How good is the Audi allroad air suspension?

[Hobartian]

How good is the Audi allroad air suspension?

My 2002 Allroad C5 2.7t has Arnott air bags and shock absorbers on each wheel which were installed about eighteen months ago by the previous owner.

Since buying the vehicle I have replaced all the suspension control arms and the inner and outer tie rod joints. However, the noise level and smoothness over bumps of the vehicle does not compare favorably with that of my 2007 Skoda Roomster or my 2007 Citroen Berlingo both of which are in original condition with about 80,000 kilometers traveled. (50,000 miles)

I have considered replacing the front shock absorbers with O.E.M. components because it is the front suspension that seems to be at fault. However, the price of O.E.M. shocks is staggering.

On the other hand maybe the suspension is performing normally which is hard to imagine because of the sophistication of the design.

I would be most interested to hear the views of other members as to how much I can expect from the suspension of the car.

[4rings2turbos]

I can vouch for the OEM stuff, it's quieter and smoother than the aftermarket options. The OEM stuff does cost a fair amount, but it does last like 10 times longer.

[Racin2redline]

what shocks are currently in the vehicle? anything but OEM shocks will not be as smooth or valved properly for the weight of the car. im assuming you have the yellow bilsteins from arnott....

the arnott bags/ springs are usually a pretty good alternative/only other alternative to the OEM stuff when you need to replace. I have the GEN 2 front bags and OEM rears with OEM shocks and the car rides very good.

[TWelch22]

How good is the Audi allroad air suspension?

My 2002 Allroad C5 2.7t has Arnott air bags and shock absorbers on each wheel which were installed about eighteen months ago by the previous owner.

Since buying the vehicle I have replaced all the suspension control arms and the inner and outer tie rod joints. However, the noise level and smoothness over bumps of the vehicle does not compare favorably with that of my 2007 Skoda Roomster or my 2007 Citroen Berlingo both of which are in original condition with about 80,000 kilometers traveled. (50,000 miles)

I have considered replacing the front shock absorbers with O.E.M. components because it is the front suspension that seems to be at fault. However, the price of O.E.M. shocks is staggering.

On the other hand maybe the suspension is performing normally which is hard to imagine because of the sophistication of the design.

I would be most interested to hear the views of other members as to how much I can expect from the suspension of the car.

When I bought my Allroad I immediately had regular suspension put in because I did not want to deal with the hassle of their unperfected system. There is a reason they don't make Allroads with the air control nowadays.

But, I have not driven with a functional system so I wouldn't know the Pros

[4rings2turbos]

They do make the allroad with air suspension in the C6 and C7, as well the A6/S6/RS 6, and the A7/S7/RS 7, and the A8/S8, and the Q7 ;)

They just cut it out of the A4 allroad to cut costs. Let's be truthful though, regular struts need replacing at 100k as well. It's just cheaper to do it because of more aftermarket availability.

[Hobartian]

Because of the high cost of O.E.M. shocks for the Audi Allroad I have looking at the possibility of using after market shocks. As it has been pointed out there seems be little on offer apart from Chinese made products.

I did contact Miessler USA and they told me that their shocks for the Audi are made in USA but currently would not be available until the end of June.

The current shocks in my car were supplied by Arnott Industries and they are appear to be exactly the same as shocks currently being sold by an Ebay seller from Hong Kong for $166 US with twelve months guarantee.

It looks to me as I will have to go O.E.M. to get shocks that will have a long life and work properly.

I have attached an image of the Chinese product that is on my car and two images of genuine parts.

[4rings2turbos]

The very best thing you (or anyone) can do is make friends with your local Audi parts counter guy or gal. They can give you a break on prices if they feel compelled to. It's fairly significant what they can do on the struts too.

[Hobartian]

My new genuine shocks arrive tomorrow and unfortunately had to pay full price and pay in advance as that is the only way the local Audi agent does things.

This afternoon I removed the existing shocks in preparation. They are labelled Arnott. Assembled in USA. However, the label is fastened in such a manner as to cover the MADE IN CHINA stamped into the casing.





The big test will come tomorrow after the new parts are installed. I hope it will be worthwhile.

[4rings2turbos]

That's so shady....

[PaperToast]

allroad suspension = awesome, but can be costly to replace components

My new genuine shocks arrive tomorrow and unfortunately had to pay full price and pay in advance as that is the only way the local Audi agent does things.

This afternoon I removed the existing shocks in preparation. They are labelled Arnott. Assembled in USA. However, the label is fastened in such a manner as to cover the MADE IN CHINA stamped into the casing.

i know this doesn't help you at all, but ive already warrantied out a set of arnott front shocks once, they blew the oil after a year

[Hobartian]

I compared the weight of the Arnott's shock to the genuine Sachs shock. The genuine shock weighs a full pound heavier than the Arnotts. As the casings appear identical there must be something different inside!

I have just taken the car for a short drive after installing the new shocks and there is an obvious improvement. However, I will need to take the vehicle on a much longer testing drive to make a thorough evaluation.

[Hobartian]

The new genuine Sachs front shock absorbers have been on my 2002 Allroad for over a month now. The improvement to the car's ride is really noticeable.

The front suspension is now far more supple and definitely quieter. The shock absorbers allow the front of the car to move up and down more when you pass over large bumps in the road which contributes to comfort.

The shocks were expensive but I feel definitely worth it.

[4rings2turbos]

Glad you posted. Preparing to do a full OEM rear refresh myself with bags, shocks and control arms. Excited to see how well the rear rides after this.

[Sparkstack]

That's so shady....

You'll find lots of things are made in [insert country you don't like] but assembled in the USA. There are usually two reasons for this.

1: To get the USA! USA! USA! chanting moron to buy stuff.
2: To get around import regulations.

[LakeTahoeQuattr]

What wheels do you have? Stocks?

[Hobartian]

What wheels do you have? Stocks?

The wheels on my car are stock.