2007 RS4: 2nd DRC/Front Shock Failure
#31
No, there has been no formal recall on the RS4. Only on the RS6.
With that said, Audi is replacing the shocks with ones that have a new part number ('-b' extension, otherwise same part #). Allegedly those are improved. There are dozens and dozens of owners riding on those (myself included) that have no repeated leaks, seems to be the fix, hopefully!
With that said, Audi is replacing the shocks with ones that have a new part number ('-b' extension, otherwise same part #). Allegedly those are improved. There are dozens and dozens of owners riding on those (myself included) that have no repeated leaks, seems to be the fix, hopefully!
#32
Much talked about, but not yet officially. Audi has been replacing these only upon failure. I assume if they are happy with the resullts that this fix addresses all probs, they can issue a formal recall, but none yet. You will only get the new part numbers if you have a leak, they will not change them pre-emptively. It costs Audi well over $5K in labor and parts alone to do the full revamp.
#33
Much talked about, but not yet officially. Audi has been replacing these only upon failure. I assume if they are happy with the resullts that this fix addresses all probs, they can issue a formal recall, but none yet. You will only get the new part numbers if you have a leak, they will not change them pre-emptively. It costs Audi well over $5K in labor and parts alone to do the full revamp.
#34
IIRC, this third gen tool - VAS6544 - was released early 2009. If any dealer is still using the now obsolete VAS6209 and VAS6213 - then they need reporting to Audi UK / Audi of America / Audi Germany, etc.
HTH
#35
My 2007 RS4 seems ok but I do occasionally hear a noise when going over a large bump. I had dealer look at it last year and they claimed there was nothing wrong with the DRC. As my car now has over 40k miles and is approaching the warranty limit should I be concerned about a failure after warranty expires? I am not excited about paying $5000 for a DRC repair at 51k miles!
#37
Have KW Varient 3 coilovers for my RS6 ... great handling on smoother roads but on jarring ones, it tends to feel harsh considering I use it as a family sedan. No such thing as a perfect coilover/suspension in my book. You just have to learn to live with it ... of course a failure is a failure and hopefully Audi will grant you some sort of goodwill replacement
#44
With the risk to make you feel even worse, they will fail, again and again if your dealer keeps on replacing just the struts.
A proper DRC 'fix' requires full replacement of all 4 shocks, bleeding, refilling, vacumming, repressurising the system (and checking the pressure at each corner). Any shortcuts to that will lead to eventual failure. Some will be like mine and fail within a gas tank (literally), others a bit more, but unless the full and proper procedure is followed, they will be back for replacement before you know it.
A proper DRC 'fix' requires full replacement of all 4 shocks, bleeding, refilling, vacumming, repressurising the system (and checking the pressure at each corner). Any shortcuts to that will lead to eventual failure. Some will be like mine and fail within a gas tank (literally), others a bit more, but unless the full and proper procedure is followed, they will be back for replacement before you know it.
#45
I just noticed this thread and wanted to give my .02c
The information below is very correct. If the dealer has the new special tool there is no need to replace both central valves. The new tool can bleed and repressure the old valves just fine. As a matter of fact this way the tech can double check the pressure on each side X of the system.
The RS6 folks got the recall for a complete replacement last fall. So far all the repairs seem to be holding up well. "IF" you have a dealer and tech with the latest special tool and the knowledge to use it.
My factory DRC lasted 28k and just over 6yrs before one strut started to leak. Then the updated struts were installed and the proper special tool used. The car has been perfect.
The information below is very correct. If the dealer has the new special tool there is no need to replace both central valves. The new tool can bleed and repressure the old valves just fine. As a matter of fact this way the tech can double check the pressure on each side X of the system.
The RS6 folks got the recall for a complete replacement last fall. So far all the repairs seem to be holding up well. "IF" you have a dealer and tech with the latest special tool and the knowledge to use it.
My factory DRC lasted 28k and just over 6yrs before one strut started to leak. Then the updated struts were installed and the proper special tool used. The car has been perfect.
That only occured on the earlier 1st and 2nd generation dealer tools. The latest 3rd generation DRC tool is more than up to the job - but the Audi 'technicians' are still lacking in competence.
IIRC, this third gen tool - VAS6544 - was released early 2009. If any dealer is still using the now obsolete VAS6209 and VAS6213 - then they need reporting to Audi UK / Audi of America / Audi Germany, etc.
HTH
IIRC, this third gen tool - VAS6544 - was released early 2009. If any dealer is still using the now obsolete VAS6209 and VAS6213 - then they need reporting to Audi UK / Audi of America / Audi Germany, etc.
HTH