Big DRC Leak Options?

[Grandadg90]

Afternoon all,

Woke up this morning to find that my car had a puddle of oil besides the front offside wheel. DRC fluid, quite a bad leak. Im looking to possibly ditch the current system.

I dont want to make the ride anymore firmer, but still want it to be planted. Can I change the shocks and keep the springs, can that be done? I like the current ride height.

Will the Bilstein B8's be suffice. Or will I have to source some springs aswell. If so which one should I opt for.

Also is shutting the DRC down a quite straight forward job?

Thanks in advance.
Ray

[Noyjatat]

After this weekend at Box Hill. Accuair buddy

[Grandadg90]

Seems like the leak is coming from the pipe leading to the base of the front shock. Seems like there is a slit in the flexi pipe. Here are some pics.






Could i get the pipe replace and have the system recharged or do I need a new shock plus recharge. Thinking that DRC suits the car really well. Changing possibly the car would not be the same.

[rwilsonrs4]

if it is definately the hose well yes get a new one and keep the DRC .from the photo it looks like the steel part which attaches to the pipe is bent ? is that where the split has occurred due to rust? , if so it might be difficult to get it out of there without some skills , don't drive it tho unless its a very short distance as it can damage the system due to the loss of presssure ,especially the accumulator valves which are around 900 each
If its the metal part of the connection thats failed due to rust , a new Steel pie will be required which is around 100 notes but not very easy to do , so would need to go to an independant who has the kit to recharge it or a dealer will have to do it

[Grandadg90]

Thanks RWlisonRS4, thanks for the feedback. My fear is the valve may have gone, will try my local indie(15 miles away) to see what they can do. Thanks again.

[neilparf]

It looks like the shock has held - the pipe looks like it's let go.

If the central valve is in good condition, then I'd stay with DRC - nothing can beat a well sorted DRC IMO. Indie; unless in the know may do more harm than good. You need Audi or an indie with the correct tool, and in my experience a good Tech who knows DRC and the de-pressuristion and charging ritual of the system correctly - that's the key...

Good luck.

[Grandadg90]

Hi Neil,

Thanks for the info, ive spoken to Unit 20 today and discussed all options. Next available booking date is 7th May. Quite a long wait.

Wonder if anyone would have a central valve lying around incase mine is caput.

[neilparf]

Hi Neil,

Thanks for the info, ive spoken to Unit 20 today and discussed all options. Next available booking date is 7th May. Quite a long wait.

Wonder if anyone would have a central valve lying around incase mine is caput.

Pleasure!

yes, UNIT20 will sort it out - they'll certainly have the tools and know DRC for sure.

7 May - there's a wait for a reason, I guess

[Grandadg90]

Initially thought to keep the RS4 standard as its only done 32k miles, but have ordered some coilovers. Coming from Germany. So change of plan, modified it will be.

[cherub72]

Mine did something similar a few weeks ago. Pipe was £110 ish and the real kicker was the cost of recharging the DRC, cost as much as the pipe

[R1RS4]

Mine did something similar a few weeks ago. Pipe was £110 ish and the real kicker was the cost of recharging the DRC, cost as much as the pipe

But you still have DRC