Suspension/Shock Absorber Strut - Audi A8 292 Service

Suspension/shock absorber strut

All four suspension/shock absorber struts are constructed in the same way.
Pneumatic spring
Construction:
The pneumatic spring is encased in an alu-
minium cylinder. In order to prevent dirt from
getting between the cylinder and the air bel-
lows, the area between the piston and the cyl-
inder is sealed by a sleeve. The sleeve can be
replaced during servicing, but the air bellows
cannot be replaced separately. In the event of
a fault, the entire suspension/shock absorber
strut must be replaced.
In order to provide as much usable space and
loading width in the boot as possible, the
diameter of the rear axle pneumatic springs is
kept to a minimum. However, if demands for
comfort are to be met, a minimum air volume
is required. The solution to this conflict is pro-
vided in the form of a reservoir for additional
air, which is connected to the shock absorber.
Function:
The pneumatic spring not only replaces the
steel spring, it also offers considerable
advantages over the steel version (see
SSP 242). Encasing the pneumatic spring in
an aluminium cylinder enables the wall thick-
ness of the bellows to be reduced. This
results in an even more sensitive response to
bumpy roads.
Suspension/
shock absorber
strut, front axle
Additional
air volume
Suspension/
shock absorber
strut, rear axle
Aluminium
cylinder
Pneumatic
spring
292_014
292_015
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