The allroad air spring system is
a pretty sturdy design. The system contains and controls over 100
PSI air pressure and the bladders have a huge movement range to
account for ride height and travel. The unfortunate part about
the system is the air bladders are exposed to the elements
unlike the allroads frumpy cousin the Tourag which has
protective "gators" covering the bladders. Additionally as the
springs travel through their height changes the bladder actually
rolls over itself ala condom.
Consensus is that exposure to the
elements, dirt and various road debris gets lodged in the
airspring folds. This makes more an abrasion on the skin of the
spring as the suspension works up and down and ultimately causes
slow leaks.
The air springs can be replaced
by the home mechanic and cost for the spring and repair kit (new
gasgets and nuts) is around $660 (dealer retail) each. Discounts
are widely available but expect about $500 each. I would also
recommend you purchase a new "pinch bolt" for each front air
spring replaced - part# 4do 407 192c and a new nut for the
pinch bolt # n 102 861 02.
Here is an excellent write up on
replacing the air spring by CanAudian:
Airspring Replacement (pdf)
NEW
by canAudian
AudiWorld Thread (URL)
