Thread: Air suspension struts - how can they still be good after 250k?

Originally Posted by loanrangie

Out of interest has anyone fitted Dunlop struts ?

Or Arnott or Beck there’s a few

Originally Posted by Graeme

Air-springs don't have a length to which they try to return to so won't induce bouncing when shocks are worn-out. Hence unless worn shocks are tested with extra load or adverse road conditions they won't normally exhibit the severe characteristics that steel springs will induce. Due to the road conditions where I drive, my D4's shocks became rather useless by 80K kms but only after 40K for cheaper after-market shocks. I knew that the CVDs on my L322 at 100K kms weren't in great condition for normal unladen driving but on undulating surfaces with the van attached the shocks showed that they were indeed very worn-out, being incapable of preventing both front and rear bounce.

Thanks graham and everyone else for the responses. Seems I was sort of on the right track.

The question for me now is whether I use the 4x new delphi struts that I bought for the D3 a couple of years ago on the new 115k D4? Seems like it might not make all that big a difference. But would be nice to get some better small bump compliance as I’m finding the D4 a bit harsh - although that could be the 19” wheels and australia’s notoriously ****ty road surfaces. Perhaps i’m expecting too much form the new D4 suspension (as D3 is over 300k on originals and 18s), or maybe the lower control arms are shot, which I think they might be. Maybe I’ll get the LCAs replaced first and see if that improves the ride quality.

[QUOTE
The question for me now is whether I use the 4x new delphi struts that I bought for the D3 a couple of years ago on the new 115k D4? Seems like it might not make all that big a difference. But would be nice to get some better small bump compliance as I’m finding the D4 a bit harsh - although that could be the 19” wheels and australia’s notoriously ****ty road surfaces. Perhaps i’m expecting too much form the new D4 suspension (as D3 is over 300k on originals and 18s), or maybe the lower control arms are shot, which I think they might be. Maybe I’ll get the LCAs replaced first and see if that improves the ride quality.[/QUOTE]
AFAIK the struts for the D3 and D4 abd RRS are the same. Mine lasted over 200,000km so perhaps 115k is too early? Agree with replacing LCAs will be the biggest difference.

I have the full suspension kit coming this week. After 180,000km it’s pretty much done!

4x OEM assemblies and 8 arms, hub bushes etc.

Going to be a busy time in the workshop soon!

Originally Posted by Tombie

I have the full suspension kit coming this week. After 180,000km it’s pretty much done!

4x OEM assemblies and 8 arms, hub bushes etc.

Going to be a busy time in the workshop soon!

Will drive like new once done, well worth the effort IMHO.

Originally Posted by Eric SDV6SE

Will drive like new once done, well worth the effort IMHO.

For sure, a mid-life rebuild as far as im concerned and look forward to it all being as it was when new.

An interesting conversation!

I am pretty well in tune with the feel of my 2015 D4 TDV6. Its now done 240,000 km, about 70,000 of those towing a 2.5T boat/trailer - including 6 x 4,000 km round trips to the NT. It drives and feels the same as it did when I first picked it up from the dealer.

Originally Posted by Tombie

For sure, a mid-life rebuild as far as im concerned and look forward to it all being as it was when new.

Be keen to know what brand arms ordered and hub bushes Lemforder?