RS4 drc recall

[2000S4]

There has been some rumour that there will be a world wide recall for the drc suspension on the rs4 like the rs6. Does anyone have info on this?

Thanks

[Alister]

From what I've read there has been action in both the US and the UK, but I haven't heard anything about a worldwide recall.

My 2007 RS4 is still on its original suspension and I haven't had any discernable issues but would be keen on getting the new parts installed should there be a recall.

[PetrolDave]

Not heard anything about a recall.

Audi UK have extended the warranty on DRC on the B7 RS4 to 5 years or 75,000 miles as a result of pressure from owners.

[WinterRunner]

I know a Rev. B system is in circulation, as I had my original DRC system leaking and was replaced with this rev B under warranty. It has been very good ever since (over 12K miles).

[jalas]

I know a Rev. B system is in circulation, as I had my original DRC system leaking and was replaced with this rev B under warranty. It has been very good ever since (over 12K miles).

My Rev B left front is leaking. It is at Audi right now for that, coils and 45k service. They were replaced 5000 miles ago. :(

[koolade9]

I've got a set of Rev B. dampers I'll sell if someone would like a spare set

/shameless plug.

[WinterRunner]

My Rev B left front is leaking. It is at Audi right now for that, coils and 45k service. They were replaced 5000 miles ago. :(

Sorry to hear. I awould like to add that I avoid any kind of crappy paving, pot-hole ridden roads, and the like. I only ever push on well paved surfaces. I think this may attribute to my system's well being.

[Brian0473]

I too heard that a recall was coming in the next few weeks but it was one of those "a friend of a guy who knows a service manager said..." kinds of things.

[jalas]

Got the car back today and no luck on getting new dampers. AoA will not swap out "sweating" dampers. Not terribly bothered by this since I'll probably swap over to the Stasis setup even though maintenance is involved.

[WinterRunner]

The sweating will increase to actual leaking very soon. Hit a few bumpy roads and take her back in. You will surely get a warrantied replacement.

[scotty607]

What about us guys that replaced the DRC, knowing the problem existed and didnt want to wait till it failed, so we could die in firey crashes, killing lots innocent victims, and causing terrible inconvenience for Ambulences to get through traffic, to get invalents to their dialosis machines!

[RAudi Driver]

^^^RIF. Three misspelled words?

[WinterRunner]

Long time no see Ed, hows it goin? What did you replace the RS with?

[RAudi Driver]

With this:


Still have the car and nothing has changed. :-)

[WinterRunner]

Looks stunning as usual, good to hear you kept her.

[JimmyBones]

One of the advisers at work showed me the email that our corporate rep sent us about replacing the DRC shocks on RS4s but it didn't have a release date for the recall. I tried some VINs in the system and found that the there is nothing yet so you will know probably a week or two after we do.

Honestly I am not looking forward to that repair because it doesn't pay shit for the mad scientist setup to pressurize the system. Hopefully this gets rid of one of the issues with these great cars.

[ArthurPE]

One of the advisers at work showed me the email that our corporate rep sent us about replacing the DRC shocks on RS4s but it didn't have a release date for the recall. I tried some VINs in the system and found that the there is nothing yet so you will know probably a week or two after we do.

Honestly I am not looking forward to that repair because it doesn't pay shit for the mad scientist setup to pressurize the system. Hopefully this gets rid of one of the issues with these great cars.

sounds legit...
I'll contact some folks I know at AoA and see if they are willing to share any info
I can see why they would hesitate, everybody & their brother will be calling for replacement, failed or not...
they need to organize & prioritize

[crafty]

I saw the email myself as well (my SA showed me last time I was in). I believe i was dated June 10th, said it applied for 2007-2008 RS4 with the confirmed affected parts (shocks were all that was mentioned, no the valves, but then the email was quite vague). It also said to expect more information at the end of June... I will call tomorrow to see if they go anything else :).

[jareds941]

Any word on reimbursement for owners that went to aftermarket after the dealers refused to replace their "sweating" systems?

[crafty]

I never asked that, but based on what I know of AoA, owners that went after market are probably screwed. Even if you raised hell... hard to argue assuming their defense would be "sweating doesn't mean failure, it was within tolerances". I think this recall is a proactive service campaign, meaning it could be argued that even some of those replaced may not ever be affected(at least not within say 100kmi or so), and yet they probably will sweat...?

