DRC Failure symptoms - sagging?

[MFT]

Hello all,

I purchased my dream car (08 RS4 with 92k km's) in December. It was essentially a one-owner car with good/regular maintenance habits from what I could get of the service records, though I could not find out if the DRC recall had been done. For me, the car has been solid so far and I've loved every minute of ownership.

However, this past week I noticed that the left rear seemed to be sitting a bit lower and the front right was raised a bit compared to the RR and LF.

I have not had what I understand to be the usual signs of DRC failure (clunking from suspension), but typically when you see what appears to be sagging you think of blown shocks. Does this seem like DRC failure?

I do have an extended warranty through Audi, but it seems very hit/miss about whether they consider DRC a warrantable item (vs. just a wear item).

Thanks in advance!

[PetrolDave]

Hello all,

I purchased my dream car (08 RS4 with 92k km's) in December. It was essentially a one-owner car with good/regular maintenance habits from what I could get of the service records, though I could not find out if the DRC recall had been done. For me, the car has been solid so far and I've loved every minute of ownership.

However, this past week I noticed that the left rear seemed to be sitting a bit lower and the front right was raised a bit compared to the RR and LF.

I have not had what I understand to be the usual signs of DRC failure (clunking from suspension), but typically when you see what appears to be sagging you think of blown shocks. Does this seem like DRC failure?

I do have an extended warranty through Audi, but it seems very hit/miss about whether they consider DRC a warrantable item (vs. just a wear item).

Thanks in advance!

I see from Audizine that you are in Canada - that is an important piece of information re DRC...

There wasn't a DRC recall in the UK, only a "goodwill" extension of the warranty to 5 years or 75k miles.

There was a DRC recall in the US, but I'm not sure whether there was one in Canada.

Sounds like it's worth getting the pressure checked in the system, it should be between 15 and 18 bar IIRC - anyone confirm or correct that?

[MFT]

I'm actually in Canada, which had the same recall as the US (till June 30, 2012). Just reaching out across the pond to get some additional input into the DRC failure experience to see if sagging is/was an indicator.

Thanks!

[RS4pete]

The weight of the car is held by the springs not the shocks, so any difference in height from side to side (not front to rear as RS's sit higher at the front than the rear) when the car is parked on EVEN ground is most likely related to the springs/mounting points and maybe even anti roll bars.

Id first make sure you're parked on a totally level surface then measure the distance from wheel rim to arch and compare. If the measurements are still noticeably out then i'd inspect the springs/mounting points and ARB's.

Do you hear any clucks from the suspension that could indicate a broken spring/loose ARB bolt? IIRC it's been known for ARB bolts to work loose over time.

[RS4pete]

DRC pressures ......

16 bar = Maximum pressure
15 bar – 16 bar = Central valve new or in as-new condition
12 bar – 15 bar = Normal working range; system OK
< 12 bar = System leaking or not fully charged; air trapped in system; central valve depressurised/empty.

[MFT]

Thanks RS4pete. I noticed it last night when it was sitting in my garage, which is level/even. I remember reading that the front will "appear" to sit a bit higher than the rear, so I wasn't too concerned about that, it was more that the height difference was uneven side to side.

I don't hear any clunks or have any other visual/ride/steering indicators that something is out of place, but I'll jack the car up tonight and see if anything seems amiss.

[MFT]

DRC pressures ......

16 bar = Maximum pressure
15 bar – 16 bar = Central valve new or in as-new condition
12 bar – 15 bar = Normal working range; system OK
< 12 bar = System leaking or not fully charged; air trapped in system; central valve depressurised/empty.

I assume the only way to check the pressures is to take it to the dealer?

[MikeFish]

I know it sounds obvious but have you got anything in the boot (or trunk if you're from America, not sure what the Canadians say)?

[MFT]

No, nothing in particular in the rear of the car that would weigh that side down.

I'll take a closer look in all four wheel wells tonight and see if I can ID anything amiss...

[RS4pete]

Yep it's only the dealers that can check pressure, i think a few independents can now do it too. Not sure about Canada!!!

if you don't have the standard DRC 'speed bump clonks' and so fourth, then i'd imagine your pressure will be ok.

[MFT]

Well, pulled 3 out of 4 wheels off today and took a look at all the suspension elements and no evidence of any leaking from the shocks or anything else amiss. I also checked the part number of the front shocks and it appears that at least the FL is Rev. B (label on FR was too worn to read).

So, not sure what the issue may be. Someone on another forum pointed out that it is the springs that typically determine ride height but, again, these appeared to be in good shape as well.

Not sure what to do next...

[sar]

i had exactly the same symptoms as you MFT, the passenger side rear was slightly low and the drivers side front was slightly high.
turned out to be a broken rear spring, i had lost say an inch of the coil from the bottom of the spring.

[MFT]

i had exactly the same symptoms as you MFT, the passenger side rear was slightly low and the drivers side front was slightly high.
turned out to be a broken rear spring, i had lost say an inch of the coil from the bottom of the spring.

Thanks sar, that's very helpful. I think I may have to take it in to my local dealer and have them take a look as I can't see anything wrong myself I have an extended warranty through them but don't think it'll cover this issue.

[RS4ABM]

i had exactly the same symptoms as you MFT, the passenger side rear was slightly low and the drivers side front was slightly high.
turned out to be a broken rear spring, i had lost say an inch of the coil from the bottom of the spring.

I had the same problems on the rear, the first coil of the spring was just sitting there snapped off.

[MFT]

i had exactly the same symptoms as you MFT, the passenger side rear was slightly low and the drivers side front was slightly high.
turned out to be a broken rear spring, i had lost say an inch of the coil from the bottom of the spring.

I had the same problems on the rear, the first coil of the spring was just sitting there snapped off.

I had pulled off the wheel and inspected the spring and nothing appeared amiss at the bottom. If the spring is the problem, presumably it must be at the top in the upper seat, which I unfortunately can't see without taking the spring off.

I've booked the car in for an appointment for next week, so we'll see what the audi techs can find...hopefully something covered under the aftermarket warranty!