devilsnight

So I've spent a good 90 minutes of searching here and online for any information specific to a 2005 A8 and replacement of the front springs.

Why now you might ask? I just returned from the dealer (stealer) with a $4,200 estimate to replace both springs in the front of my A8.

Interesting that only the front right side is sagging and low in the mornings and when I drive.

Apparently Arnott is the way to go based on what I've read so far from the few (allroad) DIYers so far. Can't seem to find anything specific to our D3 online so far.

My questions are these:

1) Are there any valuable sources for us A8 owners with regards to how-to videos? If so, where?

2) Has any A8 owner here done this themself and if so, will you share info?

3) What should I expect to pay for the replacement spring online?

4) What online vender is recommended?

5) What is a reasonable price one should expect an independent mechanic to charge per corner for replacement?

As always, any and all help, feedback, guidance is very much appreciated!

Thanks!

Brozee

All you need to know is this:

Arnott industries replacement, $700, $300 core charge that's refunded when you send your old one back to them. It was only about $200 when I had my indy change it. The dealer wanted $2400. Also, Arnott has a lifetime warranty on their struts, it looked really nice when I got it.

Also, miles don't really matter, on my 05 I still have the original struts with 116k. My friend just replaced the right strut on his 07 and his only has 72k on it. YMMV, regardless they are a ridiculous cost at the dealer.

Thread closed

Galco

Sorry, I don't have experience is this, but wonder how many miles are on your car as this may be something for all of us to watch for and to have a reasonably price remedy would be very helpful.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

devilsnight

My car only has 57,000 miles on it so far

mishar

That's right way to go, replacing them in pairs with new OEM's if somebody else is paying. But it will be just fine to replace just the broken one with remanufactured unit and do it yourself if you are paying.

That "when I drive" part bothers me. It should go up once you start it. It could be that your compressor is bad too.

1. As far as I know this one is the best. To replace a strut you really do not need any video.

2. Few of them, but you have to wait for them to kick in (if they are still around).

3. $700 remanufactured $1500 new.

4. See #3

5. As Brozee said, $200 should easily cover it.

Millage is not important. Driving style is. There was (may be he still is) a guy who replaced half a dozen tires under some warranty. They canceled it for him at the end. I bet his struts didn't last long. We had picture of exploded aluminium part of strut under "just regular driving". Air suspension is an excellent drive but it is not a hovercraft.

devilsnight

That "when I drive" part bothers me. It should go up once you start it. It could be that your compressor is bad too.


Mishar,

Firstly, thanks for taking your time (as always) to respond and contribute. The stealer told me the right corner is sagging constantly because the leak is so bad there that the compressor can't keep up with the leak. All 3 of the other corners seem to be fine to me.

mishar

If that is the case than stop using it immediately or you will kill your compressor.

devilsnight

Oh I definitely have, I just picked up a rental car for a week. i need to buy the Arnott spring and then find an indy wrench to put it in.

devilsnight

One other thing I was asked. How do I find out if I have the 'sport' suspension' or the 'comfort' suspension?

mishar

I believe it is written on your MMI screen when you go to Car Menu. Should be on top something like Sport Suspension. Somebody who has it should kick in here.