Front strut needs replacing at 85,000km?

[sleepyS3]

I have a 2016 S3 with about 85,000km. I had a squeak coming from the front passenger wheel that has now turned into a clunking noise. I notice it on uneven terrain (underground parking garage) and going over bumps (speed bumps, curbs) at slow speeds.

I thought the front strut mount was worn out after doing a bit of research. I jacked the car up and had a look for myself before taking it to my VW/Audi mechanic. Nothing looked suspect. Just got a call today and he recommended that I replace both front struts. $2000CAD just for the parts from Audi.

I’m hoping someone has had a similar issue and can give me some advice. Does 85,000km sound about right for a broken strut?

[MikTip]

I have removed all 4 of my Mag ride shocks and replaced them with Bilsteins and APR springs. Shocks cost $600. Springs $250. Mag ride cancellers $400. It was all DIY installed so I saved cash there.

[MetalMan]

In the front their are strut mounts and strut bearings. They both are potential sources of noise. At one point I replaced only the front strut mounts (didn't realize prior that the strut bearings were separate) and my car's noise persisted. Later I replaced the strut bearings and the noise was gone.

Also, when I replaced the strut bearings I found that my A3's stock sport struts were slightly leaking. I had Bilstein B8 struts and shocks on-hand anyways, but I wasn't expecting to see that. Car had 87k miles at the time.

My suggestion is to replace front strut mounts and strut bearings. To do that, you take off the front struts, and at that point your mileage is high enough that it might be worthwhile to replace struts as well.

[b1aZe]

In my experience, struts on German cars have about a 50k expected life span.

That being said, if it’s not leaking there’s no reason to replace it except if you’re in there anyways, you may save the cost of labor again.

But again, at that rate, you might as well do all of them at once

[Spinnetti]

This is one heck of a clunky chassis regardless. I Replaced strut bearings, strut tops, shock mounts, trailing arms, swaybar end links, engine mounts, ball joints and other components and it still clunks and squeaks over bumps like a Cuban Impala. It drives fine, so I just turn up the radio.