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CRS3 wrote: ↑

Mon May 03, 2021 12:42 pm

Hi Mark,
There are a few factors to consider when trying to answer your question.
Why have you been advised that the rear shocks need replacing? internal failure on both rear shocks
Have the shocks failed completely eg. Burst seal, loss of substantial amount of oil, total loss of pressure and heavy knocking ? not seen any leakage but the rear end is way lower than i am comfortable with and i have been told by a couple of places that the car is running standard Audi shocks and springs
If a complete failure of shocks? Has the car been driven with failed shocks? it has been driven in its current state, yes, but based on the lack of the symptoms you described above I'm not sure if this is what you're calling a "complete failure of shocks"
Has any other components of the system been replaced before? Or are they as old as the car? nothing else suspension wise has been replaced in the past as far as i know (and I have extremely detailed and comprehensive history for the vehicle)
The DRC is split in to 2 systems, the shocks are linked in diagonal. Rear left and front right, front left and rear right. There is a central valve for each system shifting the hydraulic oil between the shocks as the car corners etc. If the car has not been driven (prolonged distance after realising failure) with a complete failure. You can replace individual parts as long as the systems recharge and hold pressure. But if the car has been driven around without knowing that a complete failure has happened then there could be damage to central valve or diagonally connected shock in that system. A loss of pressure in the system due to a leaking or split in a pipe is not a complete shock failure. the dealer advised replacing the flexi pipes with the rear shocks. I realise the DRC system operates diagonally, however, both front shocks are fine as far as i can tell
The is also the pipe work to look at for condition. A flexible pipe connecting each shock and hard pipes connecting these to the central valves. as i mentioned, they advised replacing the flexi pipes on both sides of the rear of the car
If the pipes are in good condition and the central valves have not been damaged. You can replace shocks as need be. But if the shocks are all the same age(old as the car)chances are you will be replacing them some time in the future. But there is no definitive time I'm afraid.fair enough... pretty much what i thought, and when factoring in costs to replace valves and other pipework, what i am concerned about!)
The costs for this vary somewhat for labour and parts.
From a reputable company the cost of recharging the system is between £300 to £500.
Last time I priced a shock it was £320 per shock. Flexible pipes £120 to £140 per pipe.
When my shock failed I had already been researching as much as I could about the DRC system. And came to the conclusion that if I suffered a break down I would replace what needed to be replaced to keep it working 100% because it does make the car what it is. So preparing for the future as much as I could. With the help of this site I built myself a tool for recharging the system myself and I use it to do any DRC work on my own car. It's saved me money and the worry of expensive garage bills if anything goes in the future.
If you can afford it, preventive maintenance will keep your systems working and help avoid major failures all at once, anti corrosion maintenance on your pipe work making sure it will last as long as it can.
I hope this long explanation helps you some

Cheers
Chris.

CRS3 wrote: ↑

Mon May 03, 2021 12:42 pm

Hi Mark,
There are a few factors to consider when trying to answer your question.
Why have you been advised that the rear shocks need replacing?
Have the shocks failed completely eg. Burst seal, loss of substantial amount of oil, total loss of pressure and heavy knocking ?
If a complete failure of shocks? Has the car been driven with failed shocks?
Has any other components of the system been replaced before? Or are they as old as the car?
The DRC is split in to 2 systems, the shocks are linked in diagonal. Rear left and front right, front left and rear right. There is a central valve for each system shifting the hydraulic oil between the shocks as the car corners etc. If the car has not been driven (prolonged distance after realising failure) with a complete failure. You can replace individual parts as long as the systems recharge and hold pressure. But if the car has been driven around without knowing that a complete failure has happened then there could be damage to central valve or diagonally connected shock in that system. A loss of pressure in the system due to a leaking or split in a pipe is not a complete shock failure.
The is also the pipe work to look at for condition. A flexible pipe connecting each shock and hard pipes connecting these to the central valves.
If the pipes are in good condition and the central valves have not been damaged. You can replace shocks as need be. But if the shocks are all the same age(old as the car)chances are you will be replacing them some time in the future. But there is no definitive time I'm afraid.
The costs for this vary somewhat for labour and parts.
From a reputable company the cost of recharging the system is between £300 to £500.
Last time I priced a shock it was £320 per shock. Flexible pipes £120 to £140 per pipe.
When my shock failed I had already been researching as much as I could about the DRC system. And came to the conclusion that if I suffered a break down I would replace what needed to be replaced to keep it working 100% because it does make the car what it is. So preparing for the future as much as I could. With the help of this site I built myself a tool for recharging the system myself and I use it to do any DRC work on my own car. It's saved me money and the worry of expensive garage bills if anything goes in the future.
If you can afford it, preventive maintenance will keep your systems working and help avoid major failures all at once, anti corrosion maintenance on your pipe work making sure it will last as long as it can.
I hope this long explanation helps you some

Cheers
Chris.