Suspension advice

[Dippy]

Had my shock inspected today - looks like most if not all of the fluid has leaked out. Not only that the rear springs show signs of wear. The H&R coilovers are now 8 years old and it is time to replace the whole lot.

As there is no reason why I HAVE to replace with the same, I am wondering what suspension to get (B5 S4 avant).

I had the H&R coilovers fitted by AmD entirely at their advice. I have been happy with them, although maybe the ride has been a bit harsher than I would have liked, and they have been noisy when the road is quite uneven.

I'd say that my driving is definitely less lively than it used to be (I must be getting old), and I certainly don't take the car on the track. So I don't think I need the best aftermarket suspension and I certainly don't think I should get expensive suspension.

Any recommendations?

[rhunter203]

Bilstein PSS9

[dace]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[Virdee Autos]

PSS9's without a doubt. You won't be dissapointed

[stumpyrs4]

What about OEM shocks and lowered springs ?

[Dippy]

Thanks for the answers. I have no doubt that PSS9s are good, but I also have no doubt that they are simply too good. They are expensive and I am sure that I would not get the benefit for the money.

However my experience with H&R coilovers suggests that I should still have coilovers rather than another solution.

Does anyone have experience of other brands of coilover?

[GDS968]

I have the eibach setup and its pretty good. Not to harsh and I do a lot of "B" roads round my way! It's stiffer than stock by some way but a good compromise between track and road IMO. Obviously you can adjust spring heights but not rebound/damping etc.

[Dippy]

Thanks - is there any model number for those Eibach coilovers?

[GDS968]

Dippy This is the number for the S4 B5 kit PSS65-15-003-03-22 , its for the heavier front axle. They do kits and this one was recommended to me.

[DavidT]

That's a bugger DPE

H&R will refurb them, they test them as a set of 4 and do what is necessary. I could not get a price estimate out of them, so that option could be expensive. The springs are around £ 120 each (ouch!).

If you decide not to refurb them, let me know, I might buy them off you

[Virdee Autos]

Eibach don't list a kit for the RS4.

So the part number listed above is only for normal Quattro models, and S4.

[Dippy]

Hi David, interesting to know that H&R offer to refurb, but I'm against it on principle. I once had alloy wheels refurbed, but was not really happy with the results. In the end I bought new wheels and in hindsight should have done so sooner instead of the refurb. I still intend to keep this car for years to come, and will get my turbo upgrade when the time is right. Makes sense for me to get new suspension now, rather than the hassle of a refurb which may not give me the results I am looking for in the long term.

I'll keep you posted when the H&Rs are available.

I'm confident that I don't need TOTR suspension, just a decent quality set of coilovers for road use.

I think I need to do some research. I don't really understand suspension and what makes one set-up better than another so

[DavidT]

I understand what you are saying about refurbs, I had the same experience with a set of wheels last year. You would hope H&R would do it right though? If you did refurb them, they would sell easily too.

The PSS9's seem to be the kit of choice and the fact that the damping is 2 way adjustable, along with the ride height should help you fine tune them once they are on the car. Not cheap though!

Nice to see someone else keeping their car forever too

[GDS968]

Virdee He has an S4!!

[Virdee Autos]

Wooops sorry my bad!

In that case go for the Eibachs then if on a budget