Did my Spring Break? [PICS INSIDE]

[A1s4Aud1]

2010 Audi A4: Okay, I was driving along Friday night, about 35 MPH, when I suddenly heard a loud bang/pop sound from the passenger side front wheel. Car was still driving smooth, but of course I pulled over to see what it could have been. To my surprise, the car was sitting lower at that wheel. So I got it towed home. Got under it to snap a few pics without taking the wheel off. I’m new to these cars, but from what it looks like to me, a Spring broke or came off or something. Look at the pics below comparing the position of the Spring on the driver’s side to the passenger’s side. Is anyone able to confirm that a Spring broke or if this is something else? All help is appreciated.

[jfo]

Yep...the spring has come away from the lower perch. I can only see the small thumbnail pic's so can't see a break, but the strut is clearly malfunctioning.

[A1s4Aud1]

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[A1s4Aud1]

Yep...the spring has come away from the lower perch. I can only see the small thumbnail pic's so can't see a break, but the strut is clearly malfunctioning.

@jfro Thanks. My first time uploading pics, but I think they should be showing now. From what you can tell, does it seem like it’s the strut or the spring?

[timzcat]

I doubt the spring broke but how the hell did it get pasat the perch on the strut. Almost like it was not seated and twisted around to a point it could slip over the perch. Unless somehow the strut is stuck in a compressed state then the spring pressure could bypass perch. If strut bent then it could cock the spring and permit this. My money is on the strut too a shit. Did you hit a bump at just before that could possibly bend (a likely) failed strut.

[Quattro420]

My passenger front spring did the same thing spun down strut, put two new springs in and good to go

[JettaGetUpandGo]

I came in here expecting spring break pictures and was disappointed.

On a more serious note, I've never seen a spring do that, but always wondered if it was a possibility.

[A1s4Aud1]

I doubt the spring broke but how the hell did it get pasat the perch on the strut. Almost like it was not seated and twisted around to a point it could slip over the perch. Unless somehow the strut is stuck in a compressed state then the spring pressure could bypass perch. If strut bent then it could cock the spring and permit this. My money is on the strut too a shit. Did you hit a bump at just before that could possibly bend (a likely) failed strut.

No, I definitely didn’t hit a bump, I was driving down a completely smooth street (newer street since the development hasn’t even been there long). Just was smoothly driving down the street, then POP!!! And I thought “What the hell was THAT!!???” So I pulled in a parking lot to check.

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I’m trying to figure out the most inexpensive way to solve this as this is NOT a good time for expensive repairs. I literally just did the whole timing chain replacement about a month ago. When I was callling around today to get quotes on replacing a Spring, I was getting told $1,000 on average!

[A1s4Aud1]

My passenger front spring did the same thing spun down strut, put two new springs in and good to go

Quattro420 - What can I expect to pay to have this fixed? I’m hoping it’s not the $1,000 range I was getting quoted today.

[bhvrdr]

How many miles on the suspension? Probably 2 front struts

[Spawne32]

looks like the perch broke, i know those perch's are removable because i bought two for the new set of struts i have sitting around

[A1s4Aud1]

How many miles on the suspension? Probably 2 front struts

Just hit 100K.

[Quattro420]

My front spring broke about 4” from the bottom it broke in the right spot that wen it went to re-seat from the weight of car it missed the perch and spun down the strut. I paid 3-400 for the new Audi springs and did the work myself super easy to change. It’s been 10000km and all is good no strut issues only regret is not getting lowering springs

[A1s4Aud1]

looks like the perch broke, i know those perch's are removable because i bought two for the new set of struts i have sitting around

Yeah, I’m wondering if that’s what the issue is and the most inexpensive way to fix this issue for now. Definitely don’t have $1,000 to shell out for this. :(

[A1s4Aud1]

My front spring broke about 4” from the bottom it broke in the right spot that wen it went to re-seat from the weight of car it missed the perch and spun down the strut. I paid 3-400 for the new Audi springs and did the work myself super easy to change. It’s been 10000km and all is good no strut issues only regret is not getting lowering springs

I wish this was a repair I could do myself, but I can’t unfortunately. I just don’t understand why Audi springs are so expensive (I was quoted by a couple places that said 3 or 4 hundred$), yet I can buy stuff like Eibach etc for like $250 for a set of 4. But hey...maybe stuff like Eibach is junk in comparison? Maybe that’s it.

[jfo]

I wish this was a repair I could do myself, but I can’t unfortunately. I just don’t understand why Audi springs are so expensive (I was quoted by a couple places that said 3 or 4 hundred$), yet I can buy stuff like Eibach etc for like $250 for a set of 4. But hey...maybe stuff like Eibach is junk in comparison? Maybe that’s it.

If it's just the spring and not the strut, you can get an Audi spring at below for about $130 and take it to an indie shop. Strut or spring replacement is routine and you don't need Audi to do it. There are a variety of springs so you will need the colour code to ensure you have the right one.

https://www.audiusaparts.com/auto-pa...omponents-scat

[A1s4Aud1]

If it's just the spring and not the strut, you can get an Audi spring at below for about $130 and take it to an indie shop. Strut or spring replacement is routine and you don't need Audi to do it. There are a variety of springs so you will need the colour code to ensure you have the right one.

https://www.audiusaparts.com/auto-pa...omponents-scat

jfo... I truly appreciate this info. Where can I find out the color code that I need?

