ST and general coilover question.

[FiftyFive]

I'm in the market for coilovers and have done a fair amount of research. I know I need coilovers that can withstand a harsh winter as I live in CT. I am looking to stay under $1,000 as I won't be taking the car and the kit will mainly be for looks.

I have noticed that the STs are an option due to their stainless steel construction. Have the issues with the rear spring been resolved with this kit?

I'm also interested in hearing if there are any other sub $1,000 stainless steel options I should be considering. I'm unsure if Vogtlands are stainless and I know Solowerks are not.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[Shimmy]

ST are not stainless steel. they only have a galvanized coating.
I'm not aware of any sub $1k coilovers that have stainless steel bodies.

[Cgoon009]

I'm in the market for coilovers and have done a fair amount of research. I know I need coilovers that can withstand a harsh winter as I live in CT. I am looking to stay under $1,000 as I won't be taking the car and the kit will mainly be for looks.

I have noticed that the STs are an option due to their stainless steel construction. Have the issues with the rear spring been resolved with this kit?

I'm also interested in hearing if there are any other sub $1,000 stainless steel options I should be considering. I'm unsure if Vogtlands are stainless and I know Solowerks are not.

Thanks in advance for the help.

I cant speak to the rear spring problem, but I have STs installed on a A6 sedan (C6) and I think they are good. My old man loves them because they ride stock and he wanted to go lower, so far no complaints, but I do keep an eye on them.

I personally have a set of solos on my wagon and a set of stasis track sports on my sedan. They are both fine, the solos are stiffer then I expected. I coated them well with anti rust, but I will have to do that again, I'm sure. I an not fond of the track sports, but oh well.

I had a set of Vogtlands, and I loved them. I personally feel that they are by far the best set of coilovers under 1k that I have ever owned. They rode so well, and were great quality, however I will say that they were showing signs of oxidation after one winter, but I didn't protect them, so its possible that they would have preformed better. I would still recommend them, but I would also protect them well. They still spun freely when adjusted, but the gold had discolored a bit.

[FiftyFive]

ST are not stainless steel. they only have a galvanized coating.
I'm not aware of any sub $1k coilovers that have stainless steel bodies.
Sorry, you're right.

I cant speak to the rear spring problem, but I have STs installed on a A6 sedan (C6) and I think they are good. My old man loves them because they ride stock and he wanted to go lower, so far no complaints, but I do keep an eye on them.

I personally have a set of solos on my wagon and a set of stasis track sports on my sedan. They are both fine, the solos are stiffer then I expected. I coated them well with anti rust, but I will have to do that again, I'm sure. I an not fond of the track sports, but oh well.

I had a set of Vogtlands, and I loved them. I personally feel that they are by far the best set of coilovers under 1k that I have ever owned. They rode so well, and were great quality, however I will say that they were showing signs of oxidation after one winter, but I didn't protect them, so its possible that they would have preformed better. I would still recommend them, but I would also protect them well. They still spun freely when adjusted, but the gold had discolored a bit.
So any coilover that is not stainless will hold up well as long as the threads are protected with some sort of coating?

The Vogtlands intrigued me but again worried about corrosion.

[PatDelaney7]

I'm in a very similar boat. I am leaning toward Solowerks, Glen from Solowerks is a very smart guy who's been around forever. This is a quote from him in another thread, really speaks to corrosion/coil lifespan. I'm from Boston, and a pair of coils that can handle any winter is high on my list, especially this show storm (going on 95.7" of snow). Hope this helps a little!

"I love the question of corrosion resistance!

The Solo's are constructed of steel housings that have a Chrome Zinc plating. This is the highest level of protection used on the market today for Non Stainless steel coilovers.

The basic hierarchy is, from worst protection to best:

Black Zinc
Blue Zinc
Chrome Zinc
Gold Zinc
Green/Olive Zinc

If you go to your local home improvement store and look at different zinc plated hardware (screws etc...) they will often have a diagram showing the corrosion resistance of each.

