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DRC changes.

I emailed Jeremy Hicks on the DRC (and other) issues and he put me in touch with Paul Adcock (Customer Services bod who liases with Audi UK Tech). Paul advised me that Audi are aware of DRC issues with the RS6 and all Audi garages are supposed to order (and fit) a protective boot with all shocks ordered for RS6s now. The boot was available from 20/04/2007. This helps to prevent dirt getting in and breaking the seal (oh er). But it'll also hide the evidence!

Just spoke to Paul again and he said that the dealers were given a software update to their parts ordering system on the 17th July 2007 such that they cannot order a new shock without ordering a boot.

He also told me that the Central Valve can now be repressurised but this requires a tool that should be available in May 2008, part number ASE42501200000. Until then the central valve has to be replaced if it loses pressure.

So if you have had DRC repairs recently and you don't have the boot... then you need to shoot the servicing dealer as they are not doing as they were told.

HTH

Grant

Ive had new shocks fitted from Hatfield Audi with this new part for around 2 months now, and so far so good.

Its even had 6 laps round the ring and the supension feels perfect still.

I have checked all 4 shocks at a friend garage on my return from the ring and im glad to report no leaks .

Looks like this new part is helping as i was going through shocks every 1500 miles.

Cheers

Baz

So, owners are still expected to pay to replace the DRC if it needs doing? Aren't Audi UK prepared to back this by replacing regardless of wether the owner has warranty or not?

GardinerG wrote:I emailed Jeremy Hicks on the DRC (and other) issues and he put me in touch with Paul Adcock (Customer Services bod who liases with Audi UK Tech). Paul advised me that Audi are aware of DRC issues with the RS6 and all Audi garages are supposed to order (and fit) a protective boot with all shocks ordered for RS6s now. The boot was available from 20/04/2007. This helps to prevent dirt getting in and breaking the seal (oh er). But it'll also hide the evidence!

Interesting. If the protective boot helps to stop the problem then it sounds as if a recall and having them fitted to all RS6s would actually save them some money in the long run, with reduced DRC failures? I wonder if there's any scope for going into your dealer and asking about having them fitted?

Sounds like a BS cop out... Same old story, just that now n years later they stick a bit of plastic on the shock (That the dealers don't seem to know about!!), oh and the tool to repressurise is only going to be available in May 2008.... Isn't this a blatant admission that their dealers have not had the information or more importantly the tools necessary to fix RS6s? Excuse the rant, but I wasted a substancial amount of time raising the awareness with Audi CS and Audi Tech.... Audi Tech just gave it the cold shoulder. Maybe with the B7 RS4 having similar issues, they finally found a solution which is aimed for the B7 owners but could be applied to the RS6s too. Personally I think it wouldn't hurt to make a front page article on this site about DRC "Dreaded Ride Control".

PhilT wrote: Personally I think it wouldn't hurt to make a front page article on this site about DRC "Dreaded Ride Control".

I agree with you Phil, this issue and the lack of any acknowledgment from Audi UK when I raised it with them really made me feel let down as a fan and loyal customer of all things Audi (except the A2!). I think the only way is to get Audi hoisted in front of the media to explain themselves on this issue. The other thread on here about the report to watchdog should be followed up by all concerned, can we co-ordinate using this site?

By all means feel free to point parties to the site for info.

I don't suppose anyone has a picture of the new boots do they?

My DRC was replaced in Oct (all four shocks + valves) and now 3500 miles later it needs doing again.... I've had a look at the shocks to see if the boots are fitted on the current (dead) shocks but don't really know what I'm looking for. WIll mention it to the dealer though who is ordering the parts this week

To be fair my dealer has been really good about diagnosing the problem and doing the work under warranty (so far!) but a serviceable life for a suspension component of 6 months /3,500 miles on a £60k car is almost unforgiveable.....

If it gets on to watchdog what do you reckon it will do to resale values btw?

Hi nrf,

I have just had mine replaced and all 4 have the 'boots'. I dont have a pic, but you will clearly be able to see if they have them. If you look at the shock going up the middle of the spring towards the top end will be a rubber boot roughly a good 6 inches long - if my memory serves me right) if you can see the piston of the shock then they are not fitted.

Cheers,
Lig.

Thanks Lig. I had a look last night and can see a nicely oiled shaft (oo-err) although there did seem to be a bit of a rubber boot there, but it certainly didn't cover the whole of the piston. Will ring the dealer and make sure they get the boots too.

Lig wrote:Hi nrf,

I have just had mine replaced and all 4 have the 'boots'. I dont have a pic, but you will clearly be able to see if they have them. If you look at the shock going up the middle of the spring towards the top end will be a rubber boot roughly a good 6 inches long - if my memory serves me right) if you can see the piston of the shock then they are not fitted.

Cheers,
Lig.

Lig, do yours look like this? (This is jacked up btw).

PhilT wrote:By all means feel free to point parties to the site for info.

I did!

Btw, they did say that they wouldn't retrospectively do this (by recall or otherwise) to non failed shocks in the interest of "not causing more problems by disturbing things".

I'm not trying to stir things up, that's what I was told. Considering the number of failures I don't agree with it. I think all RS6 DRCs should be recalled and fixed**, tested and signed off to say all is now ok. (i.e. booted and repressurised properly).

** by fixed I mean any unbooted shocks to be replaced with new.

Hi Rupert,

Mine didnt look like yours in the pic. The rubber boot covers the whole piston. So I would say yours is the older type (without boot).

I am in London all week but will try and get a pic at the weekend.

Cheers,
Lig.

I was seriously considering buying a used RS6 before I read this thread!

If I buy one there is obviously no warranty left, how often can I expect to replace parts and at what cost?

Is there no permanant fix for this problem? Presumably Audi cannot expect owners to replace suspension every 3000 miles or so?

Dan.

If I buy one there is obviously no warranty left, how often can I expect to replace parts and at what cost?

When/if you buy one get the DRC checked by a competant techie and make sure it comes with a decent warranty. Some cars are still under Audi extended warranties.

Alternatively set asside £1500 to have it replaced with an aftermarket alternative, which is 1/2 the price Audi would want to replace the entire DRC system (4 shocks and 2 valves). Don't let this put you off buying one of these beasts... I still get out after every drive and think wow, what a machine.