DRC spring has broken off

[vailpilgrim]

The driver’s side rear spring has finally given up. A small segment, around 5cm in diameter, has broken off. It was previously cracked but the weight of the car pressing down was holding it in. I’m just surprised that the car can still drive and handle reasonably well after all this time - the part broke off in Nov-18 so a good 2 months ago. Has anyone else experienced this?

At the same time i discovered the broken segment (was switching to winter tyres), some grease was found on the inside of the corresponding alloy, as if someone had dropped 2 tablespoons of grease on there. Rather baffling becoz I understand DRC leaks would be like oil sprays, and there are no signs of leakage/stains on the suspension arms. Any suggestions what this might be?

Thanks in advance!

[alex760]

Have you checked the CV boots for splits? They can spray grease around the inside of the wheel when the have a split in them.

When I changed to coilovers after my DRC failed I discovered that the same had happened to my rear spring, whether this was linked to the DRC failure or not I don't know but I don't think so as it was fairly corroded and looked as though it had been broken for some time. Not too bad to swap out for new springs just drop the rear subframe down until you can get the spring out and put the new one in. I would generally do both rear springs at the same time and fit new rear subframe bolts also as they are single use stretch bolts.

[Surrey Sam]

As above, that sounds like a split CV boot, I had Audi replace one and it cost about £150 back in 2013.

Spring failure is not uncommon either. That happens to many types of cars when they get to the sort of age, the B7 RS4 is now.

[vailpilgrim]

Thanks fellas for the replies. I’ve got the car at an indy Audi garage now , the service manager is more or less echoing what you’ve suggested. Not an overly complicated fix.
I had thought of swapping the DRC to coilovers (KW v3) but I’ve read they can make the ride a lot more rigid/unforgiving. Wouldn’t work too well for the little ones sitting at the back. I do like the DRC and would like to keep it as long as I can. Economically, swapping to coilovers is quite a fair bit more expensive than replacing/repairing all 4 corners of original springs and shocks, based on what I’ve been quoted . If replacing the pipes as well, it more or less draws it level with coilovers, cost-wise.

[alex760]

The comfort of coilovers depends on who you speak to as it is a very subjective thing. Just to play devils advocate a little I currently have BC racing on mine and whilst they are definitely firmer and even a little harsher than the DRC my little one has no problems falling asleep in the car. These are at the cheaper end as well coming in around £800, which is similar to the Bilsteins B14's with fixed damping, both of these are quite a bit cheaper than the KW v3's.

I changed as even though I really did like the DRC it had already been changed twice in my cars history and there is a strong chance that even once I had repaired it, it would quite possibly need doing again in the future.

If you like the DRC however and are happy to maintain then keep it as it really is a great system when working.

[James1984]

H&r’s have a decent ride comparable to standard ss+ to me, might be because of the progressively wound springs, i have a rear ss+ spring if you need one

[marc1]

I’ve got a full set of standard sport suspension (not SS+) taken from my old Avant at 40k miles. Not sure if you’ve got SS or SS+ or saloon / Avant?

Do you know know it needs shocks too? I don’t think I’ve seen any of your other posts, so not sure if you’ve covered it somewhere else too.

[vailpilgrim]

H&r’s have a decent ride comparable to standard ss+ to me, might be because of the progressively wound springs, i have a rear ss+ spring if you need one

Thanks but the garage is sourcing/supplying the springs for me. Not sure if mine is SS+ or standard... how would I tell?

[vailpilgrim]

I’ve got a full set of standard sport suspension (not SS+) taken from my old Avant at 40k miles. Not sure if you’ve got SS or SS+ or saloon / Avant?

Do you know know it needs shocks too? I don’t think I’ve seen any of your other posts, so not sure if you’ve covered it somewhere else too.

Mine is an Avant, not sure if it’s SS+ or standard. Thanks for the offer but the Indy specialist is sourcing the part for me.

Don’t think it needs shocks at this point - it had quite a thorough once-over last July during its annual service where one of the front shocks was repaired. If another one was about to go, the service manager would have flagged it then (I hope). At least he flagged the cracked spring, which eventually broke off. Yeah I’ve been lurking more than posting, despite getting in this forum 6yrs ago and owning my B7 for 5yrs... first kid was born the same year I bought the car, might help explain the lack of activity!

[marc1]

That’s not too bad then, a set of springs shouldn’t set you back much and you can enjoy it again.

[vailpilgrim]

Quick update: pair of rear springs replaced, wheels aligned and tracked, back wheel arches no longer sink 1cm lower, and most importantly the drive quality is back to before. All done for just under £680. Interestingly though the technician couldn’t find anything wrong with the rear boot/gator, so fingers crossed that was a non-issue to begin with.

[marc1]

Happy days

[alex760]

Excellent news mate

[Shockerboy]

Quality Coil overs will definately be cheaper than replacing all 4 DRC shocks and pipes if they are corroded . ( Clients have reported upto £3- 4000 Quotes ) Not to everyones taste however as mentioned they are firmer and the travel on the shock is reduced significantly, which means ride height much lower . Replacement shocks are avaialble for £600 from KONI/CRS and this is truly great value for money as commented on many times on this forum . When your DRC start to leak and its pretty sure it will as its an achilles heal of the car , get the KONI shocks and leave the standard springs in .