Suspension issue ..

[Condor24]

About 8 to 10 years ago, I had the DRC system removed from my C5 Avant and a straight forward Bilstein coil system installed and a Hotchkiss anti roll bar.

I find the car often ‘jolts’ and ‘jars’when the surface is uneven, giving a rather unpleasant & frustrating ride.

Any recommendations on getting the system checked and replaced, if necessary, would be appreciated.

Thank you

[PipRS6]

What was it like when you first fitted it? Are they PSS9's? If so I have the same on my car and while the ride is firm its remarkably comfortable for coilovers.... Especially as I'm also on 20's! If its firmer than it was then definitely worth getting them serviced. A proper set up is always worth it too. But go to someone that deals with coilovers regularly. Usually a race garage or tuning company will be best. MRC if you are close to them.

[srichards]

I have the same issue. I have bilsteins put on 10 years ago. They have fixed damping and adjustable ride height. Ride quality is poor at slow speeds. At higher speeds it is better. It's been like that all the time I've owned the car. I think they've been on for 60,000 miles now. I've done about 15,000 miles on them roughly. If you've had them all that time and they have recently changed to being noticeably worse then they're probably need replacement.

It's also worth double checking tyre pressures and also running them a bit higher to see whether that makes the ride better or worse.

I was going to get the KW fully adjustables but have decided against doing anything until the Bilsteins actually die. The roads around me are dreadful and I can't see the point in replacing suspension that has shown itself to be robust. I'd probably go for the Street Comforts now that are just height adjustable to avoid the temptation to constantly mess with them. I think they're about £1300 + fitting. The fully adjustables are about £1800 + fitting.

[Puggie]

You can get the bilstein dampers refurbished (new oil, seals and valve units) for about £125-150 a corner. Bilstein UK can do as can a number of independent suspension specialists.

[Condor24]

Thanks for your responses .. I checked my invoices, and I had Bilstein PSS9s fitted 10 years ago .. about 30,000 miles ago.

I've booked the car into 'Centre of Gravity' for this Tuesday .. so should have encouraging update next week !

[bam_bam]

Top mounts. You're well past their half-life. Check receipts that the top mount were changed when you moved to coilovers.

[Condor24]

Cheers ..

[Shockerboy]

The DRC system on the RS 6 2002 to 2004 is as flawed as the RS4 B7 it seems . dozens of RS4 and RS6 owners have chosen to go with an adapted KONI shock and the results are perfect . see the RS4 B7 threads to get more insight

The standard springs or a lowering kit can be used , but it isnt harsh like the Billys . Its the MONO tube hi pressure gas type strut that gives billys the harsh characteristics and typically an RS6 owner is looking for a straight forward cost effective shock replacement that keeps the car exactly as it was originally made albeit a little more comforable . Its a fraction of the cost as well /.