Performance-enhanced strut and strut mounts for comfortable Audi driving

Anthony Fontanelle
September 26, 2007

The Audi parts assembly responsible for giving the car a comfortable ride is called the suspension system. Composed of a network of chassis braces referred to as struts, the Audi suspension controls the sway and supports the weight of the vehicle. Standard among marquee Audi makes is a strut assembly with a fully independent MacPherson strut front and a multilink rear suspension. This Audi strut setup gives the ideal balance between comfort and handling response. An Audi strut combines the main function of a shock absorber with the ability to reinforce sideways loads not along its axis of compression. It is similar to a sliding pillar suspension, thereby eliminating the need for an upper suspension arm.

Audi struts guarantee that the shifting of the vehicle's weight is controlled, which in turn, results in proper car handling. They vary according to shaft designs, from twin-tube design, hardened chrome piston rods, a low-pressure nitrogen gas, velocity-sensitive valving, multi-lip seals, and a seamless tube body. Some replacement Audi struts even incorporate a patented check valve to eliminate foaming and aeration to make sure that a stable ride is maintained even under rough conditions. Because of its heavy workload and the constant pounding and swaying it receives, an Audi strut is characteristically designed with rugged features and mounting points near the middle for attachment of such loads. The Audi strut mounts, more than providing a heavy-duty mounting point, is designed both as a coupling and installation unit. It provides a pivot area on which to mount a movable strut assembly. The Audi strut mount is typically found on the top of the strut assembly and is only used on more compact Audi makes that employ MacPherson-type struts. The Audi strut mount is traditionally made of rubber, fitted with a bearing at the center to allow the strut to turn left or right, depending on the steering input. As an integral part of the Audi suspension, it is important to replace the strut mount whenever replacing the strut assembly. Regular wear and tear can damage the Audi strut mount more than the strut itself, resulting in a less effective suspension.

Source:  Amazines.com