RS4...........DRC

[colb31]

Can anyone tell me what the symptoms are of a DRC failure. I have just purchased the car a few weeks ago and what a car it is! Just concerned slightly of a DRC failure. I know it is covered for 5 years and the car is a 2007 car.

[gmk666]

A knocking sound and an oily residue around the body of the shock absorber are the usual telltale signs.
Good luck with getting it sorted - Audi dealers are normally OK, although some might argue that they all leak a bit and it's fine.

[DMS1979]

Have a look over here on the rs264 website some pictures posted:

http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&f...

[Dr G]

I'm guessing you're very near the end of your warranty? Get it in to a main dealer for a health check and its first MOT

[Tame Technician]

DRC failure is caused by the pressurised oil leaking from the system, so first of all you will get visable leaks of oil arround the DRC dampers or the hose connections.

Its virtually imposible for the customer to know there is a leak unless you often get under the car and have a good look round the dampers etc. If the car isnt in for service or inspected for any reason enough oil will leak out for the system pressure to drop, then you will hear loud clonking over bumps. This is the primary symptom reported by customers with a DRC fault.

Once its clonking it will usually have damaged the central valve and a replacement of the relevant damper and valve is required. Altough what exactly is required varries from car to car.

If it comes in with just a leak before the clonking starts, it normally needs only what ever is leaking replaced and the system refilled with the special pressurised oil.

[colb31]

Thanks for all the replies. I have just had the car through it's first MOT and passed with flying colours! Looking forward to decent weather to put some miles on it!

[EC2]

Would leaking shocks be an MOT failure or would most MOT testers not be familiar with enough with the DRC system to know?

[Tame Technician]

EC2 said:

Would leaking shocks be an MOT failure or would most MOT testers not be familiar with enough with the DRC system to know?

IIRC (i dont do MOT's personally) Leaking shocks would be MOT failure, but only if the leak was bad enough. IF there was insuficient damping it would fail also.

Most MOT tester wont be familiar with DRC, but a leaky damper/shock is a leaky damper regardless of what type it is. Apart from the hydraulic connections they are visually the same as any other damper.