Not sure if maybe my shock absorber or coil spring have gone

[Trapper Dave]

Hi,

Just after a piece of advice. I've noticed that recently my A3 has been slightly lower (maybe two or three inches) over the rear-drivers side wheel. I can just about get a closed fist in and out of the arch.

Then today when I've been getting out of the car, there's a sort of springy, crunchy noise. Being a novice to all this, I'm wondering if my shock absorber or coil spring may have gone.

Does anyone know how I can check this? I've got no tools at home, so I'm a bit limited.

 

[smurfworth]

common thing is coil springs break, the shock wouldn't cause it to sag as you can compress a shock with your hand, all it does is control the rebound to stop the springs bouncing forever. its the spring controls the height.

oh and you can check by simply looking at the springs, they normally snap where it sits in the lower arm

 

[NHN]

Jack it up with a mate & have a gander is your best bet, don't use the standard jack in the boot, use a proper trolley jack with axle stands for safety.