Type 44 self levelling suspension help

Sorry I can't help directly, only share experiences... There seems to be 2 types of problem with these valves. Either they leak or seize. On my '88 A100 CD Avant my valve was leaking very badly and the suspension used to sag down when not used. I replaced it with a second-hand unit as new ones are pricey. I never came across re-con units. The replacement unit was fine for a few months (if a little high in ride height) but then I noticed it was not compensating for heavy loads. Closer inspection reveals no leaks but that the spindle appears to have seized. I can't budge it and in fact the splines on the spindle have been broken off by the bracket moving on it. So no more self-levelling. If you decide to replace this valve be prepared to spend ages under the car. It's well difficult to get to - I was weeks doing the job!

Gary

IRL wrote:

Fortunately the valve on the quattro version is mounted on the opposite side of the rear axle and upside down which means it's very easy to get to all the pipework and securing bolts. I've bitten the bullet and ordered one from VAG since it turns out the quattro valve is slightly different to the non-quattro. The part number has an E tacked on the end. The chances of finding one second-hand are probably infinitesimal so didn't have much choice. £277 for quattro as opposed to £200 for non-quattro, that's an expensive 'E' :-)

It'll be worth it though, the car is absolutely brilliant otherwise.

IRL