DRC / Shock Absorber Issues Log - Please Contribute

[SteveH]

Such a shame to see RS4 being affected same as RS6. Spoils a bit of the ownership experience, but overall they are great cars so can be partly forgiven as pretty much the only common failing of the RS's as what are ordinarially very reliable performance cars.

[dom888]

My blood is boiling......

Having had the front o/s shock replaced twice by Wayside Milton Keynes unsuccessfully, it was booked in to Camberley for it to be done properly. They just called me to say they don't have any fluid in and that my job is cancelled until the fluid arrives in September.

Now I face un uncertain 3000 mile holiday round trip drive through Europe in 3 weeks, where I'll be worrying the whole time. I bought the car almost specifically for this particular trip and now I'm so hacked off, I'm struggling to type this thread.

I phoned Audi UK to rant and obviously my case is being dealt with by someone who's away, so continuity has been lost and the impact of my rant will be non-existant.

Is it dangerous to drive the car with a knocking shock?

[Mahyar]

[quote="dom888"]My blood is boiling......

Having had the front o/s shock replaced twice by Wayside Milton Keynes unsuccessfully, it was booked in to Camberley for it to be done properly. They just called me to say they donWhere are you going in Europe? My car was done in less that a day, only fluid and pressurization, in Switzerland. I am sure you will be able to get it done in France and Germany too. I drove the car with the knocking for a few weeks, 2-3000 KM, with no trouble.

[Mahyar]

Sorry do not know what happened, but here is what I was trying to say:
Where are you going in Europe? My car was done in less that a day, only fluid and pressurization, in Switzerland. I am sure you will be able to get it done in France and Germany too. I drove the car with the knocking for a few weeks, 2-3000 KM, with no trouble.

[dom888]

I'm heading down to the south of France. I'm not sure whether my school French will be enough to explain what I want done. I'm gonna fight Audi UK for a result, but I don't suppose there's anything they can do.

[jackWood2]

SEPTEMBER!!

My car is back in next week to have the shocks done a second time (knocking after the first replacement). If they can't get fluid until September, how are they going to do that?

Jack

[dom888]

better give them a call. your dealer may already have some in stock.

[jackWood2]

UPDATE: Just phoned SKF Stockport and they confirmed that the fluid is on back-order and they are hoping to have some by the end of NEXT MONTH!!

This is just turning into one giant farce!!!!!!

Almost as bad as Porsche and the "Oh, yea, we've got no tyres!!" fiasco of the last few months.

What is wrong with these people?

[hanbury]

SEPTEMBER!!

My car is back in next week to have the shocks done a second time (knocking after the first replacement). If they can't get fluid until September, how are they going to do that?

Unless they have their own secret stash I don't think they will be able to do anything for you - you should get your bid in early for a decent loaner!

I was told by Audi customer services last Friday that there would be no fluid until August at the earliest and I should not expect my car back before then. My local dealer has at least two RS4s awaiting shock changes and it sounds as though the problem is Europe-wide at least. Customer services suggested the delay is with the supplier of the fluid and it really sounded as if they don't know when it wil be available but were punting on August.

Is it dangerous to drive the car with a knocking shock?

I don't know but at teh end of the day surely your car has faulty suspension - I would ask the dealer to confirm in writing that they are happy for you to drive it. If they can't do so they should provide you with a suitable replacement. As was said above, I drove mine for quite some time with the knocking and no adveres impact but it then developed serious tramlining/tracking issues which I wasn't happy with at all.

[dom888]

Even if it's not dangerous, it will seriously ruin my enjoyment of the drive. I've been dreaming about hooning around those gorgeous country roads since November when I bought it. Now I'll be tiptoeing around, paranoid that something is about to let go.

[MEV]

yeah im in the same boat no fluid available for ages on the shock replacement and I had booked in beginnig of June!! Im now considering to take it in and ask for a courtesy car. I did have an S5 as a trial car a the same time but had to cancel as delay in repair date. Not sure ill get away with that again but hey are they obliged to take my car in and offer me laoner - anyone?

[murgelloMatt]

Just had the front shocks done, and they noticed the pumps were leaking so they have booked it in for june
When i asked about fluid they told me there was plenty in stock, i think i should double check!!!
There seems to be a few people with a shortage ??

[reevesroadster]

I think that perhaps the motoring press would be very interested in a sham service like this.

Dear Mr Clarkson.............

[dom888]

I shouted at Audi UK about the lack of fluid yesterday and they've just called mt to say that they've arranged to special delivery some from Germany for me. Sounds promising, but I'll believe it when I see it......

[jackWood2]

Dom, please keep us informed about the Lube. If they have it in Germany, why don't they just ship some more to the UK?

As far as press is concered, I actually emailed Drivers Republic last night asking for advice/help with the situation. Obviously Steve (the MD) used to own an RS4 and so did Chris Harris, plus the Evo guys know the car quite well. Maybe we need to write to all the press? What Car?, Autocar, AutoExpress etc

Jack