoming out when hitting potholes and rough roads. Leaking shock oil can also get onto the dust boots. Over time this eats away at and weakens the rubber causing it to deteriorate and eventually rip. Ripped dust boots allow road grime and dirt to contaminate the shock causing scarring of the shock shaft and seals resulting in premature shock failure. Replacing the boots protects new shocks (shock shaft and seal) from dirt and dust ensuring that they last a long time.

Audi Shock Mounts. Nearly all Audi models that we've had in our facility for shock replacement needed new shock mounts. These Audi shock mounts are made of a rubber material and with age collapse and deteriorate. This is especially noticeable in the front of the car since it supports the engine and endures the brunt of road impact. Worn shock mounts often cause a noticeable clunking noise when going over bumps (see below section regarding the complexity of diagnosing Audi suspension system noises). There may also be noticeable play at the top of the spring perch while the suspension is loaded (not un-sprung).

What Is The Difference Between an Audi Shock Absorber and an Audi Strut Assembly?

Difference between an Audi shock and an Audi strut.Audi Strut Assembly Diagram

Following are the main design features of the suspension dampening component classified as an Audi strut (not an Audi shock absorber). An Audi strut (a.k.a. MacPherson strut) contains a shock absorber and has been designed to perform multiple suspension functions. 

On Audi models a struts primary function is to act as a shock absorber, dampening the impacts of road irregularities. Audi struts also carry the coil spring on which the vehicles body is supported. The upper portion of an Audi strut usually has a built-in steering arm that a steering tie rod attaches to. The strut assembly also pivots, controlling the steering of the wheels. The design of an Audi strut eliminates the need for an upper control arm. However, it always needs to be supported with a lower control arm. Another unique design feature of some Audi struts (depending on model) is a replaceable internal shock absorber cartridge. This cartridge is mounted inside the strut and can be replaced when it is worn out.

The strut assembly plays a major part in supporting the vehicle and is a major member of the suspension system. On the other hand, an Audi shock absorber doesn't do any of the above with one exception. On rear Audi suspension systems, the shock absorber is used in conjunction with a coil spring to support the rear of the vehicle. Otherwise the primary function of the shock absorber is just for dampening.

From 1978-1995 all Audi models front suspensions were equipped using a strut assembly design. Starting in 1996 with the introduction of the A4 and 1998 with the Vw Passat, they began using a very complex 8-piece control arm front suspension design utilizing just a shock absorber for dampening. This complex 8-piece control arm and shock absorber design is still being used on the larger platform Audi A4, A6, A8 models. Vw discontinued the 8-piece control arm design around 2006. Except for the Phaeton and Toureg models which still use shock absorbers all other Vw models, Jetta, Golf, Rabbit, EOS and Beetle utilize strut assemblies. The popular Audi A3 models uses a strut system.  

BLAU® Shock Features:

BLAU Audi shocks meet and or exceed the quality construction and of Audi Bilstein shocks (Touring Class Brand) and Audi Boge shocks. Owners can expect a better ride quality when comparing our shocks to Audi Bilstein Touring shocks and Audi Boge shocks.

Audi Shocks

1) BLAU Audi shock absorber kits make shock installation easier because they include the necessary related components (i.e. mounts, stops, boots) and assembly hardware that is commonly needed for successful Audi shock replacement.

2) BLAU Audi shock absorber valving is designed specifically for each individual vehicle application.

3) BLAU Audi shock absorbers feature both Japanese mono tube and twin tube designs. These designs allow for a free floating shock shaft piston with chambers inside the shock separating the oil from a high-pressure gas charge. You can expect reduced body roll when cornering and excellent dampening characteristics while you conquer demanding road conditions.

4) BLAU Audi shock absorbers are filled with Nitrogen gas, delivering superior performance. Nitrogen gas lessens aeration of the shock's dampening fluid. This maintains continuous shock dampening performance, reducing shock fade, resulting in less tire wear and longer suspension component life.

5) Unlike other popular name brand struts and shocks, BLAU Audi shock absorbers are filled with a long life, multi viscosity oil containing Mos2 moly lubricant. Mos2 helps resist fluid breakdown and maintains year round shock fluid performance under all weather driving conditions. Mos2 greatly reduces wear on all internal shock components, extending the shock life for years of great shock performance.

6) Advanced internal self-lubricating shock components from Japan result in less shock shaft friction combined with a Fluon banded shock shaft piston, increasing Audi shock life and improving dampening sensitivity.

7) BLAU Audi shocks meet/exceed the quality of original equipment.

Owners can expect a better ride quality when comparing our shocks to Audi Bilstein Touring Shocks, Audi Boge Shocks, and Audi KYB Shocks.

Proper Fitment Of BLAU® Shocks on Audi Models

Audi Parts - Audi Shocks Struts Replacement Info

Starting in 1999 it became more common for Audi vehicles to be offered with two suspension options from the factory. 'Comfort' suspension systems (stock ride height), or 'Sport' suspension system (lowered ride height). (1) Vehicles with 'Comfort' suspension have a stock or normal looking ride height and are equipped with shock absorbers that are valved to yield a softer ride quality similar to an American luxury car. (2) Vehicles with 'Sport' suspension from the FACTORY have shorter springs that results in a slightly lowered vehicle stance of approximately 1” along with shock absorbers that have been valved to yield a slightly firmer ride.

BLAU Audi strut shock absorber kits are designed to replace worn out struts and shocks on Audi vehicles with either a 'Comfort' suspension system having a stock ride height, or a FACTORY equipped 'Sport' suspension system which has lowered the vehicle approximately 1”.

PLEASE NOTE: BLAU struts and shocks are NOT intended or designed to be used on vehicles equipped with AFTERMARKET lowering sport springs (i.e. H&R, Eibach or others). These spring kits tend to lower the vehicle more than 1” which make them dimensionally not compatible with BLAU struts and shocks.

You will appreciate that BLAU Audi struts and shocks have been engineered to provide slightly firmer ride characteristics than that of the stock original equipment 'Comfort' setup. Your experience will be similar to the ride and feel of factory 'Sport' suspension.