The main part you are concerned with is the threaded portion, as during installation and adjustment with the pressure of the spring you may take off a bit of the coating due to friction. To combat this Solo Werks (and H&R btw) include a starter bottle of Boeshield T9 (http://boeshield.com/) to put on the threads to not only lubricate for easier adjustment, but it also dries to a waxy type coating to give an extra layer of protection.

Use this on the threads every time you adjust the system and they will go through many winters with no issue. (also great on bike chains and many other places!)"

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

We have ST's installed on our B8 S4 and the ride is sporty but still comfortable enough to daily drive on.

They also come with a 5 year warranty. These are manufactured by KW which is a very high quality brand and has been in the Automotive industry for years.

You really don't have to worry about corrosion much because the front shocks have composite spring seats which can't rust which will help with seizing up. The shock body it's self is galvanized to help with surface rust though. Rear adjustment collars are made of aluminum which if you just apply anti-seize you should be fine.

Hope this helps!

Jason

[Cgoon009]

Sorry, you're right.

So any coilover that is not stainless will hold up well as long as the threads are protected with some sort of coating?

The Vogtlands intrigued me but again worried about corrosion.

Yea generally they will last longer if regularly protected. Even SS is not completely fool proof, and that would eventually show its age. So its best to be fastidious about maint.


I'm in a very similar boat. I am leaning toward Solowerks, Glen from Solowerks is a very smart guy who's been around forever. This is a quote from him in another thread, really speaks to corrosion/coil lifespan. I'm from Boston, and a pair of coils that can handle any winter is high on my list, especially this show storm (going on 95.7" of snow). Hope this helps a little!

"I love the question of corrosion resistance!

The Solo's are constructed of steel housings that have a Chrome Zinc plating. This is the highest level of protection used on the market today for Non Stainless steel coilovers.

The basic hierarchy is, from worst protection to best:

Black Zinc
Blue Zinc
Chrome Zinc
Gold Zinc
Green/Olive Zinc

If you go to your local home improvement store and look at different zinc plated hardware (screws etc...) they will often have a diagram showing the corrosion resistance of each.

The main part you are concerned with is the threaded portion, as during installation and adjustment with the pressure of the spring you may take off a bit of the coating due to friction. To combat this Solo Werks (and H&R btw) include a starter bottle of Boeshield T9 (http://boeshield.com/) to put on the threads to not only lubricate for easier adjustment, but it also dries to a waxy type coating to give an extra layer of protection.

Use this on the threads every time you adjust the system and they will go through many winters with no issue. (also great on bike chains and many other places!)"

That's what I use, and could not agree more about Glen, I have been his customer for a while now. Great guy and very helpful, that's why I tried the soloworks in the first place. I am wondering whether the Vogtlands are gold zinc? I know they are not SS, but they do have a very gold housing.

http://www.ngpracing.com/newstore/images/detailed/22/mk3-front-coil213845560195286a5f38e767.jpg

Or is that chrome zinc? I have never actually thought about the color.

[FiftyFive]

We have ST's installed on our B8 S4 and the ride is sporty but still comfortable enough to daily drive on.

They also come with a 5 year warranty. These are manufactured by KW which is a very high quality brand and has been in the Automotive industry for years.

You really don't have to worry about corrosion much because the front shocks have composite spring seats which can't rust which will help with seizing up. The shock body it's self is galvanized to help with surface rust though. Rear adjustment collars are made of aluminum which if you just apply anti-seize you should be fine.

Hope this helps!

Jason
Has the issue with the rear spring rates been fixed?

I'm in a very similar boat. I am leaning toward Solowerks, Glen from Solowerks is a very smart guy who's been around forever. This is a quote from him in another thread, really speaks to corrosion/coil lifespan. I'm from Boston, and a pair of coils that can handle any winter is high on my list, especially this show storm (going on 95.7" of snow). Hope this helps a little!

"I love the question of corrosion resistance!

The Solo's are constructed of steel housings that have a Chrome Zinc plating. This is the highest level of protection used on the market today for Non Stainless steel coilovers.

