For many drivers, the end of summer means the approaching tire change date and significantly shorter days, but by that time, the car has already overcome the most intense part of the warm season. Trips abroad, weekends in the country, regional roads that are not always in good condition – all this leaves its mark. The Audi chassis is no exception. LLLParts specialists note that the end of August or the beginning of autumn is the right time to check the suspension, especially if the car’s mileage has increased noticeably over the summer.
Multi-link suspension has another side
The multi-link suspension design used in many Audi models helps maintain the brand’s characteristic balance of comfort and steering precision. An Audi A4 or an Audi A6 is a good example. A similar design is also used in some of the brand’s larger models, but the greater number of joints means there are more components in the chassis, whose condition can change.
Obviously, a worn-out control arm bushing can cause discomfort while driving. At first, the driver may simply feel that the car no longer responds so precisely to steering wheel movements, and when braking, the steering wheel behaves a little differently than before. Only later do noises appear. LLLParts experts recommend that, in such cases, the chassis itself be checked before performing wheel alignment. If there is already looseness or other mechanical issues with the control arm or joint, it seems that a geometry adjustment may no longer help solve the problem. The tyres may also give away the problem – for example, their inner edge wears out noticeably faster, which is not typical for a technically well-maintained car.
Not every Audi suspension is the same
The situation with the Audi A8, Q7 or Q8 can be completely different. Some of these cars have air suspension, so air bags, a compressor, a valve block, and electronics that monitor the car’s height are added to the usual mechanical components.
The malfunction does not necessarily start with a dashboard warning. When you approach the car in the morning, you can notice that one of its corners is slightly lower. After starting the engine, the height is levelled again, and the problem seems to disappear. However, this behaviour can be the first sign of a small air leak. According to LLLParts specialists, ignoring the leak for a long time can lead to another problem: the compressor is forced to turn on more often. So, a relatively minor malfunction at first can eventually affect a much more expensive suspension component.
What can the tyres themselves give away?
Not all changes in the chassis are audible, and some are easier to see. After a long summer trip, it is worth checking whether both tyres on one axle are wearing at the same rate. This is because uneven tread wear can indicate a change in wheel geometry, but the cause should be sought more broadly.
It can lie in the chassis. Another really clear signal appears when driving on the highway. A car that previously drove straight without problems now has to be adjusted more often with the steering wheel, or it starts to slightly move to one side. Find parts for your Audi here: https://www.lllparts.co.uk/audi-parts