[jareds941]

But they did reimburse those that purchased coil packs before the official recall...so maybe there is hope!

[PetrolDave]

I believe i was dated June 10th, said it applied for 2007-2008 RS4 with the confirmed affected parts (shocks were all that was mentioned, no the valves, but then the email was quite vague).

Is that an AoA only recall or worldwide?

What about 2006 models?

I ask because mine is going into the dealer next Tuesday to have the front shocks replaced under the Audi UK 5 year warranty.

[crafty]

I am assuming AoA operates differently, so I don't know if EMEA (or whatever term Audi uses for their European operations) has a similar recall. I do know that they are different given I have leking lines to the oil cooler, and I brought it in asking about that one (17D7 I think), and they had never heard of it, nor could they find anything in their system regarding fixing the oil cooloer line rubbing issue :/.

[ArthurPE]

probably US only, that's the way the RS6 one went
the RS4 should be similar
iirc they did not reimburse for aftermarket
they did reimburse if you paid to have the oem repaired

[ArthurPE]

there's a user on another forum who was told by a dealer advisor today that the DRC service action is imminent and should be happening within a month....

[jareds941]

It is official. Emailed the service advisor today and asked about this. He said the recall came out yesterday and asked if I wanted him to order a new set for me.

Sounds like there will be some reimbursement as well for those that bought aftermarket.

Letters should arrive in the next few weeks.

[koolade9]

It is official. Emailed the service advisor today and asked about this. He said the recall came out yesterday and asked if I wanted him to order a new set for me.

Sounds like there will be some reimbursement as well for those that bought aftermarket.

Letters should arrive in the next few weeks.

I like money!

[handyvorb]

I had a RS4 VIN opened in our service information today and did indeed show the recall just opened on it for replacing the DRC shock absorbers with the updated version (this RS4 had already been done prior though). The recall title was still in German, so this is a BRAND NEW recall. For RS4 owners needing there DRC system serviced yet, and those needing reimbursement, please wait for the letters to arrive before setting an appointment. They don't send the letters until the parts are available for the dealerships and the recall has been opened on your VIN.

[oreo8716]

my car is in service for a cel and they are doing the shocks eventhough my origional ones r fine.. the service rep said there is a recall

[ArthurPE]

this one was for the RS6, I reckon the RS4 will be similar...

Upcoming Service Action Campaign Announcement
Service Action 43A8/J4 - 2003 Audi RS6
Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) Suspension Service

This is to inform you that Audi will be notifying customers of a Service Action later this summer that requires the installation of improved shocks to 2003 RS6 vehicles.
What is the problem?
The affected vehicles may have shock leaks in the Dynamic Ride Control suspension.

What does the repair involve, and when will the repair be available?
Audi will install improved shocks on the affected vehicles. Unfortunately, the necessary parts stock to complete this repair will not be available until August. Once the necessary parts are available in the market, we will send a second notification that the Service Action is now available and can be completed.

Parts Allocation Information
Once the parts are available in August, you will receive an initial allocation of parts for this campaign prior to the initiation of this Service Action.

Interim Repair Instructions
In the event of a customer complaint on the DRC suspension system prior to the initiation of this Service Action, please create a ticket with the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) for further instructions.

Any customers with questions unable to be answered by this announcement should be directed to Audi Customer CARE at 1-800-253-2834.
Thank you for your help in this matter.

Frequently Asked Questions for Upcoming Service Action 43A8/J4

This FAQ provides supplementary information on the 43A8/J4 Service Action. For additional information, please refer to the upcoming 43A8/J4 dealer letter that will be posted on Service Net in February 2009.

What vehicles are affected?
The following summarizes the affected vehicles for the United States and Canada:

United States - Model year 2003 Audi RS6 vehicles

Canada - Model year 2004 Audi RS6 vehicles

How many vehicles are affected?

* 1,437 vehicles are affected in the United States
* 90 vehicles are affected in Canada

What is the problem and what can happen?
The affected vehicles may have shock leaks in the Dynamic Ride Control suspension.

Can I drive the vehicle until it is repaired?
Yes, the vehicle can still be driven as usual.

