Thanks Mike, that's really useful. I was hoping you'd say that! Don't fancy taking the bushes out again, it was a bit of a battle and I'd probably ruin the paint job for the second time.

I'm not planning to do a lot of miles in the car when it's finally on the road, so hopefully those bushes will last a few years and I'll eventually replace with the metal cage type.

I keep meaning to get around to posting up the project so far in reader's restos as I've done a fair bit already. Will do it soon!

Thanks again.

Another suspension question!! Next job is to take apart, clean up and paint the front struts. Just looking at spring compressors to buy and wondered if anyone has any advice about the size/type of compressor needed please?

I'm hoping the original Boge shocks are ok but will have a close look at them when they're out. Should I be replacing the strut mounts as a matter of course or just if they look worn? Anything else? I've already got new covers/bump stops.

Cheers!

Good quality spring compressor set will do. If you painted your springs, wrap them in masking tape to prevent damage.
You can check the shocks when out. Press down and they should rise back fairly quickly. If they don't, they are dead.
You should replace the top mounts while in there. You should also replace the top nut. May also need a new slotted nut, bump stop and gaiters depending on condition.
Sometime the strut cap needs replacing as well. :tup:

Thanks Dave, very helpful. I'm wondering about my rear shocks now... I've already had them out but thought the test was for them to give fairly strong but smooth resistance in both directions. They did that, and no sign of any leakage, but definitely didn't rise back of their own accord :confused:

I wouldn't rush to replace them if I was you.
:tup:

The purpose of the shocks is to dampen the action of the spring. If you push the piston in and pull it out and get good resistance both ways it's working. If it's leaking, gurgles while you push or pull or feels weak, it's dead. A good self rebound shows it's working well.
As John says, don't rush to change. Cheap replacements will probably fail sooner than the original Boge.

Absolutely. Many moons ago I replaced the OE suspension on my old GT (with a well known after market manufacturer) and within 5 years the rear shocks were dead. Replacing the shocks highlighted the fact the springs had also gone west. Crashing the car sealed the debate.

Thanks chaps, that is reassuring. My general attitude towards the resto has been to trust in Audi's original over-engineered parts and keep them in place wherever possible! :tup:

Anyone know if it's ok to make a cut in the anti roll bar rubber bush (teardrop shape inner ones which are clamped to the subframe), to get them on?

I made the mistake of installing the new eye bushes in the end of the bar first and now can't get the other ones over them!!

I was thinking of making a cut on the flat side of the rubber bush which goes up against the subframe bracket, rather than the rounded side against the clamp. With a sharp blade rather than a hacksaw so as not to remove any rubber.

If not, any tips on getting then over the already bushed ends, or am I going to have to take one of those out?!!

Cheers

You must have the earlier type bush.

The later ones come with a split in the place you describe to make fitting easier.