Audi allroad Suspension Questions

baxterdan

Hi everyone, I just purchased a 2002 Allroad, I have a problem that I have not been able to find anywhere on this forum. the suspension doesn't sag or throw any lights on the dashboard but there is no reaction when the up/down buttons are pressed. The car drives/rides great but I am unable to raise or lower the car. Looks like the car is sitting at level 2 but there is no lights on the switch panel to let me know. I have been a mechanic for 16 years so talk dirty to me, I dont mind digging!. Thanks, dan.

dpwoom

Got into my 2004 Allroad yesterday and the front end is completely bottomed out, below the number 1 position. I am thinking about ordering replacement air shocks from Arnott, but want to make sure it isn't a compressor problem before I place my order. Is there an easy way to check to see if my problem is the compressor or that both my front air shocks went bad at the same time?

edenfar

Hello All,
I own a 2003 Allroad and recently the front right shock has been deflating over night. I can start the car and raise it up (with a few restarts of the engine) but we notice the problem getting worst.

I plan to purchase my replacement parts from Arnott so my question is, Do I purchase 1 replacement front shock or that and the compressor?

The compressor still raises the car, but I do notice it makes some noise when it kicks on.

Also a mechanic within his 3-4K quote, said I need to also replace the "Valve Body" which is only available through Audi and is controlled by the ECM.

would replaceing the whole compressor unit fix this issue as well? What is the Valve Body and should I look to replace it?

I sincerely apprecaite the assistance with this post.

-Eden

new_guy2

i would start with the air strut. i replaced both of the front with Arnott, and it was half the price as Audi parts. pretty easy to do also. as for the valve body, it is a major part of your transmission, and really expensive and necessary. depending on the mileage of your car, you might consider selling it and getting a VOLVO! that's what i did.
peace-out AUDI.

the most high maintenance car i have ever owned. and i only had it for 6 months!

patsobg

OK guy, I just got a 04 Allroad, and the suspension is all the way down, non of the buttons work, doesnt want to go up or down, the motor is working when i jump it with battery, but it doesnt change anything. the vag com gives me
1 Fault Found:
01437 - Control Position not Learned
the fuce is fine, the relay is OK, the compressor work, I dont see any other reason, please help if you have any experiance, with issue like that!
Thank you

new_guy2

is your light on in the control panel, indicating a fault in the air-ride system? if so, nothing will happen when you push the buttons because it has senced the fault, and is trying to spare the compressor. what i have done in the past is to jack the car up in the front, to about level 2, then turn on the key and see if the compressor kicks on to fill the bags.if so, then you have a leak. if not, then it could be the compressor itself. either way, get rid of the whole car and buy a VOLVO or a Honda!

lxtwin

Hi there,

I have a 2005 Allroad with 40,000 miles on it, last year the suspension would drop from level 2 down below 1 where the warning light would flash on the instrument cluster. This would happen within a few hours and was consistent. So when I put soapy water on the front suspension you could see the bubbles and they were replaced.

Now a similar thing is happening so I am wondering if it is the rear, but it is a bit inconsistent and I am not sure.

It only drops from 2 → 1, never below.
The whole car drops down, where before the front was lower.
It can sometimes take an hour and others 4 days, last time it was a few hours all the time.

Do you think it is the rear air bags or could it be something else ?

Any help would be great.

technox

Perhaps you should try the calibration of position sensors with VAG-COM, described on this link: http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?t=2038902 , allthough the guy on the link uses it for lowering the car..

jgbrannan

I have had this issue. I replaced the left front one originally, and it was a grand by my mechanic shop. When my right one went, first six months ago i did the fix-a-flat repair, and then it held for the six months and i stayed at level 2. it started to sag again two weeks ago, and i ordered the arnott air spring. installed yesterday, and it is good to go again. i ordered from arnott. 299. + shipping was the part. 250 for the installation at my shop. no other part was replaced. i can hear when the compressor kicks on, (its under/next to rear spare wheel) but it goes up and down as normal. I have always been able to hear my compressor just a bit. also, there is a relay for the whole system, that is in the dash, in case you need to know. you can hear it click on and off sometimes, right before the compressor kicks on.
hope that is helpful. i love my audi, and this air system issue is the only really big issue with this car. arnott is a good company.

adam58

Hi, I'm wondering if you figured this out? My 2002 allroad just came down with the same problem.

