DSC rear shock dust cover replacement

[Oldbloke]

Anyone know if you can change the dust cover (gaiter) on an RS4 rear shock with DSC without disconnecting the DSC?
My guess is 'yes' as dealer only wants 2 hours (!) Down side is they are now charging £240/hour.
Thanks

[johnnydog]

£240 an hour!!! Jesus, thats a joke - is that for the labour, or the job per hour including any parts? I think initially I'd be trying a different Audi dealership for a quote...

[Oldbloke]

For no other reason than to answer my own question, I can now say you can but it is a real pain to do.
At least, it is if you do it like I did.
The issue is the shocks are gas pressurised and will try to extend at every opportunity. Compressing them manually to remove the top mount/gaiter/bump-stop and then replace them afterward is very hard work and I did it many times before I found a way to successfully (ish) complete the process. The bottom bolt needs to come out and the shock dropped onto a trolley jack below the mount in order to gain enough room to remove the top mount nut. However, care must be taken not to damage any of the sensor wiring or DRC plumbing in the area.
In short, unless you're competent, patient and physically quite strong - or know how Audi do it and have access to the workshop tools used - I'd think long and hard before you tried.