The basic hierarchy is, from worst protection to best:

Black Zinc
Blue Zinc
Chrome Zinc
Gold Zinc
Green/Olive Zinc

If you go to your local home improvement store and look at different zinc plated hardware (screws etc...) they will often have a diagram showing the corrosion resistance of each.

The main part you are concerned with is the threaded portion, as during installation and adjustment with the pressure of the spring you may take off a bit of the coating due to friction. To combat this Solo Werks (and H&R btw) include a starter bottle of Boeshield T9 (http://boeshield.com/) to put on the threads to not only lubricate for easier adjustment, but it also dries to a waxy type coating to give an extra layer of protection.

Use this on the threads every time you adjust the system and they will go through many winters with no issue. (also great on bike chains and many other places!)"
I saw that thread and it made me consider the Solowerks, they are still on my list.

[Cgoon009]

Has the issue with the rear spring rates been fixed?

I saw that thread and it made me consider the Solowerks, they are still on my list.

Well here is our review of them, read both parts. Overall I am happy with them. also answered my own question about the color. Vogtlands are chrome zinc.

http://cleanaudi.com/2014/09/24/solo-werks-coilover-review-p1/

http://cleanaudi.com/2014/10/18/solo-werks-coilover-review-p2/

As for the winter review, I got under the car a few weeks ago and they are holding up well. Need a good cleaning, but overall we are happy with them. Bottom line, they are much stiffer then originally thought, great for sporty ride, not as great for comfort. STs seem softer and more like factory ride quality. The welds are holding up well, although I wish they were neater. For the price point however we really cant complain.

[FiftyFive]

Well here is our review of them, read both parts. Overall I am happy with them. also answered my own question about the color. Vogtlands are chrome zinc.

http://cleanaudi.com/2014/09/24/solo-werks-coilover-review-p1/

http://cleanaudi.com/2014/10/18/solo-werks-coilover-review-p2/

As for the winter review, I got under the car a few weeks ago and they are holding up well. Need a good cleaning, but overall we are happy with them. Bottom line, they are much stiffer then originally thought, great for sporty ride, not as great for comfort. STs seem softer and more like factory ride quality. The welds are holding up well, although I wish they were neater. For the price point however we really cant complain.
Thanks for the review. Have you guys noticed any noises with these?

So in general the ride quality is better overall with the Vogtlands but for the price the SWs are a deal as they have similar corrosion resistance as the Vogs.

[AKPS4]

what about the H&R street performance coilovers from only 1100? I am not sure of the body construction but I believe they are much more performance oriented then those others listed above and with a minimal price increase over your budget.

[FiftyFive]

what about the H&R street performance coilovers from only 1100? I am not sure of the body construction but I believe they are much more performance oriented then those others listed above and with a minimal price increase over your budget.
I was considering those as well but thought it may not make much sense as I will not be tracking the car and just want a decent ride and drop. Essentially the SWs or Vogtlands can be bought and installed for less than the H&R coilovers alone.

[Cgoon009]

Thanks for the review. Have you guys noticed any noises with these?

So in general the ride quality is better overall with the Vogtlands but for the price the SWs are a deal as they have similar corrosion resistance as the Vogs.

Yes, I personally found the Vogtlands to be slightly better at handling the bumps, but its worth noting that the other suspension components were upgraded as well. So that may have played a role as well. (It also may be that the shocks are valved differently and thus the match is better, but I can't say for sure) That being said, so far, I am really impressed with the solowerks, I didn't expect much because they cost so much less, but I was pleasantly surprised. And they both appear to have the same level of protection. As for noise, none at all.

Pic of said solowerks car for whoring sake:

https://cleanaudidotcom.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/ikea-shoot-2.jpg

Not quite B8 martial, but you get the idea

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

Has the issue with the rear spring rates been fixed?

Wasn't aware there was an issue.. We've had them installed on our vehicle for over a year and it sits how it's supposed to. You will have some settlement out of the springs but I wouldn't classify it as sagging. It's pretty much expected out of any lowering suspension that it will settle after a while. And once it does you can adjust it if it settles lower than you want. Unlike a lowering spring where once it settles that's where its at.

