Struts, testing on shock tester
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 17 other vehicles, including the 2009 Audi S4, 2009 Audi A4, 2008 Audi S4, 2008 Audi RS 4, and 2008 Audi A4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Struts can be checked while installed using the shock tester (strut testing device). The damping effect can be evaluated based on the dial reading or print-out.
Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
- Boge shock tester or
- Sachs shock tester V.A.G 1975 or
- Maha shock absorber tester VAS 1990
NOTE:
- Temperature +10 to +40°C.
- Driver in vehicle.
- Tire pressure OK.
- Drive vehicle straight onto center of wheel contact plates.
- Front wheels in straight position.
- Parking not engaged, foot brake not activated.
Threshold
Strut condition can only be judged as follows:
- Sufficient damping effect
or
- Insufficient damping effect
NOTE:
- Intermediate values for reduced damping performance cannot be read out.
- A prognosis on service life is not permitted.
- Measured values that come about from involvement of suspension travel end stops are incorrect.
The following values apply only to the test stands named above. If the specified values are exceeded, the strut action has weakened enough that a replacement is recommended.
Example:
Threshold = 70
- a = greater than 70: Insufficient damping effect
- a = less than 70: Sufficient damping effect
Strut combination installed in vehicle is indicated by corresponding PR number on vehicle data plate.
Clarification of weight Production Relevant numbers (PR no.) Clarification of Production Control numbers (PR No.)
Threshold "a" in mm
NOTE:
- If the readout value is greater than the limit value "a" (table value): Damping effect insufficient → replace strut.
- If the readout value is less than the limit value "a" (table value): Damping effect sufficient → strut does not need to be replaced.
Vehicles up to VIN 400 000
| Vehicle type | Front axle | Rear axle | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| A4 standard VA sedan/wagon | 44 | / | Up to and including support spring OJJ (up to VA weight 918 Kg) |
| A4 standard VA sedan/wagon | 46 | / | from support spring OJK (from VA weight 919 Kg) |
| A4 standard HA sedan/wagon | / | 66 | Applies to front and Quattro |
| A4 Standard VA convertible | 44 | / | No weight difference |
| A4 Standard HA convertible | / | 60 | Applies to front |
| A4 Sport VA sedan/wagon | 43 | / | Up to and including support spring OJG (up to VA weight 923 Kg) |
| A4 Sport VA sedan/wagon | 45 | / | from support spring OJH (from VA weight 924 Kg) |
| A4 Sport HA sedan/wagon | / | 65 | Applies to front and Quattro |
| A4 Sport VA convertible | 40 | / | Up to and including support spring OJG (up to VA weight 923 Kg) |
| A4 Sport VA convertible | 42 | / | from support spring OJH (from VA weight 924 Kg) |
| A4 Sport HA convertible | 65 | Applies to front and Quattro | |
| A4 heavy duty VA sedan/wagon | 48 | / | Up to and including support spring OJJ (up to VA weight 918 Kg) |
| A4 heavy duty VA sedan/wagon | 48 | / | from support spring OJK (from VA weight 919 Kg) |
| A4 heavy duty HA sedan/wagon | / | 66 | Applies to front and Quattro |
| A4 S4 VA sedan/wagon | 42 | / | No weight difference |
| A4 S4 HA sedan/wagon | / | 55 | Applies to Quattro |
Vehicles from VIN 400 001
| Vehicle type | Front axle | Rear axle | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| A4 standard VA sedan/avant | 42 | / | Up to and including support spring OJJ (up to VA weight 918 Kg) |
| A4 standard VA sedan/wagon | 44 | / | from support spring OJK (from VA weight 919 Kg) |
| A4 standard HA sedan/wagon | / | 47 | Applies to front and Quattro |
| A4 Sport VA sedan/wagon | 50 | / | Up to and including support spring OJG (up to VA weight 923 Kg) |
| A4 Sport VA sedan/wagon | 52 | / | from support spring OJH (from VA weight 924 Kg) |
| A4 Sport HA sedan/wagon | / | 42 | Applies to front and Quattro |
| A4 heavy duty VA sedan/wagon | 48 | / | Up to and including support spring OJJ (up to VA weight 918 Kg) |
| A4 heavy duty VA sedan/wagon | 48 | / | from support spring OJK (from VA weight 919 Kg) |
| A4 heavy duty HA sedan/wagon | / | 66 | Applies to front and Quattro |