The Wombat daft Q4 question number 2 - Suspension

[the wombat]

Are the electronically adjustable dampers still available, either OEM or through other sources (or is there someone who re-builds them?).

My Q4 came with FK coil-overs on, but they are a bit firm for my liking and are shaking the interior trim to bits around the poorly maintained Cambridgeshire side roads.

Even having adjusted the damping to fairly 'soft', the handling doesn't feel compliant on anything other than the smoothest surfaces. Guessing that the FK kit is somewhat track biased.

I used to have a skinny V6 with the dual setting suspension and from memory, it handled quite well, so was pondering on the possibility of returning to standard shocks with slightly lower springs.

Any help or alternative suggestions appreciated.

[AlfaJack]

You could try the main dealers but I think you will need to part with four figures of cash.
You might want to try OEM shocks off a V6. The aftermarket kits often cater for both the V6 and Q4 with the same parts.

[the wombat]

lol, I was afraid of the 4 figure sum. Might call them just out of interest though and get the part numbers off eper.

Need to research some shock rebuilding companies. I have the original shocks which have covered 50k miles or less. A bit weary of using them as they are, and wonder if a specialist company can re-build them for a reasonable sum.

If not, Bilstein B4s or B6s with a slightly lower spring I suspect.

[Steve Webb]

When I originally got my Q4 way back in 1999 there was an invoice for a replacement front strut, the electrically variable sort, and I seem to remember that it was £360 way back then. And thats just for a single front one.

Dread to think what they would charge for one now, even if you could find one.

[Evodelta]

What about putting standard non adjustable ones on?

From current Eper:

Front damper:

60565282 - SHOCK ABSORBER » Availability - Product orderable » Family DA29 - SHOCK ABSORBER Macro-family DDiscount code DMinimum quantity per package 1Unit of measurement NumWeight (grams) 5000Listed price(1) 379.04 GBPPrice including taxes 454.85 GBP

Another one listed at £136.44

Rear:

60559648 - SHOCK ABSORBER » Availability - Product orderable » Family DA29 - SHOCK ABSORBER Macro-family DDiscount code DMinimum quantity per package 1Unit of measurement NumWeight (grams) 2050Listed price(1) 379.04 GBPPrice including taxes 454.85 GBP

Only one side still available.

Others listed at about £90

[the wombat]

Cheers for the info.

Dare I ask what you guys are running shock and spring wise? I think the way to go is definitely to drop the coil-overs. They aren't compliant enough for our regular A and B roads, make the car feel skittish on bumps, are too harsh, and are shaking the interior to bits.

Per comments above, I would like to car to be slightly lower than standard, but am not looking to drop it to the deck, and a ride close to standard.

Have heard that Bilstein B6s should be good for the damping, and I have a set of V6 Eibach springs (for another project but this takes priority) but I have read mixed views on them.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Oh, and to add to the fray, I just bought a good looking 145 Cloverleaf for kicks and giggles. Drove it home this evening. 350 quid cannot buy that much more motoring fun.

[AlfaJack]

I have Koni Yellow shocks with Eibach -35mm springs. It is quite a crashy ride on the softest settings. Never been too keen on it.

[Steve Webb]

I think the problem with after-market springs and dampers is that all the manufacturers assume you want a firmer ride rather than just an alternative to the OEM kit. This is especially true for the Q4.

£350 for a 145 Cloverleaf sounds like an absolute bargain. Had a go in one years back and it was certainly fun. For that sort of money you can run it till it dies, stick the side-skirts on the Q4 and flog off the rest. Should make a tidy profit as well as have some fun.