DRC failure question on RS4 *Update*

**zachf88** · 09-15-2008 07:39 PM

I keep reading all these horrible threads about DRC failures on the RS4... What I wanted to know if there were any noticeable difference in handling or going over bumps.... My car has been making a "thump" whenever the front wheels go over a bump... I don't own a jack (except the one that came with the car), I don't have the room to jack up the car, nor do I have anytime this week.

**CanuckRS** · 09-15-2008 07:43 PM

"thump" hey? hmm, doesn't sound good.
good excuse to go spend some dough on the StasisMS suspension, you'll love it!

**zachf88** · 09-15-2008 07:48 PM

yeah, I wish I had the money... But I don't want to have huge student loans when I get out of med school!

**CanuckRS** · 09-15-2008 10:31 PM

haha, don't worry, everyone does nowadays. enjoy and spend like you're an attending! :)

**nimski62** · 09-15-2008 10:45 PM

Warranty...

**RAudi Driver** · 09-16-2008 08:50 AM

Hey Zach, my DRc just failed at 4,000 miles. I am having the dealer put in a new system. There are no noises and the car runs just fine and I can't tell a difference.

**zachf88** · 09-16-2008 02:04 PM

hmm... I think I may go to a parking lot and lift my car using the audi-supplied jack.... What and where should I look?

**zachf88** · 09-16-2008 03:22 PM

Well, I thought Audi included a jack with the RS4.... But I don't have one.... So I decided to use one of my 3rd eyes (camera).... So, it seems like it's a little oily, but is it DRC failre?

Thanks guys for the help! I'm a novice when it comes to these things....

**These are just of my passenger's front suspension.

**nimski62** · 09-16-2008 04:01 PM

If you are feeling a thump, that wasnt there before, cant you just take the car in for warranty? or am I being ingnorant of the fact that there are no Audi dealers in Nova Scotia?

**zachf88** · 09-16-2008 04:56 PM

We do have a dealer here in Nova Scotia, but I've dealt with many dealers before about "sounds" and they could never "replicate" it, not to mention they put over 10 miles on the vehicle, etc...

So, if I have a DRC problem, I can go in there and tell them the problem, they look at it and agree with me and they replace/fix the problem.... i hope

*I hate dealerships!

**RAudi Driver** · 09-16-2008 08:33 PM

My shocks look exactly like yours. It's DRC failure and you can get it replaced under warranty.

**zachf88** · 09-16-2008 08:36 PM

That's the answer to my question.... Thanks Ed! I'll call the dealer in the morning.....

**PetrolDave** · 09-17-2008 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by zachf88

Well, I thought Audi included a jack with the RS4.... But I don't have one....

Nope B7 RS4's don't get a jack.

**nimski62** · 09-17-2008 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by PetrolDave

Nope B7 RS4's don't get a jack.

So how the hell do you change a tire on the side of the road? magical air jack?

**zachf88** · 09-17-2008 12:04 PM

well, what's even better is that they give you a lug bolt wrench.... what the hell am I going to do with that if I have no jack? haha

**jb2thdoc** · 09-17-2008 01:00 PM

That definately looks like DRC failure. Why would they give you a jack when you don't get a spare tire. No roadside tire changing unless you have gone out and bought a spare.

**zachf88** · 09-17-2008 02:56 PM

well, took it to the dealer and they are replacing my front shocks.... but they have no idea how or what tools to use. So they are waiting to hear back from Audi NA....

So add me to the list..... DRC failure @ 3600 miles....

**RAudi Driver** · 09-17-2008 05:09 PM

Zach, you have to make sure that they also order you a central valve. It must be replaced with the DRC. Your Audi service is going to need to order the shocks, the central valve (whatever they call it) and the special tool that will allow them to refill the DRC system. You better make sure that they know how to do it or else you're going to be coming back time and time again.

I called the Service Manager and expressed my concern about the tech, who has never installed a DRC system, having the proper training to do the job right. I was told that the gentleman working on my car has the highest certification (Master Blah blah blah) from Audi. I spoke with the tech and he said that he was going over the instructions and they were complex. He seems like a bright guy so I am hoping for the best. I am going to come bearing gifts for the service guys.

You should call the service manager and express your concerns. Good luck! I'll let you know how my service goes and pass on any tips that i hear of.

**Spaceman** · 02-15-2009 01:02 AM

Bringing this one back from the dead.

