Shocking front shock quote

I would want the spring changing asap now that you know its compromised, along with top mount

Hd drop links are super easy to fit as they have flats for a spanner so the only hard part is removing the old one
 
Send me a PM.

Chris

will26 said:
hi all,

Firstly thank you all so much for your input!

i don't think the garage quoted for replacing the whole front suspension. the £455 was just for the springs, shocks and drop link. needless to say im not going to go with them.

but truth be told (if it's not obvious already) I really don't know what im talking about.

It was probably me confusing the issues with shocks and springs.

I was hoping for a cheap fix but i think this is going to cost hundreds of pounds wherever i go.
A2 steve - Thanks for the recommendation of the garage over in Wales but maybe some other time. i think its too far to drive with the car in its current state...

Robin - thanks for the info. I had a look at the springs.
OSF - two red, two yellow dots (the one thats gone - see the bit that snapped off attached. this looks like one end of the spring)
NSF - {this one was replaced with a 'new' one 4 years ago} It's really rusty! no dots, just a code in green lettering .. something like : 78001 T426905
will the attached pic of the stricker on the battery compartment tell me what springs I need? I can't seem to find the corresponding info on Crispyedds post

Froggy - Thanks for the autodoc link. I need to figure out what parts i need.... p.s: I'm not sure if you know but if buying through quidco.co.uk you can get up to 8.8% cashback. every penny!

Howey - that's all im after!

Chris - wow. thank you so much for your kind offer. id love to take you up on it if there is a day/ time that suits you?

Phil - Thanks for your thoughts. Arb link replacement has no impact on tracking, tracking issues would be noticed via tyre wear or through handling issues. i suspected this might have been true!... will not be driving the car in the meantime.

Simon - perfect... im tired of dodgy garages, and so is my A2! i need to give it more TLC
Click to expand...
 
Does anyone else think the quote isn’t that unreasonable for springs, shocks and (I think just the one?) drop link replacement, if it includes parts?

Maybe I need to reevaluate my perception of what things cost!
 
dj_efk said:
Does anyone else think the quote isn’t that unreasonable for springs, shocks and (I think just the one?) drop link replacement, if it includes parts?
Click to expand...

I don't think anyone here (least of all the OP) is really clear on what that 'quote' covers, given the very confused original description. It would definitely be best to take the car to an indy VAG specialist such as VASS and get a clear indication of what work is needed, what work is recommended, and the costs involved with both those options.

Using a local 'tyre centre' to service a car rarely works out well. They won't have the correct parts or tools, and their labour rates are driven by the need to maximise profit at every opportunity, so the job is likely to be overpriced.
 
It’s a shame your not mechanically minded (easy to say when you have tools, space and knowledge, I know) as this is quite a straight forward job on the A2’s.

The shock comes out from the hub assembly without the need to remove the bottom ball joint and is held in place by all of 5 bolts. 3 on the top mount, 1 on the hub and 1 on the anti-roll bar.

If the spring has snapped near the top it’ll likely of broken the top mount bearing, something to remember. Not expensive (£15), but hearing those ball bearings bounce down the drive when you pull the shock out is not what you want to hear (when you haven’t got the spares to hand!).

Anti-roll bars are £10-£20ish and the spring I picked up for £40.

I doubt very much that the shock absorber itself needs replacing and spraying the shock with WD40 is an age old trick to win some work if it’s slow.

It’s good practice to replace the springs on both sides. I didn’t, and it’s fine.

I very recently got quoted £360 to change my starter. The starter is £80 (I got mine repaired for £45) and takes about 40 mins to remove and replace, so god knows where they got £360 from and I feel your pain.

Nick
 
HI Topsie, I would genuinely love to be but i dont know my top mounts from my bottom ball joint. I'll see what Vass of Bath say. Chris Warren on the forum has very kindly offered to take a look too. if its clear that the suspension needs an overhaul and (£££), then I'll have to get tools, look at the workshop manuals and free up a weekend.

my car also needs a new starter motor! :)
 
There are plenty of (generic) tutorials on the YouTube if you decide to go it yourself and plenty of people that can help on the forum I’m sure!

The starter is really not too bad (on the petrols I may add). I took mine to a local guy, the likes of which you don’t really see anymore. Diagnosed and repaired my starter in about 5 mins infront of me.

If you happen to be in north Cornwall I’ll happily lend a hand!
 
will26 said:
HI Topsie, I would genuinely love to be but i dont know my top mounts from my bottom ball joint. I'll see what Vass of Bath say. Chris Warren on the forum has very kindly offered to take a look too. if its clear that the suspension needs an overhaul and (£££), then I'll have to get tools, look at the workshop manuals and free up a weekend.

my car also needs a new starter motor! :)
Click to expand...
What’s wrong with the starter motor, it’s not the common earthing issue is it?
 
will26 said:
Oh I'm not sure... it starts fine and everytime, but just screams when it does!
Click to expand...
Most do that and will continue to do so for a long time. It can be solved with some lubrication but to do it properly the starter needs to be removed/dismantled.
 
Hi All,

just a quick update on this one.
I took the car in to Vass in Bath.
I'll need:
a coil spring
top strut mount
Top strut bearings

Andy at Vass said you dont need to replace the bits above in pairs.
he also said tracking wasnt required (something that the first garage insisted on)
and he confirmed the shocks werent 'leaking' (as the first garage had said)

im also getting the stabiliser link fixed NSF and a new spring mounting for the rear springs.
All parts are OEM. £340 total.

It was my first time i have been to Vass, it won't be the last - very impressed... !

thanks for all of your help and knowledge, everyone.
 
will26 said:
Hi All,

just a quick update on this one.
I took the car in to Vass in Bath.
I'll need:
a coil spring
top strut mount
Top strut bearings

Andy at Vass said you dont need to replace the bits above in pairs.
he also said tracking wasnt required (something that the first garage insisted on)
and he confirmed the shocks werent 'leaking' (as the first garage had said)

im also getting the stabiliser link fixed NSF and a new spring mounting for the rear springs.
All parts are OEM. £340 total.

It was my first time i have been to Vass, it won't be the last - very impressed... !

thanks for all of your help and knowledge, everyone.
Click to expand...
Pleased for you and the A2, always good to find a garage you can trust!!
 
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