Air bag suspension going or gone?

[Allroad Bill]

My 2002 2.7T Allroad started sagging a bit when left parked for more than a few days several months ago and it now starts to sag if it sits overnight. It obviously needs to be fixed. Does anyone in Calgary (other than the dealer) have experience fixing these? I understand there are some good aftermarket parts. Does anyone have advice as to where should I take it? Thanks

[f115QT]

I don't have a good indy for you in Calgary but I can help you with the other half of your question. I'm about to make the same repair. If you have one side already failing then the odds are very good that the other side on the front will fail soon too. It's a common problem and isn't too tough to repair.

The dealer wants about $1000 a corner for those air springs (plus installation) so that's clearly out of the question. The aftermarket company you're referring to is Arnott and is selling in the US only so you have to order directly via their web site. You may as well get both sides and swap them out at the same time. They sell rear ones too but no AR owner I know has had to replace those. They also just released performance versions of the bags so you may want to consider those if that's your thing.

New Front Air Spring Assembly for 2001-2005 allroad quattro

AUDI Air Suspension Parts - allroad quattro 2001-2005

[Allroad Bill]

Thanks very much, I have made an appointment at Tunedub and will speak to them about using the aftermarket part.

[f115QT]

Yeah - check with them about the labour for sure. The Arnott versions are a godsend since it's a lifetime warranty and is a third of the price. Even with shipping and duties you'd be well ahead.

You can also get some more insight about diy repair and some suggestions about other parts to replace while part of the car is opened up. (Not to bump you from this forum but) Also check Quattroworld's Allroad forum for this info. Lots of the owners there have done this so there's plenty of reading about this particular issue. You can start at AllroadFAQ too.

http://allroadfaq.com/howto/suspension.shtml

[f115QT]

Now I remember what it was. When you replace the air springs you should replace the pinch bolts and nuts too - part# 4do 407 192c and # n 102 861 02 respectively. It's not necessary if you don't disassemble it from this area but if so, it's recommended.