Audi S Line springs and shocks

[AI1694]

So my OH’s car has a snapped front driver side coil spring. It is a 2010 A3 S line. I have a few questions which I’m sure some of you knowledgeable people will be able to answer:
- Will both front springs need to be replaced?
- Are the stock S line springs only available from main dealer?
- Rear shocks, I may get them done too as one was showing slight misting of oil on the MOT. I’m guessing the stock replacement is main dealer only too?

Thanks as always.

[Condi]

AI1694 said:

So my OH’s car has a snapped front driver side coil spring. It is a 2010 A3 S line. I have a few questions which I’m sure some of you knowledgeable people will be able to answer:
- Will both front springs need to be replaced?
- Are the stock S line springs only available from main dealer?
- Rear shocks, I may get them done too as one was showing slight misting of oil on the MOT. I’m guessing the stock replacement is main dealer only too?

Thanks as always.

I would do both fronts at once, they're 9 years old and if one's gone the second probably isn't too far behind. You may as well do the shocks as well, you've already paid most of the labour. As a guide both front shocks and springs cost me £500 all in (for a 2010 A4), with me buying the parts and local garage doing the labour.

Euro Car Parts do have parts, they're not main dealer only. Get the good ones (Sachs, etc) rather than own brand or budget. CarParts4Less are ECP's cheaper alternative, online only. If you're buying the parts then get a couple of pinch bolts as well, they're about £2 each and the garage will likely insist on them before starting, in case the existing ones need cutting out. I presume that the A3 suspension set up is the same as A4.

'Slight misting of oil' seems to be standard for Audi shocks. There isn't any need to change them until they go.

Edited by Condi on Sunday 4th August 13:06

[helix402]

Dealer springs will be the best bet as they are matched to your actual car, rather than close enough that’ll do.

[Condi]

helix402 said:

Dealer springs will be the best bet as they are matched to your actual car, rather than close enough that’ll do.

Given Sachs are OEM for a whole heap of car manufactures (including, if you believe the internet, Audi), then I doubt there is much to worry about.

[annodomini2]

Condi said:

AI1694 said:

So my OH’s car has a snapped front driver side coil spring. It is a 2010 A3 S line. I have a few questions which I’m sure some of you knowledgeable people will be able to answer:
- Will both front springs need to be replaced?
- Are the stock S line springs only available from main dealer?
- Rear shocks, I may get them done too as one was showing slight misting of oil on the MOT. I’m guessing the stock replacement is main dealer only too?

Thanks as always.

I would do both fronts at once, they're 9 years old and if one's gone the second probably isn't too far behind. You may as well do the shocks as well, you've already paid most of the labour. As a guide both front shocks and springs cost me £500 all in (for a 2010 A4), with me buying the parts and local garage doing the labour.

Euro Car Parts do have parts, they're not main dealer only. Get the good ones (Sachs, etc) rather than own brand or budget. CarParts4Less are ECP's cheaper alternative, online only. If you're buying the parts then get a couple of pinch bolts as well, they're about £2 each and the garage will likely insist on them before starting, in case the existing ones need cutting out. I presume that the A3 suspension set up is the same as A4.

'Slight misting of oil' seems to be standard for Audi shocks. There isn't any need to change them until they go.

Edited by Condi on Sunday 4th August 13:06

My only suggestion is not to use ECP for delivery collect only.

My other suggestion is NEVER to use CarParts4Less.

They are both utterly useless at delivery and CP4L are impossible to deal with if anything goes wrong.

If you need mail order, misterauto would be a better bet.