Jason

[FiftyFive]

Wasn't aware there was an issue.. We've had them installed on our vehicle for over a year and it sits how it's supposed to. You will have some settlement out of the springs but I wouldn't classify it as sagging. It's pretty much expected out of any lowering suspension that it will settle after a while. And once it does you can adjust it if it settles lower than you want. Unlike a lowering spring where once it settles that's where its at.

Jason
I've read that the rear spring rates for the STs were off and they end up binding and making a lot of noise.

[Cgoon009]

Wasn't aware there was an issue.. We've had them installed on our vehicle for over a year and it sits how it's supposed to. You will have some settlement out of the springs but I wouldn't classify it as sagging. It's pretty much expected out of any lowering suspension that it will settle after a while. And once it does you can adjust it if it settles lower than you want. Unlike a lowering spring where once it settles that's where its at.

Jason

Mby he is referring to the lack of height adjustability for them? It seems like the rears go way lower then the fronts and make it hard to do a minor drop without reverse rake. I had this problem on the A6 sedan, and I know KW offers spacers.

Edit ^ Oh, never heard of that, and the ST springs don't make any noise on the A6 we have. Hmm, hope they don't start!

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

I've read that the rear spring rates for the STs were off and they end up binding and making a lot of noise.

I don't see how. My guess is probably from improper installation. We run these on our B8 A4, B8 S4, and I even have them on my B6 A4 and not once has there ever been an issue.


Mby he is referring to the lack of height adjustability for them? It seems like the rears go way lower then the fronts and make it hard to do a minor drop without reverse rake. I had this problem on the A6 sedan, and I know KW offers spacers.

Edit ^ Oh, never heard of that, and the ST springs don't make any noise on the A6 we have. Hmm, hope they don't start!

Fronts have plenty of adjustability. Like enough to slam your car to the ground. I have my B6 A4 at 24.5" FTG in the front and I still have a good 1.5-2 inches of threads left. My rears are all the way down and honestly it could probably be a touch lower. In the spring I might remove the adjustment collar and just install the spring with the rear perch which should give me an extra 2-3mm drop which will be perfect.

Jason

[FiftyFive]

I don't see how. My guess is probably from improper installation. We run these on our B8 A4, B8 S4, and I even have them on my B6 A4 and not once has there ever been an issue.



Fronts have plenty of adjustability. Like enough to slam your car to the ground. I have my B6 A4 at 24.5" FTG in the front and I still have a good 1.5-2 inches of threads left. My rears are all the way down and honestly it could probably be a touch lower. In the spring I might remove the adjustment collar and just install the spring with the rear perch which should give me an extra 2-3mm drop which will be perfect.

Jason
Interesting, it must've been improper installation then. I guess they're back in the mix, decisions decisions..

[Cgoon009]

I don't see how. My guess is probably from improper installation. We run these on our B8 A4, B8 S4, and I even have them on my B6 A4 and not once has there ever been an issue.



Fronts have plenty of adjustability. Like enough to slam your car to the ground. I have my B6 A4 at 24.5" FTG in the front and I still have a good 1.5-2 inches of threads left. My rears are all the way down and honestly it could probably be a touch lower. In the spring I might remove the adjustment collar and just install the spring with the rear perch which should give me an extra 2-3mm drop which will be perfect.

Jason

Yea I was saying that we didn't want to slam the A6. We were looking for a more conservative drop, and the fronts were fine, but the rears were maxed out as high as they could go. So we had to go lower then we originally wanted to get rid of the reverse rake. No big deal, but it would be nice if the rears had more thread to allow for a less aggressive drop.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

Interesting, it must've been improper installation then. I guess they're back in the mix, decisions decisions..

I've always taken reviews with a grain of salt. Have to remember that not everyone is a master tech or has their suspension components installed by a professional.

