Audi Suspension Maintenance
Audi is known for their high-end, tech-filled luxury vehicles. But like all vehicles, the precision-engineered German cars will need the suspension system servicing.
As your suspension is constantly in use – it keeps your Audi level, absorbing all bumps and uneven road surfaces – over time, suspension components will wear down and need replacing.
At Fergies, it’s common for our clients to visit us when they encounter a knocking noise or notice a change in their Audi’s ride and handling, indicating the necessity for suspension servicing. Our team of skilled professionals is readily available to address any suspension-related concerns in Audi vehicles.
In this blog, we’ll discuss why suspension maintenance is important, how the system works, signs of suspension issues and the risks of driving with a faulty suspension.
Read on to learn more about your Audi suspension…
Why is Audi Suspension System Maintenance Important?
The suspension in your Audi needs to absorb the impacts on the road. It gives the driver and passengers a comfortable ride and has an important role in maintaining handling, and keeping all 4 wheels and tyres on the ground at all times.
Having your Audi suspension regularly inspected and maintained keeps you stable when driving around corners and braking. Without correct maintenance, your suspension may be faulty, causing poor handling, low fuel economy, uneven and increased tyre wear and is generally unsafe.
Our Audi experts here at Fergies are always on hand to evaluate your suspension system and keep your Audi in top condition.
What are the Signs of Audi Suspension Problems?
Audi suspension problems can manifest in various ways, and it’s essential to recognise the signs early to ensure safety and prevent further damage.
Here are some common signs of Audi suspension problems:
Uneven Tyre Wear: Uneven tyre wear, where one tyre or a set of tyres wears out faster than the others, can be a sign of suspension issues. This often indicates misalignment or problems with the shock absorbers.
Rough Ride: If your Audi’s ride feels rougher than usual, with a lot of bumps and vibrations felt in the cabin, it may be due to worn-out or damaged shock absorbers or struts.
Vehicle Pulling: If your Audi tends to pull to one side while driving on a straight road, it could indicate issues with alignment or suspension components.
Excessive Bouncing: A vehicle with a healthy suspension should have controlled and minimal bouncing after hitting a bump. If your Audi bounces excessively, it might be a sign of worn-out shocks or struts.
Clunking or Knocking Noises: Unusual noises, such as clunking or knocking, when driving over rough terrain or during turns, can be indicative of worn-out suspension components or loose parts.
Difficulty Steering: Problems with your power steering system could be linked to suspension issues. If steering feels stiff or harder to control than usual, it might be time to inspect the suspension.
Leaking Fluid: If you notice damp or oily spots under your Audi, it could be a sign of leaking shock absorbers or struts. Leaking fluid can affect the performance.
Visible Damage: Inspect the suspension components for visible damage, such as bent or broken control arms, sway bars, or damaged bushings.
Uneven Height: If one corner of your Audi appears lower than the others, it may indicate a problem with the suspension system on that side.
Warning Lights: Some modern Audi models are equipped with electronic suspension systems that can trigger warning lights on the dashboard when there’s an issue. Pay attention to any warning lights and get the vehicle inspected promptly.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s advisable to have your Audi inspected by a qualified mechanic, like the team here at Fergies. Prompt attention to suspension issues can help ensure your vehicle’s safety, handling, and overall performance. Regular maintenance and inspections can also prevent more significant and costly problems in the future.
How Does the Audi Suspension System Work?
The Audi suspension system is a critical component that makes Audi vehicles stand out in terms of performance and handling. Audi offers various suspension types to cater to different models and driving experiences.
One of the latest innovations in Audi’s lineup is the “Predictive Active Suspension” available in the Audi A8. This advanced system uses actuators to adjust the ride height of the suspension springs independently for each wheel.
This allows for active management of the car’s ride height, ensuring a comfortable ride on different terrains. This system can change the car’s body height by up to 85mm every 0.5 seconds.
Audi vehicles are equipped with several types of suspension at the front:
- MacPherson Strut: Although less common in Audis, the MacPherson Strut is found in models like the Audi TT. This design offers simplicity and space efficiency, making it suitable for compact vehicles.
- Double-Wishbone: Used in models like the Audi R8 and Audi Q7, this suspension type allows for independent wheel movement and offers precise handling. The Audi Q7 uses air springs for enhanced comfort.
- Multi-Link or Five-Link Suspension: Most Audi’s use this suspension design, featuring four control arms per side. This configuration allows for fine-tuning of camber, caster, and toe, resulting in improved handling and stability, especially in larger models like the A6.
Audi suspension systems on the rear are typically:
- Double-Wishbone: Similar to the front variant, this suspension type offers independent wheel movement and is often used in high-performance models like the Audi R8.
- Four-Link: Found in models like the Audi TT Quattro, this setup uses upper links and lower trailing arms to control axle movement, allowing for axle travel and articulation.
- Self-Tracking Trapezoidal-Link: Offering high torsional and bending stiffness, this configuration provides a smooth ride by isolating vibrations from the car body. It’s commonly used in larger models like the Audi A6.
Audi’s dynamic or adaptive suspension, part of their Drive Select system, allows drivers to customise their vehicle’s behaviour too. The Dynamic mode prioritises precise control and responsiveness, with quickened throttle response, gear shifts at higher RPMs, and stiffened steering. The Comfort mode softens the suspension and steering for a smoother ride, while the Auto mode balances comfort and performance. There’s also an Individual mode for personalised settings.
If you ever encounter suspension issues or have questions about your Audi’s suspension system, consult our Audi experts. At Fergies, we specialise in Audi suspension servicing and repairs. Our knowledge and expertise ensure your Audi maintains its performance and handling characteristics.
What Causes Suspension Problems in Audis?
Over time, your Audi suspension system components can wear. This is especially more prominent in high mileage models as wheel bearings, control arm bushes, tie rods, ball joints and sway bar links all breakdown and become less effective.
This is made worse when you drive your Audi hard, including sharp braking and rapid acceleration. Off-roading and a greater amount of uneven surfaces cause Audi suspension to break down and fail over time too. Especially if you live in an area filled with potholes or unpaved roads.
Your Audi suspension system has a range of serviceable parts. Your service manual may state the appropriate times for replacing suspension components.
At Fergies, our Audi technicians inspect your suspension system and dive deeper into the root cause of any problem. We will also make sure related parts are inspected for damage and leave you with peace of mind that your Audi suspension is working just as it should.
The Risks of Driving with a Faulty Audi Suspension
Driving an Audi with a compromised suspension system is risky. This is what you may encounter when you drive with these faulty components:
Damaged Struts: Driving with a damaged strut is unsafe. Struts absorb road bumps, contribute to steering, and safeguard other suspension parts. A broken strut leads to discomfort, hampers handling, and may harm other components.
Damaged Springs: It’s not advisable to drive with damaged springs. Sagging or noisy springs impact alignment, resulting in a rough ride and reduced control, particularly during emergencies.
Damaged Control Arms: While possible, driving with damaged control arms requires extra caution. Control arms influence suspension articulation and alignment, potentially causing handling issues and accelerated tyre wear.
Damaged Shock Absorbers: You can drive with a broken shock absorber, but it’s uncomfortable and affects control, especially at higher speeds.
As a certified Audi garage, our team of specialists here at Fergies can offer maintenance, servicing, repairs or replacements for any Audi suspension issue. Contact us today for a safe and reliable fix.
