Hi,
I have recently bought into S3 ownership with a 2007 car. I really like the car but noticed a slight rattle type noise coming from the front driver's wheel when I bought the car. It happens at sub 30mph over rough roads. No noises over speed bumps or at any significant speed on less than smooth roads. The car always feels planted and seems to handle well.
I did take the car back to the dealer (independent) who gave it a thorough going over and replaced the front anti roll bar as they thought the bushes had a bit too much play which might be contributing to the noise. This improved things a little and the ride feels a little more composed but the noise is still there albeit not quite as loud. The car also went to AmD in Woking for the same thing who determined that it is likely to be the front shock absorber on the driver's side. There are no obvious signs of leaking or wear but there is suspected accident damage which may have damaged the strut. In order for them to be sure they will need the car back to strip down and take a proper look, so it is booked in for next Monday.
As it is likely that the car will need new shocks I have been doing some homework on which route to go down. I don't particularly want to lower the car but am not against the idea either. My objectives are:
1. Get rid of the noise
2. Improve ride quality at lower speeds on bumpy B roads
3. Retain the smoothness on Motorways/A roads
So far I have looked at shocks only in the form of Koni FSDs and Bilstein B6s. Both get great reviews but are often paired with Eibach springs. If I went with Eibach springs, it might just be too much for my budget (looking at £700ish fitted) so will stick to just shocks and standard springs.
The other option is to go down the route of the H&R Cup Kit. This appeals to me as I get new springs and shocks in my budget that are matched and I guess the car will look a little better sat lower. I have however read a recent negative review of the kit saying it is too bouncy which has got me questioning which route to go down.
Which option is best given what I am trying to achieve?
Thanks
Mo
I have recently bought into S3 ownership with a 2007 car. I really like the car but noticed a slight rattle type noise coming from the front driver's wheel when I bought the car. It happens at sub 30mph over rough roads. No noises over speed bumps or at any significant speed on less than smooth roads. The car always feels planted and seems to handle well.
I did take the car back to the dealer (independent) who gave it a thorough going over and replaced the front anti roll bar as they thought the bushes had a bit too much play which might be contributing to the noise. This improved things a little and the ride feels a little more composed but the noise is still there albeit not quite as loud. The car also went to AmD in Woking for the same thing who determined that it is likely to be the front shock absorber on the driver's side. There are no obvious signs of leaking or wear but there is suspected accident damage which may have damaged the strut. In order for them to be sure they will need the car back to strip down and take a proper look, so it is booked in for next Monday.
As it is likely that the car will need new shocks I have been doing some homework on which route to go down. I don't particularly want to lower the car but am not against the idea either. My objectives are:
1. Get rid of the noise
2. Improve ride quality at lower speeds on bumpy B roads
3. Retain the smoothness on Motorways/A roads
So far I have looked at shocks only in the form of Koni FSDs and Bilstein B6s. Both get great reviews but are often paired with Eibach springs. If I went with Eibach springs, it might just be too much for my budget (looking at £700ish fitted) so will stick to just shocks and standard springs.
The other option is to go down the route of the H&R Cup Kit. This appeals to me as I get new springs and shocks in my budget that are matched and I guess the car will look a little better sat lower. I have however read a recent negative review of the kit saying it is too bouncy which has got me questioning which route to go down.
Which option is best given what I am trying to achieve?
Thanks
Mo
