C7 A6 Suspension Refresh

[RobmanVW]

Hello All--

I have a 2012 C7 A6 Prestige with 168k miles. Obviously, things are starting to get a little sloppy in the suspension, although it's not terrible. The rear passenger strut has started leaking a bit which has me wondering:
Has anyone done a full suspension refresh on these cars? If so, what would that involve? I'm thinking of replacing all 4 struts, strut mounts and sway bar links. Should I also do control arms? Anything else to consider?

Thanks!

[supersuk]

If you've never replaced any of the control arm bushing before, you'd better buy new bushings and ball joints. The bushings can be purchased separately or with them installed in new control arms. Depends how much work you're willing to do and if you have a press.

I'm at 20k miles in my 2014 TDi and I already had to replace bushings in the front upper control arms on both sides and the passenger side lower rear control arm. I had a clunking under braking and replacing the bushings solved the problem. These bonded rubber bushings tend to crack and break very easily. As a precaution, I ordered a whole set of powerflex polyurethane bushings to replace in the future because I am planning to install air suspension in the car. All the change in ride height will definitely kill the OEM bushings because they are supposed to be torqued down at ride height. With aftermarket air suspension, the ride height will be different all the time.

[NAR Mike]

I'm in the same boat although a lot less miles. I think changing all four shocks is a good start.

FCP Euro has a suspension rebuild kit for C7 platform, links below. I don't know if I would do the whole kit myself, but I would probably start with the upper kit since I believe those are prone to failure. Also 034 makes front shock mount kit that is supposedly a lot firmer than OEM shock mount, which I'm sure will have a positive affect on steering.

The bilstein b4 shocks are made for standard and sport suspension models, I called bilstein and they confirmed that both have the same extended and collapsed length, so you can technically buy S-line springs and b4 sport shocks and covert to a better performing sport suspension.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/Audi-parts/A...&b=8&d=4493&v=

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/aud...s-0346011002td

[RedS-line]

Definitely replace struts, some control arms such as lowers will go bad, you gotta get under your car to look at the bushings in them to see which ones are shot. You can upgrade springs and sway bars while youre at it if your goal is improved handling

[RobmanVW]

Thank you all. FCP Euro looks awesome, I'll probably order from there.
I'm gonna get the car up on a lift this week and inspect the control arm bushings with my indy.

Seems like the Bilstein B4 struts would be a good OEM-like replacement. However, does anyone have any experience with the beefier mono-tube Bilstein B6 struts? I have the standard suspension now, and would like something that is still very comfortable but a bit more compliant.

[GilliamOS]

Thank you all. FCP Euro looks awesome, I'll probably order from there.
I'm gonna get the car up on a lift this week and inspect the control arm bushings with my indy.

Seems like the Bilstein B4 struts would be a good OEM-like replacement. However, does anyone have any experience with the beefier mono-tube Bilstein B6 struts? I have the standard suspension now, and would like something that is still very comfortable but a bit more compliant.

Those will rattle your fillings lose and bash you around, especially when cold. I do not miss my Bashsteins. I went with Koni after that and never looked back.