What exactly will be repaired on the vehicle?
Audi will install improved shocks on the affected vehicles.

What was redesigned in the DRC system?
The shock absorbers received a redesigned seal package and shaft guide bushings.

Will the Central Valves be replaced during the repair?
As a first step, the central valves will be replaced as part of the repair process. Going forward, Audi will use a newly designed special tool to recharge the existing central valves, which will increase the repair efficiency. Once this special tool is available to the Dealers, the replacement of central valves will not be necessary.

What if the vehicle has been modified from original factory intent? (i.e., aftermarket suspension)
If post-sale modifications to the vehicle prevent dealer technicians from conducting repair work under this Service Action, the vehicle may require additional work to bring it back to factory specifications. Any such additional work will be at the customer's expense. Please see Campaign Quick Reference Guide on page 23 for further details.

Is a loaner vehicle being offered under this Service Action?
No, a loaner vehicle is not offered under this Service Action.

When will this repair be available?
This is a pre-announcement notice for this Service Action. PLEASE NOTE: repair parts will not be available until August 2009. Once the necessary parts are available, we will notify you that the Service Action is now available and can be completed.

What if a customer has an issue with the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) now?
In the event of a customer complaint on the DRC suspension system prior to the initiation of this Service Action; please create a ticket with the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) for further instructions. The interim claiming instructions will be added to the FAQs sometime next week.

Can only RS6 authorized dealers perform this repair?
No, all authorized Audi dealers can perform this repair.

[RAudi Driver]

From Qw. You'll be able to get either a new set of revision c or $2,400 in cash if you already replaced your suspension. It's something like that. go check out QW.

[ArthurPE]

From Qw. You'll be able to get either a new set of revision c or $2,400 in cash if you already replaced your suspension. It's something like that. go check out QW.

I've read that but it's hard to believe Audi would pay for aftermarket equipment...perhaps they make you signa disclaimer to avoid warranty issues?
From the RS6 service you had to have an oem suspension on the car, what some folks did was just bolt the old one back on, non-functioning, and had it towed to the dealer, lol

from the actual RS6 action:
What if the vehicle has been modified from original factory intent? (i.e., aftermarket suspension)
If post-sale modifications to the vehicle prevent dealer technicians from conducting repair work under this Service Action, the vehicle may require additional work to bring it back to factory specifications. Any such additional work will be at the customer's expense. Please see Campaign Quick Reference Guide on page 23 for further details.

[ArthurPE]

here's the letter
apparently no $2400, no aftermarket replacement and car must have oem suspension



claim form

[koolade9]

here's the letter
apparently no $2400, no aftermarket replacement and car must have oem suspension

.....

[ArthurPE]

.....

my dilema...do it now (mine is functioning properly)
or wait the 2 years (or until it fails) and get a new suspension on a 50k mile car?

[koolade9]

my dilema...do it now (mine is functioning properly)
or wait the 2 years (or until it fails) and get a new suspension on a 50k mile car?

In your situation (no desire to go aftermarket), I'd just wait it out. Even though they'll replace it, that's not to say it couldn't fail again. If it's an open recall, it's like a 'free suspension' card in your back pocket. Should you decide to sell the car in the future, have it done right before you list it as an added bonus for the potential buyer.

[badhbtz]

This is Great! One small step for Audi owners! Now we need a giant leap for the carbon fix!

[Retsujou]

This is also confirmed for Canada. Just got off the phone with Audi Canada on the same issue and it is already logged against my VIN.

[oreo8716]

i got my letter today eventough they are already replacing the shocks right now lol

[ArthurPE]

In your situation (no desire to go aftermarket), I'd just wait it out. Even though they'll replace it, that's not to say it couldn't fail again. If it's an open recall, it's like a 'free suspension' card in your back pocket. Should you decide to sell the car in the future, have it done right before you list it as an added bonus for the potential buyer.

kind of how Im looking at it...
I'd like to have the pressures checked to make sure evrything is within spec...
good point about resale, although I'll probably have the car for 3-4 more years

kudos to Audi...this is a very proactive action, way beyond what they are obligated to do
or would be forced to due if litigated...just fix them as they fail if a design issue was proven
it's costing them $$$ (and I'm sure KYB is sharing in the costs) but they don't have to do this
they chose to do this...