Improving ride quality for 2012 A4 Avant

[Andrew888]

Just purchased a 2012 high mileage A4 Avant SE Technik Multitronic and a friend who owns a 2016 model thinks the shocks need replacing in order to soften the ride over the bumper roads - any advice on the best shocks or should we consider replacing tyres or anything else first? 

[Steve Q]

What wheel difference is between your car and your mates? try to replace them for Audi ones. 

[Magnet]

Hello Andrew,

Wheel and tyre sizes on your car? Also XL (extra load) tyres on yours? 
Same questions in respect to your friend’s car? 
Tyre pressures as currently set on both cars?
Handbook recommended pressures for both vehicles - according to tyre sizes? 
Unserviceable shock absorbers?? I wouldn’t be considering anything in that context until you have answers to the above. 

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Andrew888]

Hi Steve & Gareth,

Thanks for responding.

It looks like they have put budget chinese tyres on the front eg Blacklion 225/50 R17 and Michelin X Green 225/50 R17 on the back which look quite worn - will get checked.

An identical car for sale nearby which we test drove which seem to have a softer ride has 2 Landsail 225/50 and 2 Nexen N Fera 225/50 ZR17.

My mates car has has very new Michelins Primacy 4 225/50 R17 98w on the front and Primacy 3 on the back.

Kind regards

Andrew

 

 

 

 

[Magnet]

Many thanks Andrew, 

Well it seems we can discount any profile differences which might account for a harsher ride. 
Extra load tyres on any of the 3 cars? I would expect there to be since they are estates. 
As a matter of interest, Landsail are again budget, and I believe Nexen are the budget brand of a better known tyre manufacturer - but I cannot remember which one. 
Tyre pressures? 
Personally, I would not be rushing out to replace shock absorbers until more homework has been done on tyre loads and pressures. 
What mileage has your car covered Andrew? 
Perhaps Stevey can offer some guidance on the need for shock absorber replacement with his high mileage, load carrying , taxi experience.

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

 

[Andrew888]

Hi Gareth,

I will take the car to my local car tyre specialist who may be able give me some answers here in respect of tyres / pressures etc

In terms of load usage, the maximum is me the wife and teenage son who occasionally sits in the back, however, when we first picked up the car yesterday, there only me and my mate who has an earlier model who noticed the slightly harsher ride.

Mileage is high eg 155,000 but she drives like a 50,000 car.

Thanks

Andrew

 

 

[Magnet]

Hello Andrew,

Apologies, but I think you have misunderstood. 
The first basic port of call must always be to check the tyre pressures - ideally when it’s been standing out of the sun - and not when it’s done a run. 
Refer to the recommended tyre pressures as shown on the label, usually stuck on the inside of the fuel filler flap, or if not there, as shown in the owner’s handbook. 
Do that, before seeking any advice from tyre retailers, since in my experience, they can come up with some different ‘arbitrary’ pressures! 
Set the tyre pressures according to your ‘no load’ situation recommendations, and certainly not ‘fully loaded’. This vehicle may well have been used to carry loads, and the pressures set accordingly higher.

Let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Andrew888]

Hi Gareth,

Transpires tyre pressures for each tyre was set to 36 psi instead of the recommended 32.  The ride seems better although am waiting the wifes verdict.

Kind regards

 

Andrew

[Andrew888]

Hi Gareth,

Although not recommended, taken the Tyre pressures down to 26 PSI and its a different car in respect or ride quality around the horrible poor road surfaces where we live. I highly recommend to anyone else who has the same car and wants to avoid the bone shaker experience.

Given we do relatively low mileage, we shouldn't see too much of a loss in fuel economy.

Kind regards

Andrew

 

 

 

[Magnet]

Hello Andrew,

’Although not recommended....’ I think the forum must endorse that comment. 
My personal view ( probably the forum administrators as well?) is that other owners should not follow your advice and reduce the tyre pressures below the recommended settings, since it is likely to adversely affect the car’s handling. 

Wondered if you had yet checked the tyre wall for any indication of whether the current tyres are indeed marked anywhere with an XL symbol ( I believe Avants should be fitted with these, but I could be wrong). 
Also of a matter of interest and explanation - are the tyres ( rears in particular) run- flat by any chance. If this car is set up with run-flat rims, then these tyres can again add to a firm ride.

What were the tyre pressures measured at before you reduced them to 26psi Andrew? 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Andrew888]

Hi Gareth,

I thought you might say that. PSI before was 36.

 

Kind regards

Andrew

[Magnet]

What are the specified pressures for light loading for you size tyres Andrew? 
‘...thought you might say that.’ Apologies, but I’m sure you will appreciate the forum cannot endorse such a recommendation. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Stevey Y]

1 hour ago, Magnet said:

What are the specified pressures for light loading for you size tyres Andrew? 
‘...thought you might say that.’ Apologies, but I’m sure you will appreciate the forum cannot endorse such a recommendation. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

Hi I dont think anyone in their right mind would rubber stamp that sort of tyre pressure, the tyre roll and strain on the side walls would be horrendous the pressures are 36psi all round I personally run the tyres on my cab at 38psi as this goes a long way to alleviate scrubbing on the edges due to constant cornering, I have used the Nexen Nfera tyre a lot as they give excellent grip and wear, just about to change the rears which have done 35k, this model of tyre is classed as a premium tyre and if it is of any interest Nexen are their own company and do not produce tyres under licence for any other branded manufacturer they have all their own development facilities  near Seoul in Korea, the company has been making tyres for seventy years.

Using any rating tyre under 101 XL on a A6 is asking for trouble as they are a heavy car even a 97 XL is not fit for purpose in my opinion the harsh part of the ride is most likely due to the milage as the oil in the shocks is probably worn and foams quickly so they will be past their best and not as resistant to rough roads as they would be when new, unfortunately its the price you pay for not paying the price for a lower milage vehicle.

Steve.

[Andrew888]

I will change the PSi to 30 tomorrow to see what the ride quality is which is probably the lowest setting one can get away with that shows on the table sticker on the drivers door although it’s confusing because both 32 PSi and 30 PSi appear in the same row for 3 passengers in the vehicle.