DRC opening and recharge question

[Doug_RS6]

If I open my DRC at the shocks to remove the shocks. Can I drive the car somewhere to have the system recharged? Or is the car rendered immobile?

[c3nturi0n]

hi Doug,

i'n not much of help here (sorry).

However, I'd like to know the answer too as i'm about to fix H&R ARB's and would like to know if the system needs disconnecting (and re-charging) for it to be fitted?

[Jim Haseltine]

I believe the Audi advice is not to drive a vehicle with unpressurised DRC because it can damage the main valve unit. That I can't confirm so probably best to err on the safe side.
You shouldn't need to touch the shocks to change the ARB's - I had my front ARB off this weekend so I could see how bad my oil leak is and can say taking it off and refitting it is a simple task - applying the correct torque to the drop links without the car on a lift is not easy though.

[Doug_RS6]

Would it be ok to have the vehicle recovered on a flat bed? Obviously the car woukd still bounce on the back of the truck though. Last thing I want is to damage something.

[Jim Haseltine]

This link might help. viewtopic.php?t=107042
Pressure mentioned is 16 Bar - I wouldn't open something like that at home.

[Doug_RS6]

I saw that and messaged the guy but no response. I would of thought opening it slowly would be ok.

[rs6danbar]

I drove mine to Audi when DRC hoses broke, didnt cause any problem but they recommended to take it really easy and try to avoid hard bumps etc.
Order H&R's Coilover kit with DRC dummys right away!

[Doug_RS6]

Hmm. Audi is only 2 miles from me.

[Jim Haseltine]

There's a difference between a car with a split hose and one where the system has been completely depressurised but has no leaks. DRC is an addition to the normal operation of the shocks so I suspect you'll still have some damping. 2 miles? I'd risk it - you'll know within yards if it's a problem. I had to drive mine 14 to get home after I spotted a split hose and then another 2 to Audi. Don't know how far I'd driven before I noticed the split, could have been anything up to 20 miles but at no time did I feel any difference to the handling or damping.

[Doug_RS6]

I'm more concerned about causing damage to be honest. I mean if it handles a bit wierd I'll take it slow. It will only be the fronts that I have to disconnect but as it's split diagonal that means the whole system has been opened. I dont know the finer points of DRC. But my theory was that with all four wheels off the ground the leakage would be less as there is no weight on it. And in theory you could clamp the flexi lines just as you would a brake line. So it would be low on pressure but hopefully not empty.