Granted there are very capable enthusiasts that can easily perform a suspension install but this is not everyone. Typically binding describes something that rotates like a wheel, drivetrain part, or rotors. I'd have to read the thread you saw to understand how they were using the word. Since nothing in the suspension I can think of would bind up. Clunking and rattling around make more sense as they could have forgot to tighten something, or might not have the springs seated properly, or even installed in the right orientation.

Jason

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

Yea I was saying that we didn't want to slam the A6. We were looking for a more conservative drop, and the fronts were fine, but the rears were maxed out as high as they could go. So we had to go lower then we originally wanted to get rid of the reverse rake. No big deal, but it would be nice if the rears had more thread to allow for a less aggressive drop.

Unfortunately when you switch to a smaller spring (which you need to get the intended drop from the suspension) it's difficult to go above the recommended range of adjustment as majority of customers want to go lower than factory settings. A mild lowering spring probably would have been a better option since most typically have a drop of 1" to 1.25"

Jason

[jran76]

I was one of the people that reported binding type noises on the ST's. One look at my thread or the below pics, and it will be pretty obvious what the problem was. The rear coils made a lot of contact with each other. Not a completely uncommon thing with progressive springs. I can assure you my issue was not an installation issue (love the speculation though....). They were installed by an ST dealer that is also the preeminent race suspension setup shop in North Texas. Myself, the shop that installed them, and another shop went through everything, and found no issues; I've personally installed 15-20 sets of coilovers with no issues.

As mentioned, coil slap, or whatever you want to call it, is somewhat common on progressive springs; especially ones that are not specifically designed for the S4 as the ST's clearly were not in my case. The solution is to add a "sleeve" to the coils to dampen the noise. I know KW has now done this, but I don't know about ST. Also, as has been discussed, the rear was about a 2" drop at the HIGHEST setting. Many people added an (unsafe) spacer to get the rear closer to the published spec. Again, KW/ST may have changed this, but they have not communicated this to anyone to this point (in order to not admit there was a problem in the first place).

Admittedly, I had an early set, and there could be changes. However, when I contacted ST for help 2 years into their 5 year warranty period, they offered NOTHING. No rear spring replacement, and no offer of sleeves for the rear springs. They said I could buy the sleeves or new springs myself, but that they could not provide the sleeves even if I was willing to buy them (even though KW adds these now, and it was KW I was communicating with). Up until this point, I held KW in high regard, but I would never recommend or use their products again after this.

In the below pics, you can see where the springs were making contact/noise. I think it's pretty self explanatory, but I don't know, maybe my shop installed the coils too close to each other....
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss146/jran76/IMG_2542.jpg (http://s570.photobucket.com/user/jran76/media/IMG_2542.jpg.html)
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss146/jran76/IMG_2538.jpg (http://s570.photobucket.com/user/jran76/media/IMG_2538.jpg.html)

[FiftyFive]

I was one of the people that reported binding type noises on the ST's. One look at my thread or the below pics, and it will be pretty obvious what the problem was. The rear coils made a lot of contact with each other. Not a completely uncommon thing with progressive springs. I can assure you my issue was not an installation issue (love the speculation though....). They were installed by an ST dealer that is also the preeminent race suspension setup shop in North Texas. Myself, the shop that installed them, and another shop went through everything, and found no issues; I've personally installed 15-20 sets of coilovers with no issues.

As mentioned, coil slap, or whatever you want to call it, is somewhat common on progressive springs; especially ones that are not specifically designed for the S4 as the ST's clearly were not in my case. The solution is to add a "sleeve" to the coils to dampen the noise. I know KW has now done this, but I don't know about ST. Also, as has been discussed, the rear was about a 2" drop at the HIGHEST setting. Many people added an (unsafe) spacer to get the rear closer to the published spec. Again, KW/ST may have changed this, but they have not communicated this to anyone to this point (in order to not admit there was a problem in the first place).

Admittedly, I had an early set, and there could be changes. However, when I contacted ST for help 2 years into their 5 year warranty period, they offered NOTHING. No rear spring replacement, and no offer of sleeves for the rear springs. They said I could buy the sleeves or new springs myself, but that they could not provide the sleeves even if I was willing to buy them (even though KW adds these now, and it was KW I was communicating with). Up until this point, I held KW in high regard, but I would never recommend or use their products again after this.

