Audi Coil Spring Retainer - Genuine Audi 8K0512149C

Product Information

A suspension coil spring is designed to support the weight of a vehicle and ensure that it rides and handles with an appropriate amount of ride height and weight transfer and control, and is an integral part of the overall suspension system, which typically includes shock absorbers/struts, and anti-roll bars. As part of a total system, the coil spring is designed to support and control the vehicle’s weight at each corner, while the damper (shock absorber or strut) controls the energy of that spring as the weight acts on it, compressing and releasing energy in the spring.

Suspension coil springs are usually made of high-grade unalloyed or steel alloys.

• Loss of rate - As the car is driven and the coil spring is cycled and compressed, the spring material will lose rate and tension, softening from its original specification
• Breaking/cracking - Coil springs can fatigue to the point that they break or fail. This can happen at the front or rear, of any type of vehicle
• Cracked or flaking paint coating - Most coil springs are painted or powder coated for durability and rust resistance. Over time this can begin to crack and flake, off, allowing the spring material to corrode
• Sagging or uneven ride height - As a spring loses rate it can cause a loss of ride height, usually referred to as sagging springs. This can happen on any one corner but often seems to happen most often in the rear. A broken spring can also cause uneven ride height
• Clunks, clanks, and other noises over bumps - A broken spring can cause various noises over different types of bumps and at different speeds. This could be from the spring itself, or other components making contact where they should not be
• Rough ride, poor handling, lack of suspension support, or firmness - Once a coil spring loses enough spring rate, in addition to the above issues, you may notice a general lack of handling performance or the car may feel dull and not responsive. Additionally, you may notice a rougher-than-normal ride because the car will be ‘on the bump stops’ hitting potholes and large bumps.

About Genuine Audi

The original parts used by Audi to build your car are available as replacement parts under the “Genuine Audi” brand. Manufactured under the direction of Audi, expect excellent quality and a premium price since these parts are available exclusively through the Audi Dealership network.

You may not realize this, but the parts that make up your Audi are not necessarily manufactured by Audi. No cause for concern, as Audi designs the part, hires a manufacturer, and ensures its quality to you. In fact, many of these manufacturers have been making parts for Audi for decades. In our industry these manufacturers are called OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers), and these are often brands you recognize, including Lemforder, ZF, Sachs, Bosch, Valeo, Zimmermann, Siemens VDO, Corteco, and more. Don’t be surprised to open that Genuine Audi parts box and find an OEM branded part inside, simply with the addition of an Audi logo.

Be sure to keep an eye out for OE tags on our product pages to quickly identify parts coming direct from OE manufacturers. That extra bit of insight could save you some serious money while shopping! Refer to our OE Academy for further information regarding the OE/OEM tags throughout the site.