DRC failure-specialist recommendations required

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KD56 RHK
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Re: DRC failure-specialist recommendations required

Post by KD56 RHK » Tue Jan 21, 2020 10:28 pm

Cheers for the help guys, going with bilstein b18 kit and take a view on the ARB's after. cars not a minter so decided im not too concerned on keeping it original.

coffey555
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Re: DRC failure-specialist recommendations required

Post by coffey555 » Tue Jan 21, 2020 10:40 pm

If you need ARB's I have a set of H&R ones you can have in the shed.
Misano Red RS4 B7 Avant

Shockerboy
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Re: DRC failure-specialist recommendations required

Post by Shockerboy » Thu Jan 23, 2020 1:51 pm

Hi there , Lots of stuff to take in here , Removal of coil overs to go back to DRC doesnt seem to be a cost effective solution , Going on to the KONI set up would be a clear obvious direction to go . The ride and handling are on par if not better than DRC and you wont have the crashy hard ride associated with coil overs
GARY your shocks should be with you by now . good luck with the install i have set them all up ready for you

Take note that there are NO specific kits made for the RS4 the Bilstein kit is designed for the S4 ( check catalog to see same part number ) which has very different unsprung weight characteristics and it cant be adjusted like the KONI kit can . the other problem is that they only offer one spring fits all and the Avante and Cab need a stronger rear spring. ( and before some one says just lift the spring seat to compensate ! that isnt what the height adjustment is for , its meant to change height not pre tension the spring . Bad bumps sitting low the rear will bottom out . )

The Variant 3 does offer different springs and it is damping adjustable , , this kit can do Low and lower and shouldnt be used as a replacement kit to fix a DRC failure .

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a1topdog
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Re: DRC failure-specialist recommendations required

Post by a1topdog » Thu Jan 23, 2020 2:36 pm

Probably a bit far for you , but Camspec near Gatwick airport have all of the DRC charge equipment

http://camspeconline.com/audi-drc-rs4-rs6/
:redrs4: 2006 Misano Red RS4 Saloon. :redrs4:

Jesterful
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Re: DRC failure-specialist recommendations required

Post by Jesterful » Fri Jan 24, 2020 8:43 pm

Steve at CRS. About an hours drive north of Gloucester. Problem solved.

Shockerboy
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Re: DRC failure-specialist recommendations required

Post by Shockerboy » Sun Jan 26, 2020 8:26 pm

Sadly it isn't just a case of recharging the DRC with Gas and oil , the shocks are a weakness and often fail, The big issue here in UK is the corrosion to the pipes and valves and this can really become a big job and very expensive , What you need to avoid is chasing the problem from one end of the car to the other. I sincerely believe that changing the suspension to something reputable and less complex doesnt affect the cars Value , I would actually go as far as to say it improves the value because any potential; buyer will know the DRC is an Achilles heel of the car and will be looking closely at that .

supchris
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Re: DRC failure-specialist recommendations required

Post by supchris » Tue Jan 28, 2020 10:17 pm

I've got leaky shocks and rotting pipes on the original DRC and have done loads of research on the best course of action.
it's not failed yet, but about to fail it's MOT on the rusty DRC pipes i'm sure, so looking to replace asap.

Still not sure whether to swap for a full adjustable coilover kit (Bilstein PSS9 or KW v3) - or just go with a set of shocks from you shockerboy!
So much discussion and differing of opinion on this whole debate, it's hard to make a decision!

murph7355
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Re: DRC failure-specialist recommendations required

Post by murph7355 » Sat Mar 14, 2020 2:05 am

IMO DRC is part of what makes the car an RS4. When fully working it's a great system that copes well with anything thrown at it.

The pipework went on mine last year. After much soul and wallet searching I decided to repair it properly and retained the DRC.

The additional problem with cars as old as these are is that once you start taking things apart you find all sorts of other stuff that needs doing - control arms, bumpstops etc etc.

I reckon purely doing the pipes is going to cost 2.5k-3k. Dampers will add to that - didn't have these done last time, but think I've had a couple replaced and IIRC they are something like 800 quid a corner with the pipework.

MRC did my pipework and were great to deal with.