Thanks for your help.

edenfar

Hello,
To fix the problem, I ended up replacing the right front shock. When I came out the the garage one night, the right front was dropped down. I figured replacing that shock would bandade the issue.
As t turns out the car now drives fine on the highway at level 2. Before replacing he shock, we could drive and park over night fine at level 3. The only issue is that when driving you are limited to 50 mph and then a sensor lowers the car if you go over.
If you have the financial means it might make sense to replace both front shocks at the same time. You might get a better deal on labor to do both. I spoke with a mechanic who said you will never have to replace the rear. Because the frog absorb engine weight, those are the only ones that leak.
I have not addressed the ease light kicking on yet. As for now a quick fix is to just shut off and turn the car back on. It will kick on the compressor and get the car lifted again.
I went with Arnott shocks through amazon. Lifetime warranty and cost effective. Although spending about $550 in total, I feel selling the car with its original features is better than swapping it for fixed shocks and no lift system.

cfoss

So I am wondering why you cannot go over 50? Are you saying that the arnott suspension does not have the required sensor?

lhop

Hi I am looking at purchasing an audi allroad, its 54 plate, just under 70k. The owner has told me it has a slight leak on front suspension. Do you know how much this will set me back please? My other half is pretty handy at repairing things, is there any info on doing the job yourself? I have read that Arnott parts are better + cheaper than audi, is this right? I am a lil worried I am going to buy a car + be spending out on it straight away. What are your thoughts on the allroad anything else I should know? Thanks

dpwoom

I have a 2004 Allroad with 190k miles and it is running great. At about 120k I had to replace the front air bladders and did it at a dealer. The cost was about $3K. If I was mechanically inclined I could have done it myself using Arnott's products and could have saved myself over 2 grand. Two years later the front bladders started leaking again so I opted to switch out the air suspension with the Arnott Conversion kit. Bought the kit through ebay for $900 and got a mechanic to do the labor for $400. The car rides in Level 2 position and I barely notice a difference in the handling. All in all, the Allroad has been a great car, provided you don't mind putting a few dollars in to it from time to time.

zabelardo

Most likely your rear air spring is leaking, at the bottom fold on Level 2. Heat also makes a difference how and when it drops.

With the car running at L2 - place a jackstand under the suspect rear bag side, but just an inch below. This is for your safety. Get under the car(WATCH that hot exhaust!) and spray soapy water all over the rubber bladder. Look for bubbles and listen if the air compressor comes on periodically. If it comes on - it is trying to bring a leaking bag to level. Your only option is to replace.

With the right tools, this can be performed by yourself in under 2 hours.

msoubliere

Hello,
I own a 2004 allroad and have had suspension problems for the past two years. Started changing compressor,then front suspension 1yr ago and now just recently rear suspension (both with Arnott). I had had figured the problem was the rear suspension and when I changed that it didnt change my problems. Everytime I park the car in a hill the suspension drops. When it's parked on the flat sometimes it falls to below 1 and sometimes not. When I drive and I hit a pot hole, then the air suspension lights are activated. When I try to inflate suspension, the compressor works the suspension get's stiff but all lights continue flashing. I then turn off engine and restart it and we are good to go. THe compressor then stops working. Someimes I can even raise the car to level 2 and sometimes I can't. My mechanic has no idea what the problem is! I dont think its a hardware problem. Can it be a computer problem? thks

Mr_Shiftright

if you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, I could recommend a shop that knows how to fix these cars correctly.

technox

Pneumatic lines and the control box may be clogged, if you had used sealing milk anytime before.

getbozman

My Allroad will stay at level 3 for at least a month but falls below level 1 when driven over 50 MPH. What is the best fix?

msoubliere

Thks. My mechanic thought it was problem and I ordered a used part from Shokan. Light on dash still there and now I have same problem as the latest post. Over 50 mph, it goes from 3 to 2 and suspension if much bouncier. Fun Fun Fun....

audiallroader

Hi there!