[Slick_B8]

jfo... I truly appreciate this info. Where can I find out the color code that I need?

Its on the spring itself brotha. Its gonna be colored stripes

[jfo]

Its on the spring itself brotha. Its gonna be colored stripes

^^
This.
If you look at the various springs on that site you will see the type of colour combo's used. There will be small stripes on the spring. If you call the Audi dealer Parts Dept. in that link, they will help you figure out which spring you need, after you have the colour code.

[SDF1]

Is there a limit on how much a spring can be compressed before it is recommended to be replaced?
I'm sure there is a guideline that dealerships use.

[JeriQo]

this would be the perfect time to purchase coilovers.

[bhvrdr]

^^^^ something to consider is the B12 kit from Bilstein includes 4 new struts with 4 eibach springs for around $650 shippped. If you plan on keeping the car forever OP, this is a steal. If not, get it done as cheap as possible.

mike

[rcprato]

If money is a concern get the color code from spring and use link provided to buy a new one, it will match the other side and find a reputable indy shop that works on Audis to replace broken spring.

less than 2 hours work for someone that has done the A4 before, maybe only an hour ?

you might be able to figure out suspension code from sticker that is usually in trunk spare tire area.

[Walletclan]

I came in here expecting spring break pictures and was disappointed.

On a more serious note, I've never seen a spring do that, but always wondered if it was a possibility.

I laughed out loud on this one. Thanks for that.

[Quattro420]

I did both mine in 45min

[A1s4Aud1]

I did both mine in 45min

What’s crazy about that, is today Audi quoted me 3 and Half hours of labor to change JUST ONE spring. I think the dealerships just totally make up sh!t. How can ONE SPRING take 3 hours to change? Needless to say, I didn’t get it done.

[A1s4Aud1]

If money is a concern get the color code from spring and use link provided to buy a new one, it will match the other side and find a reputable indy shop that works on Audis to replace broken spring.

less than 2 hours work for someone that has done the A4 before, maybe only an hour ?

you might be able to figure out suspension code from sticker that is usually in trunk spare tire area.

Yeah, actually Audi gave me the part number for the spring. Because I asked them for a quote on changing the spring if I bought the spring myself. And they quoted me.......You ready for this?...... 3 and a Half hours of labor to change ONE SPRING.

[A4x]

What’s crazy about that, is today Audi quoted me 3 and Half hours of labor to change JUST ONE spring. I think the dealerships just totally make up sh!t. How can ONE SPRING take 3 hours to change? Needless to say, I didn’t get it done.

Should be 1 to 1.5 hours per corner for strut + spring replacement. Go to an independent shop. This is not a complex repair.

[Quattro420]

It’s super easy if you have any mechanical knowledge you can do it. Pull the strut take it to a Local shop have them compress the new spring on then put the strut back in

[rcprato]

What’s crazy about that, is today Audi quoted me 3 and Half hours of labor to change JUST ONE spring. I think the dealerships just totally make up sh!t. How can ONE SPRING take 3 hours to change? Needless to say, I didn’t get it done.

Unfortunately if you had your A4 towed to Audi Dealer they do think they have an opportunity to bend you over because they know you won't get in car and drive away.

Book Rate at VAG Dealers is crazy and they know it, an Audi tech could have that job done in 1 hour max but service goes by book rate for job that is 3.5 hours.

Try searching foe independent European repair facilities in your area, hopefully there is one close to were your A4 is at now.
https://www.mechanicadvisor.com/oh/c...i-repair-shops

Not endorsing this place but they have 59 Reviews
https://repairpal.com/repair-shops/a...re#reviews-tab

Try negotiating with the Audi Service Writer, you got nothing to loose and if he knows you will tow to another shop he may just work with you, I think $300 out the door is reasonable at Audi dealer.

$130 for spring and a generous 2 hours labor @ $100/ hour is my guesstimate for a fair price if not doing yourself.

[SDF1]

http://www.stasisengineering.com/sit...%20S4%20B8.pdf

[A1s4Aud1]

OKAYYYY...just wanted to update this thread because I did end up getting this fixed. YES, the spring was broken. The mechanic was surprised it was broken because “the spring doesn’t even look old or rusted”. I’ve never had a spring break in ANY car, so I don’t have experience with how they would look when old. BUT..nonetheless, yes, the spring was snapped in half. Couldn’t tell in my earlier posted pics because the break was facing the back. So none of us could see the break until the wheel was off and the car on the lift. I’ve attached a pic here so you can see the break. Mechanic said it looks like a clean break, as if it just snapped somehow.

[Yogi Bear]

Metal fatigue. Mine broke while backing out of our garage at 1mph. Loud pop, done. Replaced entire strut towers, both sides, with recycled parts off a car that had 90,000 less miles on it.

[A1s4Aud1]

Metal fatigue. Mine broke while backing out of our garage at 1mph. Loud pop, done. Replaced entire strut towers, both sides, with recycled parts off a car that had 90,000 less miles on it.

It’s just wild to me because of what these cars cost. Yet I have never had a spring break on ANY other non-Audi car. Just strange to me.