DRC Advice

[GraRS07]

Had what I thought were the symptoms of DRC problem. Just replaced discs and pads on front and noticed small leak on nearside shock. Also knocking over speed bumps etc.

Booked into Watford Audi and they came back to me this morning saying that all tested and showed correct pressures and that if they were replaced, Audi would not cover cost as all tested ok.

He also said that as the warranty is running out in March I should bring it back just before, to check again. After saying to him that Audi had extended the warranty for 5 years he said that this was not the case, it was 3 years and 60k.

So my questions are.

1. Where do I stand re the knocking and leak as apparently pressures are ok?

2. What proof is there that Audi have extended the warranty?

[aidanjaye]

Just been though the same.

Apparantly slight weeping is allowable??? Also told that recharging wasn't at Audis cost unless a faulty part was found. Had mine recharged and knocking has gone and slight thumb through the steering is gone. Generally not to happy as warranty wouldn't cover it but local dealer did reduce overall costs so can't complain about local dealer.

DRC is 5 years / 75000 miles even if your car is out of warranty but this covers only faults - not recharging unless a fault has caused the need for a recharge.

I can forward you a letter (of sorts) if you PM your email.

Think its a crock of <beep> really - how can Audi design a pressurised system that requires possibly recharging every 30000 miles?? Anyway enquired about future RS versions and general feeling was that they will also be fitted with some sort of DRC.

[aidanjaye]

Maybe ask the dealer how he checked the pressures.
Thought that there was no way of checking rear shocks unless system is drained and repressurised? Also pressures maybe ok - but system may contain air?

If no joy - name and shame the dealer or take your car elsewhere.

[P_G]

You would hope there is or will be a decent independent out there that has a DRC pressurisation machine and diagnostic tool; they would clean up with all the business.

[sonny]

Apparantly slight weeping is allowable

LOL Try telling that to a MOT testing station

[SR71]

GraRS07,

My take on the matter is that Watford are obviously not up to speed on the matter and I would get the car down to Camberley Audi ASAP and have them look at it.

It may be a hassle but worth it. I drive 300 miles round trip to take my car there.

My car went in for AVS2 yesterday and the fronts have finally gone after 30K miles.

The thing is, you need the revised parts on there which Camberley told me have been successful at curing the problem. Of the cars they have refitted with the new parts, they have not had any subsequent failures.

Rob & Stuart will look after you.

PS: The letter extending the warranty should be avilable by writing to Jeremy Hicks, CEO of Audi UK.

[sonny]

That's good news SR71, so there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel. Im glad I kept my old suspension when I had the KWv3s put on then

[GraRS07]

Just spoken to Rob at Camberly, taking it down next week, says it will take him 10 mins to check, very helpfull......

[chaucer]

Hi Guys you can check pressures all round,its very easy and quick to do ,the old rs6 you cannot check the pressure without vacking (sorry cant spell that!! it down,running pressures sohuld be between 12-14 bar ,but anything close to 12bar i would be concerned,its unfortunate some dealers are unable to check correctly ,i think this may be down to the volume of RS`S they actually see and the interest of the technicians,just to Reiterate the warranty on DRC is 5years from registration date or 75k and MUST HAVE FULL DEALER HISTORY (once the car is out of warranty) Hope this helps Rob and the team

[rjkflyer]

No question as usual: sense comes from Camberley.

[Dom81]

just to Reiterate the warranty on DRC is 5years from registration date or 75k and MUST HAVE FULL DEALER HISTORY (once the car is out of warranty)

Rob

Thanks for the post

Can you clarify the full dealer history point? My letter from Jeremy Hicks simply says "...in order to provide you with additional protection, we would like to offer you additional support for the DRC components for a period of 5 years or 75,000 miles from first registration (whichever is sooner). During this period Audi UK will cover the costs of repair in respect of the DRC components should a fault arise on your vehicle"

Now that most cars are just about out of warranty, what things would invalidate the DRC extension? If (after the three years) people switch to someone like MRC, is the deal retracted??

[chaucer]

Yes unfortunately so,but each case is based on the individuals prior history with audi i.e car owned from new,bought from main dealer and full dealer history,but as i said if we find a car with drc troubles we would contact audi directly and go over the claim,they may or maynot pay for all repairs ,but this is quite rare,audi are generally sympathetic when it comes to drc ,hope this helps Rob

[henryhale2704]

Mine is going to Camberley tomorrow for a check. Over the last couple of weeks the ride has got progressively worse to the point now that even the smallest imperfection in the road is felt (and heard!). The ride height seems to be uneven with the off side front and rear about 10-15mm lower than the near side (measured from surface to wheel arch). Fingers crossed the guys at Camberley will work their magic!

[M88DUS]

Could a symptom of this be grease/oil splats on the wheels? Since using the car yesterday, both front and back wheels on the passenger side look like a 5yr old has been let loose with a permanent marker!

Luke

[P_G]

Yes and it is bloody difficult to get off, eventually used a combination of AG Tar Remover and Swarfega on the wheels. ONly noticed when my wash mitt became caked in the stuff, totally ruined because it was masked by brake dust