In the below pics, you can see where the springs were making contact/noise. I think it's pretty self explanatory, but I don't know, maybe my shop installed the coils too close to each other....
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss146/jran76/IMG_2542.jpg (http://s570.photobucket.com/user/jran76/media/IMG_2542.jpg.html)
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss146/jran76/IMG_2538.jpg (http://s570.photobucket.com/user/jran76/media/IMG_2538.jpg.html)
Many thanks for the input and I didn't mean to insinuate that you had installed them wrong, it was just the only time I've heard of this issue with ST but I think it's enough to scare me away.

I guess it's down to Vogtlands or SWs.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

Looking at the spring design those middle coils are meant to compress and make contact with each other. Essentially they are the same thing as the helper springs on the front suspension. This is to allow the spring to recoil when completely unloaded and not pop out of its perches no matter where you have the coils adjusted.

If you look at any other brand of coilovers you'll see the rear spring design is exactly the same for the B8 chassis. The only rates that should differ would be the front due to engine/front brake weight. The rear end of the S4 and A4 are pretty much identical so there shouldn't be a weight difference, so no need for a different spring rate or stiffer shock.

If it were me I'd have looked into the dampener more than the spring. Because ultimately the dampener will provide resistance against the spring and keeping it from collapsing too much. It could have been you got faulty rear shocks.

As I mentioned we've had ST's on our S4 for quite some time and not a single issue. I wouldn't let one or two negative cases that customers have had steer you away IMO.

Jason

[jran76]

Many thanks for the input and I didn't mean to insinuate that you had installed them wrong, it was just the only time I've heard of this issue with ST but I think it's enough to scare me away.

I guess it's down to Vogtlands or SWs.

My response was not directed at you....

I have the SW's on my B5 S4 while I figure out what to do with my Penske setup, and while they are fine for an inexpensive coilover, I would personally step up to the H&R's on the B8 S4. I think they are well worth the extra few hundred dollars.

In all likelihood, the ST's may be fine now too, but the whole experience and the way the dealt with the issue was a total turn-off for me. Maybe it is a few isolated cases, but in my case it was not only the product that was not up to par, but their service was total crap.


Looking at the spring design those middle coils are meant to compress and make contact with each other. Essentially they are the same thing as the helper springs on the front suspension. This is to allow the spring to recoil when completely unloaded and not pop out of its perches no matter where you have the coils adjusted.

If you look at any other brand of coilovers you'll see the rear spring design is exactly the same for the B8 chassis. The only rates that should differ would be the front due to engine/front brake weight. The rear end of the S4 and A4 are pretty much identical so there shouldn't be a weight difference, so no need for a different spring rate or stiffer shock.

If it were me I'd have looked into the dampener more than the spring. Because ultimately the dampener will provide resistance against the shock and keeping it from collapsing too much. It could have been you got faulty rear shocks.

As I mentioned we've had ST's on our S4 for quite some time and not a single issue. I wouldn't let one or two negative cases that customers have had steer you away IMO.

Jason

I got a chance to throw the dampers on a shock dyno (along with my Ohlins and stock dampers), and they looked fine. No doubt a progressive spring is made to compress, and often make contact, but they should have some type of dampening material to eliminate noises. My ST's did not, and ST/KW had no interest in providing the sleeves. They very possibly provide this now as I know the KW's do, but I wouldn't know since any changes seem to be a big secret. The reason they compress like that has as much to do with their progressive nature as it does to keep the spring in place. The rear of the S4 weighs quite a bit more than the A4 hence the reason KW provided Avant springs to many customers for the height issues (a very well documented issue on this forum).

[HRDNTS]

I'm in a very similar boat. I am leaning toward Solowerks, Glen from Solowerks is a very smart guy who's been around forever. This is a quote from him in another thread, really speaks to corrosion/coil lifespan. I'm from Boston, and a pair of coils that can handle any winter is high on my list, especially this show storm (going on 95.7" of snow). Hope this helps a little!

