DRC Leaking - Can The Shock Be Repaired?

4.2 V8 32v Naturally Aspirated - 414 bhp
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j1sgo
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DRC Leaking - Can The Shock Be Repaired?

Post by j1sgo » Thu Jul 19, 2012 8:47 pm

Hi All,

Replaced the front disks and pads tonight and noticed my drivers side rear shock leaking :boohoo: (Pics below)

I havnt had the telltail clunking and think i have caught the leak early as it wasnt there a month ago (hasnt fully soalked the wishbone yet)

Question is if i remove the shock can the top seal that i assume is leaking be repaired/replaced or is it definateley new shock time?

Any advice would be much appreciated

P.S the car turned 5 before Christmas so i assume i cant go down the warantee route?
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Thanks, Steve
Now - Audi SQ5 Plus and planning future A3 3.2 DSG Turbo Project ;)
2011 - 2016 - Daytona RS4 Avant SS+ - Mods: K&N, CAF, Fixed Valves, 2013 RNSE, 8mm Spacers All Round, Carbon Clean, Stage 2 MRC Manifold, Gutted Cats, MRC Stage 2 - 437ps 472Nm
2010 - 2011 Audi 3.0 Q /sport (220bhp)
2003 - 2011 Vauxhall Astra GSI Turbo (340bhp)
2000 - 2003 Vauxhall Astra Sport 2.0 16v 150bhp

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ArthurPE
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Re: DRC Leaking - Can The Shock Be Repaired?

Post by ArthurPE » Thu Jul 19, 2012 9:33 pm

the only way to know how bad is to clean it off and pressurize it to see if or how bad it leaks
Grizz (a forum vendor) has the set-up to do that
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe...Albert Einstein

ShouldveBeenAGerman
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Re: DRC Leaking - Can The Shock Be Repaired?

Post by ShouldveBeenAGerman » Thu Jul 19, 2012 10:11 pm

You probably may as well replace the shock if you're going to drain then repressurise the system. IIRC a new shock is £180 + VAT

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grizz
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Re: DRC Leaking - Can The Shock Be Repaired?

Post by grizz » Thu Jul 19, 2012 10:23 pm

Hi , We can supply & fit a new shock along with a new hose and re pressure the system in house .

Grizz
Unit 20
0151 3366888
The northwest's only dedicated 'RS' repair centre.
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http://www.facebook.com/pages/unit-20/104343529619713

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j1sgo
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Re: DRC Leaking - Can The Shock Be Repaired?

Post by j1sgo » Thu Jul 19, 2012 10:46 pm

I am in south Wales so not to close to you grizz :(

I have a mate who runs a garage who i would I be able to get the shock from trade price (i thought they were a lot more than £180)

Could i then partially fill the shock then fit it myself - is this possible?

Then i take it if the above is possible i would need to take it to a specialist like youself grizz to re-pressurise?

Am I correct.

(sorry for the questions but I have full use of ramps and a garage and after just replacing my front disks and pads i am trying to do this repair as cheaply as possible)

Cheers, steve
Now - Audi SQ5 Plus and planning future A3 3.2 DSG Turbo Project ;)
2011 - 2016 - Daytona RS4 Avant SS+ - Mods: K&N, CAF, Fixed Valves, 2013 RNSE, 8mm Spacers All Round, Carbon Clean, Stage 2 MRC Manifold, Gutted Cats, MRC Stage 2 - 437ps 472Nm
2010 - 2011 Audi 3.0 Q /sport (220bhp)
2003 - 2011 Vauxhall Astra GSI Turbo (340bhp)
2000 - 2003 Vauxhall Astra Sport 2.0 16v 150bhp

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voyager162
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Re: DRC Leaking - Can The Shock Be Repaired?

Post by voyager162 » Fri Jul 20, 2012 1:58 pm

easy enough to fit, but you will need to get system pressurised, by either your local dealer or someone like unit 20, trouble is you shouldnt really be driving it with no pressure in the system.

Doug_RS6
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Re: DRC Leaking - Can The Shock Be Repaired?

Post by Doug_RS6 » Sun Nov 04, 2018 10:28 pm

Would it do damage if I opened the system to remove struts then refitted them to drive to get the system charged?

Shockerboy
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Re: DRC Leaking - Can The Shock Be Repaired?

Post by Shockerboy » Tue Nov 06, 2018 8:14 am

All audi Garages have the charging equipment , they probably charge like a wounded buffalo however . The car can drive with out the replacement shock being charged but only to get it to somewhere to refill . the shock cannot function correctly with out the Gas pressure , so caution when driving as its not safe .
The problem you have is very common and likely to occur on other shocks in the car over time , the DRC pipes also corrode and they are costly to replace . Would be worth looking at just replacing the shocks with a quality replacement kit , Message me for the details . you can search on this forum for KONI replacement dampers ?? might be worth looking at because its very cost evective long term .

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Re: DRC Leaking - Can The Shock Be Repaired?

Post by Pistolpete2543 » Tue Nov 06, 2018 8:58 am

Audi charged me £220 inc VAT for a full system replenishment and recharge, so it’s perhaps not as bad as some are making out. I think this even included the hydraulic oil itself.

Doug_RS6
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Re: DRC Leaking - Can The Shock Be Repaired?

Post by Doug_RS6 » Tue Nov 06, 2018 9:02 pm

My system functions perfectly. But I need to open the system to fit new springs.

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dhali
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Re: DRC Leaking - Can The Shock Be Repaired?

Post by dhali » Tue Nov 06, 2018 10:45 pm

Doug_RS6 wrote:
Tue Nov 06, 2018 9:02 pm
My system functions perfectly. But I need to open the system to fit new springs.
You don't have to open the system to change the springs . I and others have done it . It's tight especially on the front but it's doable .

Doug_RS6
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Re: DRC Leaking - Can The Shock Be Repaired?

Post by Doug_RS6 » Wed Nov 07, 2018 4:18 pm

On a C6? Was concerned about damaging a line. Didn't look like the strut would come down far enough. Could you share your method?

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dhali
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Re: DRC Leaking - Can The Shock Be Repaired?

Post by dhali » Wed Nov 07, 2018 4:29 pm

Apologies B7 .

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Re: DRC Leaking - Can The Shock Be Repaired?

Post by neil_f » Wed Nov 07, 2018 11:48 pm

Pistolpete2543 wrote:
Tue Nov 06, 2018 8:58 am
Audi charged me £220 inc VAT for a full system replenishment and recharge, so it’s perhaps not as bad as some are making out. I think this even included the hydraulic oil itself.
It is quite expensive though if you have to add this to the cost of replacing a damper or any part of the system every time .

Pistolpete2543
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Re: DRC Leaking - Can The Shock Be Repaired?

Post by Pistolpete2543 » Thu Nov 08, 2018 12:17 pm

neil_f wrote:
Wed Nov 07, 2018 11:48 pm
Pistolpete2543 wrote:
Tue Nov 06, 2018 8:58 am
Audi charged me £220 inc VAT for a full system replenishment and recharge, so it’s perhaps not as bad as some are making out. I think this even included the hydraulic oil itself.
It is quite expensive though if you have to add this to the cost of replacing a damper or any part of the system every time .
Depends how much you value originality of your B7 RS4, renowned as one of the greatest drivers Audi’s ever made.

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