Audi 80 2.0 sport front struts

[rhencullen1989]

Hi, i need to replace the front struts on my 1990 2.0 litre sport, can anyone recommend a make of strut/shock and would you recommend replacing the springs too, its done 180K!, the front sits low on these models, would i need to get lower sports springs? what sort of job is it to replace the front shocks? any help appreciated, Mitch.

[paul20v]

hi i used chassis dynamic springs and bilstein sport shocks its an easy enough job if you have a spring compresser

[Crasher]

They are quite easy to change. If you want to change springs and dampers and fancy lowering it a little, you may like the Weitec kit which would lower it around 30-mm but if you don't want to lower it, the springs should still be fine so think about either Sachs or Boge gas dampers all round. When you pull it apart, you will probably find the front bump stops, dust shields and top mounts are worn so get those sorted out before you strip it down if it is important to get the car back together in one day. I would advise against buying the front dust shields pattern, they are very poor quality and split very quickly if you can even get them to fit in the first place.

[rhencullen1989]

Thanks for the info on the front shocks on the 80 sport. I was considering boge gas shocks anyway, by the dust shield i assume you mean the rubber cover where the piston rod goes into the main assy? Do they come complete with the bottom bracket that bolts to the front bearing hub assy, or are they just the cartridge,at the moment when you hit a biggish bump in the road, it sounds like someone has banged the bonnet with a hammer, i reckon the bump stops have long gone! where would you recommend buying the shocks and bits from, kind regards,Mitch.

[Crasher]

The dust shield fits to the base of the bump stop and is VAG part number 811 411 135 B and costs £4.28. The bump stop varies according to the vehicles original equipment springs and dampers. The damper comes as a cartridge insert only no matter where you buy it from. I would recommend any Boge/Scahs supplier such as GSF for the dampers but buy the shields and bump stops genuine although aftermarket top mounts are OK if they are the green painted type usually made by Boge which I buy from Febi.