I just took my Allroad to the dealer and they said it needs a new air compressor for the suspension and said it would cost $1600 to repair. After looking on the web it seems like you can by the OEM replacement for < $400. The instructions on the web looks like it pretty much plug and play. Does anyone have any experience with this? Do I need the computer after I change it and is the suspension going to go down to the tires when I pull the compressor out?

Thanks in advance for any assistance!!

msoubliere

I don't trust dealers. Arnott Air suspension parts do the job for a fraction of the price. If you don't have a mechanic that can do the job ask your dealer how much for the repair if you bring the part in.

getbozman

I have a Allroad that drops below Level when driven over 50 MPH. Stays up at lower speeds and while parked. Which Arnott replacement parts should I be having installed? A couple times after highway driving I have heard a pounding in the back of the car which I assume is the compresor trying to raise the car. Any advice from someone who has used the Arnott products would be great. This is my 5th Audi and the only one that has caused serious trouble.

Thanks in advance.

klijnsmit

Isn't it supposed to fall to level 1 when going over 50?? Is it on auto?

bozman888

I do not think so. When new I had to go over 80 MPH for it to go down to level 1. Also when new it came back up when I slowed down, Now it just stays at level 1 until re started.

Trying to figure out if the problem is the compressor or the air bags. Maybe something else. Little faith in the dealer at this point.

msoubliere

This is normal. When over 50 mps your computer will automatically bring the car down for better performance. as for not bringing it back up...welcome to the wonderful world of Audi electronics! My Audi 1977 fox was escorted to the dump because of electronic issues...more than 30 years later it's still their achille's heal!

bozman888

Do you really think it is an electronics? The owner's manual says it sould only come down at over 80 MPH. Some posting sugest either the air bags or compresser. I am thrying to figure what to replace. All seem to be expensive.

dlaustin

Bozman888:

I have a 2001 Allroad and love it. I, too, had suspension problems and am able to fix them or get them fixed. What I have found is that you can blame anything or everything associated with the suspension system and you would probably be wrong, unless you targeted the airbags. My experience is that, first and foremost, make certain that none of the airbags, leak at any level, be it 1, 2, 3 or 4. using the soapy water method described by me in an early posting. Once you are totally satisfied that there are no leaks in the airbags and you still have a problem, it becomes a lot easier to isolate the cause. MY feeling is that the electronics are pretty much bullet-proof and the compressor pretty darn reliable. My car has 120k and has no problems. Only the front airbags have been replaced and I would use the Arnott replacements over Audi's anytime.

Not long ago, I had to replace the right front headlight leveling sensor which actually does more than level the headlights - it caused the compressor to unnecessarily cycle. The replacement of that item normalized the suspension. I was able to isolate the problem, but don't remember if the VAG-COM helped me - sorry.

Bottom line: Replace any leaky airbag and your problems will probably disappear. And don't trust even a reliable mechanic to check for airbag leaks - it requires a patience, some time and real concentration to make certain you inspect all surfaces of each airbag with the soapy water at each level with a strong focus on the two front airbags.

