Suspension and Braking Systems for VAG Cars

Why does your choice of brakes matter?

When it comes to brakes, you can feel the difference between genuine discs and pads and cheap alternatives. Especially in a heavy SUV or van. Instead of quiet, smooth braking, you might get squealing, vibrations or judder through the pedal. Genuine components fit properly without modification. When fitted correctly, they deliver smooth, quiet braking and last longer.

But discs and pads aren't the whole braking system. Brake fluid matters too. It's hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture over time and becomes less effective. That's why we change it every 2 years. It's one of the most important safety-related maintenance jobs, yet it's often overlooked.

• Replacement of genuine brake discs and pads.
• Brake fluid replacement every 2 years.
• Brake calliper and carrier overhaul.

What's causing that knock in your suspension?

You hear a knocking noise and immediately think something major has broken. But with multi-link suspension, the lower control arms are often the cause. Their bushes wear out and start making noise. The same goes for the anti-roll bar bushes and drop links. That's why it's important to identify the faulty component first, rather than replacing everything in sight.

At Das Auto Service, we work on individual suspension components. We replace control arm bushes, anti-roll bar bushes and drop links, as well as shock absorbers together with their bump stops and dust covers. Each of these parts has a job to do. When one wears out, it affects how your car behaves.

• Lower control arms and control arm bushes.
• Anti-roll bar bushes and drop links.
• Shock absorbers, bump stops and dust covers.

Is your air suspension sitting unevenly?

If your car has air suspension, pay attention to its ride height. One side might sit lower than the other, the tyres and suspension bushes may wear unevenly, or a suspension warning light might come on. On VAG cars, the ride height sensors are often responsible. They work together as a system. Replacing just one without considering the others is like changing only one sock in the morning.

On the Lamborghini Urus, we also work with the air suspension control module – replacing, adapting and parameterising it. Audi RS models with DRC suspension have another particular requirement. Their shock absorbers use a specific oil, and servicing or depressurising the system requires the genuine special tool. Not every garage has one.

What if the steering rack locks after an accident?

There's a particular problem after an accident on the Volkswagen Polo platform and equivalent Audi, Škoda and Seat models. The steering rack locks and stores crash data. The official solution is to fit a new rack because dealers don't have a method for unlocking it.

We have a solution for this problem. It's another example of why understanding the electronics that control mechanical components matters just as much as knowing the mechanical parts themselves. We use genuine parts, and if you're a private customer, they come with a two-year warranty.

Advice from Kris Mladenov: If something knocks, a warning light comes on or you feel vibrations, don't rush into replacing parts blindly. Find out what's causing the problem first.