RS246.com Forum :: The World's #1 Audi R, S and RS Enthusiast Community

Hi guys/gals,

I'm having issues with my RS6 handling. The problem I have is when I pass over ruts in the road or sunken drains. Obviously I try to avoid it when possible but I seem to have the problem occur on any surface that isn't smooth tarmac. A key example of where this happens is if you travel northbound on the M42, just after the junction for the M40 where the white concrete surface is where the traffic management system begins.

Anyway, the issue I have is that the car is very unstable and it feels like it is struggling for traction and in extreme situations the car feels like it is fish tailing and not absorbing the small bumps in quick succession. I have got 4 new Avon tyres at 40psi (manufacturers recommendation) so my tyre tread is perfect.

I have a 2003 RS6 Avant with the 19" alloys. So, yeah, does anyone have any ideas as to what my problem is or has experienced it before and therefore can tell me what the fix is? Any input would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Have you read any other threads?

It sounds like the DRC and has been documented many times.

Steve

Just read one below mate and yes, it sounds very much like another chap on here. Sorry for being a novice, but what is the DRC?

Cheers.

Defintely DRC. I saw you asked what it was in another thread. It's a special suspension system that is supposed to be a compromise between sporty handling and cruising comfort but in reality is a dangerous and unreliable pile of turd (no, I'm not bitter). Anyway, unless you've got a warranty then your best bet is to replace with coilovers. I like Bilstein PSS9, but there are plenty of other options.

Just posted on your other reply.

Dynamic Ride Control.

It is a pressurised system linking the corner shocks.

If you still have DRC then that will be your problem for sure.

If you don't have warranty then rip it out and replace with coilovers.

Steve

Who was it that put Koni's on? THey only had good things to say about them and they are cheap as chips.

Excellent. I'll look into it. Any ideas on how much they will set me back? As far as I'm aware it is completely standard and it is indeed out of warranty.

H&Rs are about £1400, Bilsteins are a bit more. Other options are the KW v3 and those are the main choices. Oh, the non-adjustable Bilstein PSS I've heard good things about and are quite a lot cheaper than the H&R. There's a bit of a world shortage of Billies at the moment. I'm betting they're retooling to release a version HIII.

Ah, so nice and cheap then........!!!!

Just to compare, how much would standard DRCs be? And both of you would strongly recommend going for coilovers?

Everyone would strongly recommend going for coilovers! (otherwise they would be instantly banned from here! )

Standard DRC is about £3k down the drain, coilovers are around £1.5k of sound investment. Your choice

<beep> the sheets! Coilovers it is then!! So, what coilovers would people strongly recommend, ie. their first choice?

Bilstein PSS9's, but not cheap. H&R many have and seem to be happy with

Did you do any research on the RS6 before you bought one mate? This would be the first thing to pop up on the radar if you had. Just wait til Mooch turns up on this.

DRC is only the start mate, i hope you checked the service costs and potential gearbox issues (NO WARRANTY!!!!!!!!! Best of luck). £1.5k for coilovers is a blessing!

Shoppinit wrote:Who was it that put Koni's on? THey only had good things to say about them and they are cheap as chips.

Not Koni's, but Konigsports. ANd it was Golfather. Might be worth asking him how they are doing 6 months down the line...

Now, now! Let’s not turn this rape into a murder! We can’t scare the poor chap too much, he's already driving around with a live whale strapped to his bonnet.

Now, Mr. Wint11 – please go through your receipts and Audi service notes that you should have got with the car upon purchase (if you don't have any receipts etc then forget about ever selling the car for anything close to it's value). If the car has had DRC issues within the last two years and it has been replaced then you should still have an Audi warranty on those parts (the other forum mongers should be able to verify this). I'm not advocating DRC as a replacement, I'm the last person at the moment that ever would, BUT, it's an option available to you, and it's an option that could cost you nought and give you some time (if they replace it with v4 DRC) to make your next move.
Just my 2p worth and you get what you pay for.