Very low rear with a bit of weight

[ihs61]

Hi

I have just returned from a trip out to France in my 1999 1.9 Tdi Avant. (150K miles)

After loading the car up full with quite a lot, but not overloaded I noticed that the back end was realy low, and the front high. Too low to make the trip so I had to thin out what I was taking.

Having done this trip many times before in my wifes Golf I have been amazed by how little weight the Audi will carry, or could it be weak rear springs ? (I have checked the shocks and theres no signs of oil leaks)

So, how do I check if the springs are weak ? and is it a big job to re-fit new ones, I know that I have to pull out the side panels to get to the top mounts.

Finally has anyone recommend a supplier for new springs ? Is it worth fitting new 'stiffer lowering' springs all round (30mm)

The previous owner used the car to pull a kin big caravan so its possible the rear end is too soft !

Best regards Ian

[bez101]

prob weak springs and at 150k and been pullin a van easy to change but if you use it for traveling etc i wouldnt bother lowering but they do look better lower for springs i use dealer gsf euro car parts TPS only cos i get discounts for lowered id go koni spax good price and last ok

[avspider]

Check the rear springs, mine was the same & one of the rear coil springs had snapped about 2-3 inch's from the end.

[spartacus 68]

My rear springs were goosed at 100k. Use a trailer and regularly load up for annual summer road-trip to the west coast - so it takes its toll. Although suspension felt good, one of the springs was broken.