Suspension upgrade

Pdeuce

Member
Hi thanks all for the messages of welcome, looking for some advice on suspension for my 1.4 tdi sport 2003. I know this a well trodden road within the forum but have read many threads, just asking members on their recommendations and experiences with different set ups and experiences. A lot of of mention of fsd (special active) set ups here and Bilstein. The car is 2003 tdi sport no oss I do not mind the harsh ride of the sport so softening is not what I am looking for my wish list is as follows whether this possible I do not know. Advice please :

Upgrade the suspension but keep ride height same or lower not too much.

Have better rebound on the front struts to stop bounce sometimes encountered.

Quality parts that will last.
 
B6 with B3 springs, keep the existing springs if you wish and condition permits. Not lowering makes it hard to keep the stiffness IMO. I'd want to do the ARBs front and rear though.

- Bret
 
Hi Bret thanks for the response saw a thread which mentioned b6/b8 with Skoda Fabia Eibach pro kit lowering E7910-140 which meant lowering 20mm but not more on whether it was any good. Lots of people say using the b6 and KONI special active give you a raised front pooping dog look. ARB s sound a good modification.
 
I've got the Bilstein B4 and Fabia Eibach set up on my tdi and I'm over the moon with it. The ride height is perfect for me and the ride quality is no worse than the standard sport set up ?
 
Not yet but I'm considering them as I'm going to be towing my caravan with the A2 so anything that will help stability is a bonus. I have heard that ride quality can suffer with them fitted but it's all down to personal preference I suppose.
 
Not yet but I'm considering them as I'm going to be towing my caravan with the A2 so anything that will help stability is a bonus. I have heard that ride quality can suffer with them fitted but it's all down to personal preference I suppose.
Is this a micro van and not full size caravan ?...
 
ARBs don't influence ride per se, they can't; they will stop the roll. Uprating the front will stiffen the car's responses and steering immediacy, but I'm not convinced on any cumulative negative effect on comfort. Tyre size will have a bigger effect IMO.
Can't comment on the Fabia kit, though it was suggested to use the rear springs from that kit to counter the potential droop at the back. Front springs need to be correct for the engine / axle weights. There are a couple of probable users in Germany, but I don't have the option here due to the paperwork requirements.

- Bret
 
Its an Eriba Puck so it's only 650 kilos laden and well within the A2's capabilities. Having finally towed it the A2 is a very stable towcar, it's got a very short overhang which always helps. The caravan has an Alko stabilizer and Tyron safety bands too, Better safe than sorry!
 
Hi Bret thanks for the information I can tel you know a lot about set ups for the a2. You recommended theBilstein b6 with b3 springs, will this rise the front of the car if so is there a spring instead of the b3 you can use even its lowers the car or combination of springs for front and rear to lower but keep the car level. Very interesting Hef about the caravan I have got admit wouldn’t have thought of an a2 as towing vehicle.
 
You want to "keep ride height same or lower not too much... Have better rebound on the front struts to stop bounce sometimes encountered"

Surely, you just need to replace the front shocks, which are knackered? Do that, then see how it rides.
Might save you a few bib too!
Mac.
 
You want to "keep ride height same or lower not too much... Have better rebound on the front struts to stop bounce sometimes encountered"

Surely, you just need to replace the front shocks, which are knackered? Do that, then see how it rides.
Might save you a few bib too!
Mac.
yes, but if the springs aren't OK, then you're back to fighting with the spring compressors, driveshafts and coolant tanks. I would personally want to do this once and properly (which is why I'd also be looking to replace top mounts and droplinks at the same time, never mind ARB bushes).

The Eibach Fabia kit will raise the front of a 1.4 Petrol in all probability as it's really quite light. But if you're willing to lower it a little, there are some decent kits out there, but H&R is probably not one of them.

- Bret
 
Hi Bret looking to do the lot probably the rear as well as you say the car is a tdi sport so a bit heavier than the petrol. The oem Audi springs and struts are expensive so why I was asking advice about upgrade if I am going to change the lot might as well try to improve the set up at the same time. Was planning to use oem top mounts as been told they are different. Was considering the KONI special active with the weitec lowered springs but heard a lot of tyre wear involved.
 
If the spring or springs are broken, yes. This can be checked visually before you start. No mention of spring damage in OP. Depends on your budget, do everything if funds are unlimited yes. Otherwise do what must be done, then see where you are. The OP's car is a Sport, so it's firmer and lowered, (Sport top mounts) already, so caution needed before lowering it more. Grounding is not a good idea.
My FSI is all OEM, and ride and handling is fine IMO.
Others say the OEM Sport setup is harsh, can't agree, but, suspension, including tyres, is a very personal thing. If you do everything in one go, and you are not happy with the results, you don't know which element is the problem, and you're hundreds of pounds (or euros) poorer!
Mac.
 
Thanks for the advice was looking from members to contribute to see what the feeling out there was on different set ups.
 
I’ve just replaced all my shocks with B4’s
Re used the Audi original springs all be it with a rub down and repaint and new mylie top mounts. Plus on rear new bump stops and dust shields. Drop links where still good but ARB bushes a bit worn so replaced these as well. Ride is now MUCH improved on my tdi with oss none sports suspensions running 195 x 15 A1 alloys


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I’ve just replaced all my shocks with B4’s
Re used the Audi original springs all be it with a rub down and repaint and new mylie top mounts. Plus on rear new bump stops and dust shields. Drop links where still good but ARB bushes a bit worn so replaced these as well. Ride is now MUCH improved on my tdi with oss none sports suspensions running 195 x 15 A1 alloys


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Hi Deproman thanks for the advice on your set up. I have seen that you make replacement parts for the A2 I have a 53 car late 03 I see that you do a cover the windscreen wiper arm joint, is this suitable for the later wiper arm.
 
Hello Folks,
Could someone confirm for me if the rear shock assembly has an elastomer between the body and the top mount.
The exploded view in the workshop manual doesn’t shown it…

Thanks,

Raymie
 
Hello Folks,
Could someone confirm for me if the rear shock assembly has an elastomer between the body and the top mount.
The exploded view in the workshop manual doesn’t shown it…

Thanks,

Raymie

From memory I don’t believe it as


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