"I love the question of corrosion resistance!

The Solo's are constructed of steel housings that have a Chrome Zinc plating. This is the highest level of protection used on the market today for Non Stainless steel coilovers.

The basic hierarchy is, from worst protection to best:

Black Zinc
Blue Zinc
Chrome Zinc
Gold Zinc
Green/Olive Zinc

If you go to your local home improvement store and look at different zinc plated hardware (screws etc...) they will often have a diagram showing the corrosion resistance of each.

The main part you are concerned with is the threaded portion, as during installation and adjustment with the pressure of the spring you may take off a bit of the coating due to friction. To combat this Solo Werks (and H&R btw) include a starter bottle of Boeshield T9 (http://boeshield.com/) to put on the threads to not only lubricate for easier adjustment, but it also dries to a waxy type coating to give an extra layer of protection.

Use this on the threads every time you adjust the system and they will go through many winters with no issue. (also great on bike chains and many other places!)"

Another trick I've used it to wrap the threaded part in insulation tape once you've set your ride height and happy with everything. Stops anything gunking up the thread and its easily peeled off without leaving residue.

[jran76]

I've always taken reviews with a grain of salt. Have to remember that not everyone is a master tech or has their suspension components installed by a professional.

Granted there are very capable enthusiasts that can easily perform a suspension install but this is not everyone. Typically binding describes something that rotates like a wheel, drivetrain part, or rotors. I'd have to read the thread you saw to understand how they were using the word. Since nothing in the suspension I can think of would bind up. Clunking and rattling around make more sense as they could have forgot to tighten something, or might not have the springs seated properly, or even installed in the right orientation.

Jason

I'll add this too as an ECS customer that has spent thousands upon thousands with you.... I know this wasn't specifically directed at me and in general I find you to be pretty helpful Jason, but I'd also take what a vendor that sells a product says with a grain salt; probably more so than an unbiased review from someone that has been at this for 20+ years, and has personally installed and run 15+ sets of coilovers in their life (including 4 different suspension setups on the B8 S4 alone....). I think there is enough feedback/evidence on the ST's and KW's for the B8 S4 to acknowledge there have been some issues in the past. It's beyond well documented, and goes well beyond one or two isolated cases as you are stating. Either you have not been paying attention, or you are trying to sell something here.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

Though it has been documented it seems there are mixed impressions, there are people who were taken care of by KW by getting new springs or offered some sort of remedy (which seems to be that the coils were too low for their tastes). We've been dealing with ST/KW for a while and have had very minimal negative feed back. I've even personally dealt with KW for warranty claims and it was painless. I got the parts my coils were missing in no time and free of any charge.

I'll restate that we have had ST's installed on our B8 A4 and B8 S4 for some time. Neither have any issues. It's possible they could have changed the design over time, but likely if they did they wont make it public because why would they? There's really not an issue.. just that they are too low for some customers tastes - but maybe they took that into account and made the springs taller or changed the rate.

After reading through some posts it seems that what people are describing as "sagging" is really just the suspension settling. Even at the highest adjustment though it's still too low for their tastes. I wouldn't call that necessarily a problem. Typically "sagging" is when springs continue to drop after they have settled. Usually pretty quickly too. And you have to keep raising them up eventually to they point they are at the max height yet they still continue to want to sag.

Just my .02

Jason

[FiftyFive]

Seems like too much damage control for a product I haven't even bought yet, no? I understand that things may be fine now with the STs but there have obviously been issues. I'll probably go a different way just to avoid it altogether.

[Shimmy]

op, do you plan on adjusting your suspension a lot? most people set it and forget it. in that case it doesn't matter whether you go ss it galvanized.

[FiftyFive]

op, do you plan on adjusting your suspension a lot? most people set it and forget it. in that case it doesn't matter whether you go ss it galvanized.
To be completely honest I intend to set it and leave it. However that doesn't mean I'd be ok with them rusting away. I get what you're saying though.