Hopes this helps!

bozman888

That's what I wanted. Someone who had actualy been through the issue himself. Will start on the soapy water thing this week. Many thanks.

bozman888

Hello again. Do you remember if you used the Arnott generation 1 or generation 2 kit? Which would you use if doing again?

dlaustin

Hi;

I used the Gen I and have had zero problems. If doing it again, I would probably use Gen I again, but I would check out Gen II before making my decision. From my viewpoint, Gen I is a much, much better design than Audi's. If you are handy with tools and working a little on cars, it's a very simple job to replace the airbags yourself - maybe 2 hours with proper jacks. If I remember correctly, only two bolts are involved in the removal process after the wheel is removed, but one of those requires WD40 and some finesse. An impact wrench works great. Once off the car, there are about 7 bolts/nuts to be removed the old airbag and re-installed on the new one. The only problem is a single shaft nut that is impossible to get tightened without an impact wrench because there is no way to hold things without scarring the shaft - forget torque wrench. The re-install is simple, but requires some finesse to get mounting holes aligned to insert bolts. Connect the air and away you go. Best!

bozman888

Thanks again. I have ordered Generation 1. The guys that service my Audis have installed over 100 Generation 1,s without issues. They have never tried the Generation II. They are however concerned that it is some other problem than the air bags because the front of the car comes down evenly, We will see what happens when they are installed.

Thanks for the tips on doing it myself. Would have tried except hat I became disabled 3 years ago. Getting under the car would not be easy.

msoubliere

good luck. i have gen 1 in the back, and gen 2 in the front. a new compressor and a new control module. still not working properly!

msoubliere

Good news, my suspension is fixed. Somewhere is this blog they talk about Vag-Com computer reset. I sent this to my mechanic and he followed the steps and bingo the problem is fixed. So everyone who has the 50 mph problem should reset the levels on of the suspension. I had the problem but there is one main and important difference. If suspension is working perfectly this is suppose to happen. However I had the problem and when I was over 50 mph the car suspension would not be as stiff, sort of like driving a old Pontiac Bonneveille. Anyways, I am very happy to have my allroad back, it's fun to drive! I would agree with everyone that you should make sure the airbags are not leaking. Go with Arnott. Then try the pump-compressor (Arnott has one for sale as well)and then the suspension control box. I bought a used one from Shokan.

msoubliere

Good news, my suspension is fixed. Somewhere is this blog they talk about Vag-Com computer reset. I sent this to my mechanic and he followed the steps and bingo the problem is fixed. So everyone who has the 50 mph problem should reset the levels on of the suspension. I had the problem but there is one main and important difference. If suspension is working perfectly this is suppose to happen. However I had the problem and when I was over 50 mph the car suspension would not be as stiff, sort of like driving a old Pontiac Bonneveille. Anyways, I am very happy to have my allroad back, it's fun to drive! I would agree with everyone that you should make sure the airbags are not leaking. Go with Arnott. Then try the pump-compressor (Arnott has one for sale as well)and then the suspension control box. I bought a used one from Shokan.

funkfeeler

HI,
I am happy owner of 2003 Allroad. This week my Front Right suspension has sunk completely. When engine running, pump lifts car to almost correct Level. Once engine off, it deflates and sinks completely. I can hear air excaping, so pretty certain its leaking Air.

My question is regarding replacement parts.
My Audi Specilist has lost confidence in Arnotts products, he used to love them.
(They had about 10 in last 12 months, that did not last 18 months, Arnott's weaseled out of honouring lifetime guarantee).

What is the Generation 1 Units mentioned (are these the Arnott's???)

What options are there out there Genuine Audi, Arnott's Gen1????

Regards
Seb

dlaustin

Gen I is Arnott. I'm very pleased with the Gen I product and will use them again.

bozman888

I replaced the fronts with the Arnott Generation I system and all my problems are gone. Car rides like new. Thanks for your help.

dlaustin

You are more than welcome. And thanks for letting me know.

padger

Hi
Can anyone suggest an answer to the following. If I park the Allroad in suspension position 3 it stays up for ever. I parked at the airport and a week later it was still up. However if I park it in position 1 or 2 then it goes to the ground and won't come back up. Compressor seems to overheat and cut out. However,if I leave the car overnight it can be raised again to position 3 and don't go much over 40 mph it will stay up for ever. If I drive at 60-70 mph the level goes down to position 1 (flashing) and is accompanied by yellow warning light on the dashboard. If I park overnight it can be once again raised to position 3. Are there different seals within the bag that help it to maintain different levels? Do one of the front bags need to be replaced?? Appreciate any help

dlaustin

Based on my experiences, one, or both, of the front air bags is leaking. Locate it using the soapy water method I outlined much earlier. Replace it! I prefer the Arnott air bag as the replacement. Once the replacement(s) is in place, the compressor will finally work properly in all likelihood. From my personal experiences, it's always about a leaking front air bag. So far, the Arnott appears to work far better than the Audi version and it's much less expensive - a great combination.