Quite eye watering costs really, but what price keeping it a full on RS4? This is the slight problem with these cars - they're cheap to buy (relatively) but in real terms are a 75k car to look after. Worth it IMO, little can touch them. But expensive.

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GaryA
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Re: DRC failure-specialist recommendations required

Post by GaryA » Sat Mar 14, 2020 12:30 pm

I now have Shockerboy's KONI setup with H&R springs and love them. Also installed full Meyle HD front suspension arm kit, bump stops and top mounts. Probably about £1,000 all in.
Ride is much firmer then 'MY' DRC was but its not harse.
Service from Steve was spot on.
Im very happy with this approach and its worry free.

coffey555
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Re: DRC failure-specialist recommendations required

Post by coffey555 » Sat Mar 14, 2020 1:18 pm

GaryA wrote:
Sat Mar 14, 2020 12:30 pm
I now have Shockerboy's KONI setup with H&R springs and love them. Also installed full Meyle HD front suspension arm kit, bump stops and top mounts. Probably about £1,000 all in.
Ride is much firmer then 'MY' DRC was but its not harse.
Service from Steve was spot on.
Im very happy with this approach and its worry free.
Did you have the SS or SS+ setup before you switched to H&R springs?
Misano Red RS4 B7 Avant

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12th
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Re: DRC failure-specialist recommendations required

Post by 12th » Sat Mar 14, 2020 2:52 pm

GaryA wrote:
Sat Mar 14, 2020 12:30 pm
I now have Shockerboy's KONI setup with H&R springs and love them. Also installed full Meyle HD front suspension arm kit, bump stops and top mounts. Probably about £1,000 all in.
Ride is much firmer then 'MY' DRC was but its not harse.
Service from Steve was spot on.
Im very happy with this approach and its worry free.
Is there any particular part of that setup that makes it firmer? I'd understood that Shockerboy's setup retained ride quality.
Sprint Blue B7 RS4 Saloon with MRC tweakery.

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GaryA
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Re: DRC failure-specialist recommendations required

Post by GaryA » Sat Mar 14, 2020 7:11 pm

coffey555 wrote:
GaryA wrote:
Sat Mar 14, 2020 12:30 pm
I now have Shockerboy's KONI setup with H&R springs and love them. Also installed full Meyle HD front suspension arm kit, bump stops and top mounts. Probably about £1,000 all in.
Ride is much firmer then 'MY' DRC was but its not harse.
Service from Steve was spot on.
Im very happy with this approach and its worry free.
Did you have the SS or SS+ setup before you switched to H&R springs?
I bought the car with H&R springs already fitted with original DRC. Sits nice

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GaryA
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Re: DRC failure-specialist recommendations required

Post by GaryA » Sat Mar 14, 2020 7:19 pm

12th wrote:
GaryA wrote:
Sat Mar 14, 2020 12:30 pm
I now have Shockerboy's KONI setup with H&R springs and love them. Also installed full Meyle HD front suspension arm kit, bump stops and top mounts. Probably about £1,000 all in.
Ride is much firmer then 'MY' DRC was but its not harse.
Service from Steve was spot on.
Im very happy with this approach and its worry free.
Is there any particular part of that setup that makes it firmer? I'd understood that Shockerboy's setup retained ride quality.
It is definitely firmer and feels more planted. I'm loving it.
My DRC & bushes could've been on way out for a long time. Feels like a new car now.

Shockerboy
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Re: DRC failure-specialist recommendations required

Post by Shockerboy » Sun Mar 22, 2020 4:07 pm

The KONI kit we do has very special valving and is designed to be stiffer in slow shaft speeds IE high speed cornering and harsh braking . it is also Softer in hi speed shaft movements IE bumpy surfaces , This is why the fitting of KONI dampers doesnt need uprated ARB because the shock can limit body roll better than the DRC did .

This valving facilitates improved Handling and comfort and is why Gary is feeling a firmer ride , BUT still comfortable .

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12th
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Re: DRC failure-specialist recommendations required

Post by 12th » Sun Mar 22, 2020 5:48 pm

Sounds good/logical. The only other question is whether it's possible to reinstall DRC - just so I'd be going into it with my eyes wide open.
Sprint Blue B7 RS4 Saloon with MRC tweakery.

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