(DRC) revamped shocks

[GardinerG]

Yep, and now you need all 4 + valves replacing... and that's with you driving like a granny!

Sorry Si, I'm just kidding! TBH, most suspension systems I've had have lasted like 10+ years with the occasional spring breaking. Never had one leak on me (or the car) before.

[Rek]

Marmite - Start the stopwatch then as it won't be long! Get Norris McWirter round to time the shortest time for a shock to fail.

[marmite]

Marmite - Start the stopwatch then as it won't be long! Get Norris McWirter round to time the shortest time for a shock to fail.

I hope not!

Looking forward to getting it sorted really..booked for end of month
Going to replace the topmounts at the same time and the creaking lower arms

Won't be using the car much over the next few weeks now

[graybags]

>the shortest time for a shock to fail

My car had had its dampers replaced - by the main dealer - immediately before I bought it. It was vibrating during the the test drive and the dampers were wet when I got it home.

So, less than 100 miles.

Impressive eh?

[bazza]

Well the car went in today........

Hopefully it will come back with no more DRC problems but only time will tell.

Cheers

Baz

[Daveperc]

Just got mine back from those nice boys at Camberley Audi. Whole system replaced (again) with the modded dampers.

Rob tells me that so far they haven't had any of the new style units back - they've been fitting them for about three months. So, perhaps there is hope.

I know three months isn't long........

He also agrees that the main efect of the change appears to be to make it much harder for the techs/customers to spot the tell-tale oil leaks!!

Is the system on the RS4 (and the new 6) the same?? How are they faring??

Dave

[marmite]

Mine is booked in on MOnday at Hatfield
Feed up with the vibration now and the clonking and banging...it was a joy to drive the Mrs car at the weekend.

I find it funny we are sent away by hte dealers with cars in this state...leaking shocks are a MOT failure..but we got 4 leaking and still drive around

[calummcculloch]

Hi Guys/Girls
I am a new member and finding site very interesting.
Guess what my suspension is knackered it's like driving a blancmange.
Anyhoo i have been told by Camerons of Perth that Audi will not help with any money towards it.The car is a july 2003 with 25000 miles, as far as Camerons are concerned they do not or Audi (germany) do not have issues with DRC.
How can this be?
It would be interesting to ffind out how many RS6's were built and how mant have problems? Any suggestions?
The car has just been put back together after a broken manifold £1400ish job done. Camerons price for 2 valves £1200 plus vat and labour. What is a boy to do!!!!

[Gavc500]

Are your dampers wet and leaking, if so you need them replaced too. Best bet is all 4 plus gas valves, but definitely gas valves must be replaced if dampers go. And there's still no guarantee they won't go again.

DRC is fine when fixed but no guarantee how long it will last.

Audi replaced my rear shocks under their warranty, but not valves, before I bought it, one shock and valve later at my expense, system went slowly over time. After 4 months ear bending and 3 trips to dealer, Audi replaced the other valve FOC.

No issues now as runnin two new valves and 4 dry shocks..... for how long?

[Rek]

If you have a warranty - then replace DRC. If not, then replace it with something else. Its guaranteed not to last the year otherwise and then running costs are manageable.

[calummcculloch]

Hi
thanks for your words.
I still find it unbelivable that Audi (germany ) have no issue with DRC. Service manager from Camerons of Perth stated that Audi (germany ) have no related issues with DRC.
Anyhoo , the shocks are not leaking and after sales warranty company will not touch it.
So will probably go down route of replacement.
any idea what to use to replace , have seen many mentions of bilsteins , any others?

[Gavc500]

The choice is between two:
- Bilstein PSS9's which give a firm ride much like DRC, but maybe a tad firmer (£1600 ish)
- KWV3's which are trickier to set up (£1700 ish) and still firm

SportsTech do the latter and are based in Derby.

If you don't want the hassle of setup, just get PSS9's.

[Rek]

My KW V3's were simple to set up. As for firmness, they are slightly less firm than the standard DRC on the settings I have. Ride height is the same as standard.
Agree that SportTech is the place for settings.

[marmite]

Got her back today...what a difference and I only drove half a mile down the road
Looking for to a blast home to see if she has stopped clonking and knocking

I bought new top mounts and they replaced them at the sasme time for me which made a little sense cost was about £80

Had alot of work done, 4 tyres, brakes and now suspension all replaced(under warranty)

[bigh]

Well it looks like my DRC is playing up as well. I will be booking the car in with the guys at Camberely soon to see if the rear shocks are leaking as it certainly sounds like something is clonking/groaning from the back.

Time to see whether the (non Audi) warranty is worth the paper its written on!