msoubliere

Agreed. It can be the front air suspension. However it can be something else. I have had multiple problems with my suspension and it<'s still not fixed. If I had to start over I would buy the new coil conversion kit from Arnott.

msoubliere

Agreed. It can be the front air suspension. However it can be something else. I have had multiple problems with my suspension and it<'s still not fixed. If I had to start over I would buy the new coil conversion kit from Arnott.

technox

I had multiple problems too, and bought the coil suspension from Arnott.

No more problems with with air suspension since.. , but the car feels very much different now.
Very soft, very comfortable on bad non paved roads though, only you can't drive fast... Dampers are way too soft to asure good tyre contact.

It can be pretty frustrating, as original Audi dampers are top quality, enabling you to drive very fast even on worst roads (but not so comfortable though...).

msoubliere

That is unfortunate. The Allroad is a great family car to drive when the family is at home and I am alone!

allroad_rick

I have a 2005 2.7 Allroad in which the front passenger suspension "airbag" has started to occasionally lower all the way down. It does not happen consistently and is independent of weather, temperature, etc. Up until yesterday I thought I had a slow leak. I drove to work in the morning and upon going out for lunch, I noticed that the entire front end had dropped. Once the car started, the compressor was running, but the front of the car would not raise. I looked at various comments on here, and decided to carefully drive it to the dealer (in Latham, NY).

Pulling into the parking lot, there was the same exact model car as mine, with the same issue (so I didn't feel like my suspension drop was uncommon). The dealer told me that they would have to replace the two front airbags (at a cost of $2,300). I asked if they could do a diagnostic to see what error codes might come up (as some have suggested on here) but they tried to talk me out of it since I would just be wasting the $129 diagnostic fee. When I asked if there was any way they could check the air hoses, the valve, the compressor, or the sensor they said no, it was the airbags. They also told me that if the compressor was broken, it would be an additional $1,300 AFTER the cost of the front suspension work.

Unhappy with the dealer's response, I went to Broadway Auto Clinic in Albany, NY. They hooked up the computer, ran a diagnostic and came up with a Front Pressure Sensor issue. They simply reset the code, and the front end started to raise up. 15 minutes later and no charge to me, I was driving away with the issue fixed (at least for now). I will continue to monitor the front end (it might be a stuck or faulty valve, or in fact a leak) and will report back.

The mechanic also suggested that if the front drops again and I cannot get to the shop, to disconnect the battery and drain the remaining electricity from the battery (Even though the battery has been disconnected, there will still be a small amount of electricity that is stored in the engine. The easiest way to drain the electricity is to hold down on either the brakes until there is no power left. This will deplete all electrical components of having power, including the car's central computer), then reconnect.

Hopefully this helps some of you out there, and saves your hard earned money from the greedy dealers.

kcwt

Hi The airbags were replaced with Arnott, but the car will not go up. From what I am reading, I will need to go to the Audi Dealer and reset the computer, correct?
I am hoping that this is the case. Everything else goes on, lifting lights flash and the pump growls and gets frustrated, the car stays down, then I get frustrated and leave.

I will have to reset the computer, yes?

fpak

I have an 04 Allroad with flat front air springs (both). The compressor runs and puts out air but apparently it’s not getting to the fronts. The air suspension yellow trouble light is on but the green level lights don’t. The level 1 Light comes on for a second when the engine turns on but then goes out. I can jumper across the under dash relay to force the compressor “on”. Does anyone have info on jumpering the pins in the suspension control valve connector to open them individually? Thanks