Leaking DRC / Coilovers (Bilsteins/H&R opinions)

[Imola_Sid]

Right guys...

Noticed a horrible vibration/knocking sound front the front driver's side.

Got my local mechanic to check it out on the ramp and he found DRC fluid leaking on the passenger's side rear.

Searched the forum and it seems to be quite common and a dealer/specialist job to replace the pipe and recharge. However, I'm leaning a bit towards ripping the whole system out and going down the coilover route (i already ordered H&R springs as I didn't like the stance and wanted to go a little lower but haven't got round to fitting them yet). I've also read it's pretty straight forward coding out the DRC using Vagcom and bypassing the module by simply removing the fuse. So coilovers seem quite attractive considering the age/mileage and reliability of the system.

So, what are the coilover options? I've used Bilsteins in the past and also HSD/BC which were cheaper options but weren't too bad (e46 M3, e39 M5). I had AP on an E36 m3 too.

Any advice would be great. I'm in Birmingham so if anyone has any specialists they could recommend who could get the DRC sorted for a reasonable cost, I'm not completely against the idea of leaving it original for a cheaper/easier fix.

Thanks

[Imola_Sid]

As a side note, the previous owner said one was done and the pipe/recharge cost around £200 but that garage is now closed. Not bad if I can it back on road quickly and cheaply (maybe get the springs done at the same time?).

[stuartbarriskell]

Try keep the DRC mate, have it looked at again, may be just a shock and recharge required. Just my thoughts.

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[ATinOf]

If its a shock leaking it will cost you 800ish, if its just the pipe fitting it will be 500ish; (they're not stealer prices!) neither is cheap but I would also keep the DRC

It can be DIY'd but you need the drain/charge tooling or you can make the tooling if you are that way inclined but you still need the connection hoses to connect the damn tooling; they are not standard staubli's connections!

Dont run the car with the new shock to go and get it filled if you do the fitting, the shocks are supplied dry

[ATinOf]

That was parts and labour prices by the way.... worth clarifying )

[Imola_Sid]

Leaning towards coilovers as i'd really like to stance the car.. I always run them a little low and despite buying the H&R springs (not yet fitted) I know I probably won't be 100% happy with the stance after it's done.

Want to keep costs reasonable and these are the options at the moment. I think I can find all the kits a bit cheaper with a bit of searching -

PSS9's
https://www.bilsteinsuspensionstore.co. ... 029314.htm

B14's
https://www.bilsteinsuspensionstore.co. ... 029219.htm

H&R's
https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/h-r-coi ... -r29201-6/

One thing I like about the H&R kit is that the description specifically meantions the 'comfort'. I know this could potentially mean nothing in real life but H&R are a reputable company so I imagine this means something.

At the moment I'm leaning towards trying the H&R kit.

Has anyone tried the H&R (or the others) and able to share their thoughts?

Thanks

[ATinOf]

Rarely does 'comfort' and 'suspension mod' belong in the same sentence, or the same post for that matter 🫣

[Imola_Sid]

Agree lol. But if it's even remotely better than the usual coilover feel it's a win for me.

[Pajo]

There are also some kits from Lowtec which has adjustable dampers as well for the most expensive option:

https://www.lowtec.de/en/audi/s6rs6/4f/ ... low?c=2473

They have cheaper options without the adjustable dampers. But as I can see it all of them come with German TÜV papers if you will need those.

[Imola_Sid]

Never heard of that brand to be honest... I want to stick with a reputable company for peace of mind.

[ATinOf]

There are also some kits from Lowtec which has adjustable dampers as well

Do you mean adjustable ride height at the spring cup, adjustable compression and rebound, independent adjustable compression and rebound, or all 3?

[Pajo]

There are also some kits from Lowtec which has adjustable dampers as well

Do you mean adjustable ride height at the spring cup, adjustable compression and rebound, independent adjustable compression and rebound, or all 3?

Adjustable ride height is ofcourse there being a coilover kit, the other thing that is adjustable is the rebound as I understand it from their charts. They call it Damping Force, but essentially rebound adjustment with very little impact on compression. So only 2 things can be adjusted in total.

[Imola_Sid]

With the Bilsteins being on back order (over 3 month wait!) I decided to go for the H&R.

Have read and heard a lot of good feedback from people fitting them to a lot different cars so i'm hoping it's going to be the same for the RS6! I've used H&R springs in the past and was really happy with them so hopefully more of the same.

Will report back once fitted and tested! Can't wait to see it sitting lower

[Imola_Sid]

Ended up ordering PSS9's as the H&R will take 2 months to arrive

More expensive but at least I'll have damping i guess!

[Imola_Sid]