Doing front shocks--this doesn't seem right
#1
![Default](https://www.audiworld.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'm replacing the front factory shocks in my 2001 sport suspension with Bilstein 24-020794 as listed on their website. When I put it all back together, the rod sticks up about an inch further than the original, which right now is a gap between the upper mount and everything else, as I compressed the spring just enough to go slack in the old assembly. I can let the spring out, but I don't know if it'll even touch, and then when I put it in the car I'll have to compress the spring with the suspension to buy back the slack. Given that the shock assembly barely wants to come out of the car in the factory configuration, this extra inch seems like a lot.
Can this be correct? Neither Bilstein nor AWE list a separate shock for the sport springs.
Can this be correct? Neither Bilstein nor AWE list a separate shock for the sport springs.
#2
AudiWorld Super User
![](https://www.audiworld.com/forums/images/ranks/guru2.jpg)
![Default](https://www.audiworld.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
If you live in California you ought to complain to Bilstein and maybe get free shocks when they fit a set to your car since the ønes they recommend clearly don't fit. There is some precedent because Bilstein in Poway CA is looking for some Ford trucks to fit Bilsteins to.
Be that as it may, looks like you got the wrong shock?
http://cart.bilsteinus.com/product/24-065115/1368154
Doesn't look like Bilstein makes a shock for lowered/sport suspension other than the above.
Be that as it may, looks like you got the wrong shock?
http://cart.bilsteinus.com/product/24-065115/1368154
Doesn't look like Bilstein makes a shock for lowered/sport suspension other than the above.
#3
![Default](https://www.audiworld.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
That's the rear, and a "sport" model. I'm doing HDs in the front--I don't think they make Sports for that in 2001--not to be confused with the Audi sport (1BE) suspension with shorter, higher rate springs. Bilstein, unlike Sachs, doesn't distinguish between the sport and regular suspensions. So maybe I do have to compress it in the car during installation?
#4
AudiWorld Super User
![](https://www.audiworld.com/forums/images/ranks/guru2.jpg)
![Default](https://www.audiworld.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I think I misunderstand....yes, gas shocks have to be compressed but when u take off the spring compressor the shock should hold the spring preloaded.
I would not li,e to put a new shock on that was significantly longer than the oem shock.....sure u have the same distance from the bottom of the shock to the spring perch as well...
I would not li,e to put a new shock on that was significantly longer than the oem shock.....sure u have the same distance from the bottom of the shock to the spring perch as well...
#5
![Default](https://www.audiworld.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Yes, the height to the spring perch and the top of the shock body are the same. It's just the rod sticking up more. The body is a smaller diameter, but Bilstein includes an adapter for the spring seat that seems to fit.
#6
AudiWorld Super User
![](https://www.audiworld.com/forums/images/ranks/guru2.jpg)
![Default](https://www.audiworld.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
?? Did it work out? I used koni sport shocks.
#7
![Default](https://www.audiworld.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Been on travel this week--didn't get back to it. I left AWE a message via their website, but they didn't respond. I'll try to call them tomorrow and/or maybe just try it tomorrow night.
I should've added that the rear ones didn't do this--they fit pretty much like the OE ones.
I believe Koni does distinguish between sport and non-sport suspensions, at least for 2001.
I should've added that the rear ones didn't do this--they fit pretty much like the OE ones.
I believe Koni does distinguish between sport and non-sport suspensions, at least for 2001.
Trending Topics
#8
AudiWorld Super User
![](https://www.audiworld.com/forums/images/ranks/guru2.jpg)
![Default](https://www.audiworld.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I used koni yellow sports on a stock 4.2A6.
#9
![Default](https://www.audiworld.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Talked to AWE today--they basically shrugged and said to try it. I'll do that over the weekend. But if this doesn't look right, I'll punt and go with the Konis. No idea why Bilstein doesn't make this more clear. If the rears match exactly and the fronts are an inch long, couldn't you at least put a note on the website?
I'll let you know how it turns out.
I'll let you know how it turns out.
#10
AudiWorld Super User
![](https://www.audiworld.com/forums/images/ranks/guru2.jpg)
![Default](https://www.audiworld.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
How about emailing these guys:
info-tkbs@thyssenkrupp.com
Or try their online catalog available at:
http://www.bilstein.de/en-uk/home.html
Looking through the catalog gives a few more options than the 24-020794 you're using; one of which appeared to have a shorter shaft but that may just be a picture issue.
info-tkbs@thyssenkrupp.com
Or try their online catalog available at:
http://www.bilstein.de/en-uk/home.html
Looking through the catalog gives a few more options than the 24-020794 you're using; one of which appeared to have a shorter shaft but that may just be a picture issue.