Front strut replacement

[r26372]

Got quoted $5k to replace clunky front struts in 2018 rs3. An additional $1k to recalibrate a bunch of sensors and lights after. Seems like a ripoff, I live in Chicago, and wondering if this seems in ballpark or outrageous. Also, if anyone has local non-dealer recommendation.

Thanks


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[Potatohead_RS3]

The struts themselves are about $900 each. Changing them is maybe 45 mins per side. I am not actually sure if they need to be recalibrated or if the old setting is good enough, I would imagine the latter since it is the same strut and ride height. Alignment also not totally necessary but not a bad idea. I would also probably change the strut bearings at the same time.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/aud...-vw-8v0413029p
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/aud...chs-5q0412331d


The other option is to go with coilovers or something and some mag-ride cancellers but you will be giving up the adjustability at that point.

What mileage is on the car? It's possible it's a problem with the mounts and not the struts themselves. Usually if struts go they start to leak.

[Jeff_Jeske]

Clunk doesn't scream dead strut. Could just be something needs to be tightened. I'd take the car to someplace like RADA and get a second opinion. Ricky is about as good as it gets in terms of a mechanic.

https://www.radaracelab.com/

If the car isn't crashing over bumps it could be something as simple as a loose sway bar endlink.

[TheContrarian]

Like mentioned, I would bet the strut mount has failed before the strut has. Taking the front struts out is easy stuff if you have a spring compressor and somewhere to work. Even if the struts did need replacement, you could do it yourself for half the cost.
An alignment isn't necessary following strut removal. All you can adjust is toe, and removing the strut doesn't affect toe, which is set by the tie rod ends.

[joszer]

I lowered my car and didn't have to recalibrate the sensors. Sensors work just fine.

Did the same thing on my old MK7 Golf R and my Wife's Tiguan after lowering- never needed to "recalibrate"

Chances are you need to adjust your top strut mounts or replace them.

[Potatohead_RS3]

I lowered my car and didn't have to recalibrate the sensors. Sensors work just fine.

Did the same thing on my old MK7 Golf R and my Wife's Tiguan after lowering- never needed to "recalibrate"

Chances are you need to adjust your top strut mounts or replace them.

You are supposed to recalibrate mag-ride if you lower it. A lot of people don't, but it's a good idea. Typically the lights don't need to be "calibrated" but you do have to reset the zero point otherwise they will point quite low.

The above is only true for lowering though, not for just replacing struts.

[bbowers825]

Well fuck me, I lowered on 034 MS Springs like a year ago. Ride is pretty shit overall, but I had no idea I had to calibrate Magride. Can you do that through the car itself, or do I need an OB tool?

[Potatohead_RS3]

Well fuck me, I lowered on 034 MS Springs like a year ago. Ride is pretty shit overall, but I had no idea I had to calibrate Magride. Can you do that through the car itself, or do I need an OB tool?

Dealer only, need odis (Audi service software)

[bbowers825]

Oh goodie!!!

*Please sir, may I have some more??!"

[sleepy_rs3]

Well fuck me, I lowered on 034 MS Springs like a year ago. Ride is pretty shit overall, but I had no idea I had to calibrate Magride. Can you do that through the car itself, or do I need an OB tool?

An alternative would be to buy the DSC Sport controller, then you can recalibrate ride height sensors on your own plugged in with laptop. Granted the DSC is a large $1300-1400 investment, so you would have to be interested in the controller. There are threads about it on both the RS3 and TTRS model line discussions if you have any interest...I'm a fan of it, but it is a very personal choice and don't really care to pitch it to anyone...just wanted to share that you can use it to recalibrate ride height on your own anytime.

[chi_marketing]

Got quoted $5k to replace clunky front struts in 2018 rs3. An additional $1k to recalibrate a bunch of sensors and lights after. Seems like a ripoff, I live in Chicago, and wondering if this seems in ballpark or outrageous. Also, if anyone has local non-dealer recommendation.

Thanks

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

What dealer quoted you that price?

[steve111b]

When my windshield was replaced the dealer did an ACC alignment, which included wheel alignment and calibration for the suspension level, radar and camera. At my request and cost the dealer also did a magride calibration. The magride calibration was not included in the ACC alignment. As far as I know, magride calibration can only be done with ODIS, so VCDS, DCS controller, and other third party software cannot do a magride calibration.

[WAF]

When my windshield was replaced the dealer did an ACC alignment, which included wheel alignment and calibration for the suspension level, radar and camera. At my request and cost the dealer also did a magride calibration. The magride calibration was not included in the ACC alignment. As far as I know, magride calibration can only be done with ODIS, so VCDS, DCS controller, and other third party software cannot do a magride calibration.

The oem controller is removed and replaced with thr DSC controller. Within the DSC you can set parameters.

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[UberDave]

The magride calibration was not included in the ACC alignment. As far as I know, magride calibration can only be done with ODIS, so VCDS, DCS controller, and other third party software cannot do a magride calibration.

Steve, what did the dealer charge for the magride calibration, do you remember? Trying to decide whether to have them do that when I take it in for the PODS recall.

[o1turbo30v]

Steve, what did the dealer charge for the magride calibration, do you remember? Trying to decide whether to have them do that when I take it in for the PODS recall.

They did mine for free when I got my alignment, I just told them I lowered it .7” front .5” rear. That being said I’m almost positive vcds can do it, if you go under basic settings in the suspension controller it gives you options to enter new “minimum height” on all four corners.

[steve111b]

The correct procedure, to adjust the car to a new ride height, is to pay hundreds of dollars to the dealer for an ACC alignment. Failing to do this means that pre sense (radar in grill) will not be calibrated correctly. If drivers turn off pre sense at every start up, this should not be a problem. However the mag ride is also tied to the ride height. And the mag ride is tied to the ESC. I am seeing changes to the ESC whenever I get a mag ride calibration. All these systems work together, so cherry picking one thing and ignoring the dependent systems is not a wise plan.

Mag ride calibration was not included in the ACC alignment that the dealer did for me. They charged me one hour labour for this service. I also had an independent do a mag ride calibration (with ODIS) and he charged one hour labour. Mag ride calibration does not adjust ride height (that is ACC alignment), but resets the system to account for wear. This is important for me because I drive a lot in the snow and rear shock wear makes the car oversteer in the snow.