Take a look at the photo. This is how we prepare everything for an Audi shock absorber replacement at Das Auto Service. We've got the shock absorbers, top mounts, caps, dust boots and bump stops all laid out. People often ask me, "Kris, why can't we just replace the shock absorber?" Let me explain.
What's included in the replacement kit?
- Shock absorbers — always replaced in pairs on the same axle.
- Top mounts and bearings — secure the shock absorber to the body and allow the wheel to turn when you steer.
- Dust boots — protect the shock absorber piston rod from dirt and water.
- Bump stops — cushion the impact when the suspension reaches the end of its travel.
- New nuts and bolts that are designed for single use only.
Why do we replace everything at the same time?
Here's the thing. The top mounts, dust boots and bump stops all age alongside the shock absorber. Imagine we fit you a brand-new shock absorber but leave the old top mount in place. A few months later, you start hearing a knocking noise from the top of the suspension. And then what? We have to take everything apart again. You pay for the labour again, and your car still hasn't been properly sorted. That's why I'd rather replace the whole kit in one go than have you come back for the same job a few months down the line. I'm telling you this because the money for that second repair comes out of your pocket, not the garage's.
Why do we replace shock absorbers in pairs?
Imagine you've got a brand-new shock absorber on one side and an old, worn-out one on the other. There's no way they'll work the same. Your car starts bouncing unevenly, braking performance suffers, and it may even pull to one side when you brake on a bumpy road. That's why we always replace both shock absorbers on the same axle at our workshop. What's the point of fixing one side if the other is still worn out?
How can you tell when your shock absorbers need replacing?
- You drive over a bump, and your car keeps bouncing more than it normally would.
- The front of your car dives down when you press the brake pedal.
- Your tyres start developing patchy, uneven wear.
- You notice traces of oil on a shock absorber.
- You hear knocking from the suspension when driving over rough roads.
If your shock absorbers are worn out, don't put off replacing them. Your stopping distance increases and your tyres lose grip, especially on wet roads and through corners. At that point, we're talking about much more than just how comfortable your car feels.
Why do we check wheel alignment after replacing them?
Once we've replaced the shock absorbers, we carry out a wheel alignment. I want your car to drive straight and your tyres to wear evenly. The last thing I want is for you to leave with brand-new shock absorbers only to start ruining your tyres afterwards. That's the whole point of doing the job properly, isn't it?
A tip from Kris Mladenov: Next time you change your tyres, take a good look at the tread. If you notice patchy wear, have your shock absorbers checked. Very often, that's where the problem lies.
If your car is bouncing more than it used to, or you're hearing knocking noises over bumps, come and see us at Das Auto Service. We'll inspect the suspension and tell you exactly what needs replacing. We're not going to throw parts at the problem and hope for the best.
Read more
- Routine Servicing at Das Auto Service
- Diagnostics at Das Auto Service
- Audi A6, A8, Q7 and Touareg: Why Does the Air Suspension Sag?
- VAG Brakes: When Should You Replace the Discs and Pads Together?
- Audi A4 and A6 Multi-Link Suspension: Why Do the Control Arms Knock?
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you replace the top mounts when changing the shock absorbers?
Yes. They wear out alongside the shock absorbers, so there's little point keeping the old mounts. If they start rattling a few months later, we'll have to take everything apart again, and you'll pay for the labour all over again. Why pay twice?
Can you replace just one shock absorber?
I wouldn't recommend it. Shock absorbers should be replaced in pairs on the same axle so the suspension works evenly on both sides.
Do you need wheel alignment after replacing the shock absorbers?
Yes. We carry out a wheel alignment to make sure your car drives straight and your tyres don't start wearing unevenly.