I have an '07 RS4 that I bought a couple months ago. When I jacked the car up I noticed what look like oil around the shocks in the front of the vehicle.

I suppose this is a leak from the DRC as I heard this is a common issue.

I read that in the UK there was an extended warranty on the DRC, do you guys know if this is still covered under warranty in the United States? I was going to call the dealer on Monday, but figured I'd ask on here first.

And second, is a leak from the DRC sufficient enough reason for repair/replacement under warranty?

**zachf88** · 02-15-2009 07:49 AM

It is covered under warranty. Some dealer try to get out of the job by saying it's just "condensation." Others just replace the leaking shocks, not the central valve. You need to get the central valve replaced when getting your shocks replaced!

My dealer in Halifax has never done a DRC repair on an RS and they don't know what they are doing. So, i'm going back home and getting it fixed there.....

also, is the DRC fluid brown?? I had this spot near my driver's rear wheel.....

**Spaceman** · 02-15-2009 01:11 PM

Originally Posted by zachf88

It is covered under warranty. Some dealer try to get out of the job by saying it's just "condensation." Others just replace the leaking shocks, not the central valve. You need to get the central valve replaced when getting your shocks replaced!

My dealer in Halifax has never done a DRC repair on an RS and they don't know what they are doing. So, i'm going back home and getting it fixed there.....

also, is the DRC fluid brown?? I had this spot near my driver's rear wheel.....

Thanks for the feedback. I will now try and find out which dealer here in the Midwest is the best place to go.

Also, yesterday I took my wheels off and washed them with P21S and they were spotless. Today I went to get a car wash and afterwards when I got home I noticed some brown marks on my front wheels.

Do you guys know if that is the fluid from the DRC? Or could it simply be rust/brake dust mixed in with the water from the wash?

**pinkslip** · 02-15-2009 10:07 PM

Rust and water don't make oil. That looks like DRC fluid to me.

**RAudi Driver** · 02-15-2009 10:16 PM

Originally Posted by Spaceman

Thanks for the feedback. I will now try and find out which dealer here in the Midwest is the best place to go.

Also, yesterday I took my wheels off and washed them with P21S and they were spotless. Today I went to get a car wash and afterwards when I got home I noticed some brown marks on my front wheels.

Do you guys know if that is the fluid from the DRC? Or could it simply be rust/brake dust mixed in with the water from the wash?

That's just some water from the rotors. No biggie. Get your DRc repaired and post back. I'm getting my fixed again next week and I also have a set of Motorpsorts in the garage. I just wanted to get the car running perfect before i tear into it.

I'll keep you updated on my DRC repair.

**ieatfishburitos** · 02-15-2009 11:01 PM

Originally Posted by Spaceman

Thanks for the feedback. I will now try and find out which dealer here in the Midwest is the best place to go.

Also, yesterday I took my wheels off and washed them with P21S and they were spotless. Today I went to get a car wash and afterwards when I got home I noticed some brown marks on my front wheels.

Do you guys know if that is the fluid from the DRC? Or could it simply be rust/brake dust mixed in with the water from the wash?

My dealer told me that liquid on the RS4 rims is absolutely normal and to ignore it. It's the typical secretion found after a menstruating woman whom loves the RS4 was rubbing against your car. He said he's seen it a 1000 times. Apparently they will even break into your garage and do it.. Beware!

**Spaceman** · 02-16-2009 09:19 AM

Originally Posted by RAudi Driver

That's just some water from the rotors. No biggie. Get your DRc repaired and post back. I'm getting my fixed again next week and I also have a set of Motorpsorts in the garage. I just wanted to get the car running perfect before i tear into it.

I'll keep you updated on my DRC repair.

I'm with you, I want to get Coilovers as well but want this fixed under warranty first.

**zachf88** · 02-16-2009 09:41 AM

The "junk" on the wheel is the left over, dried up water/debris/soap on the rotor. Since our rotors are drilled and vented, when the pad is applied, all the excess dried up water/debris/soap gets pushed into the rotor and then spun out through the vents....

My spot on the cement id a little different than that though.... It's also directly under the shock i believe.

**Spaceman** · 02-16-2009 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by zachf88

The "junk" on the wheel is the left over, dried up water/debris/soap on the rotor. Since our rotors are drilled and vented, when the pad is applied, all the excess dried up water/debris/soap gets pushed into the rotor and then spun out through the vents....

I initially thought that's what it was, but just reading about the leaking DRC on here I thought it may have come from there. On any other car I would have overlooked it.

Thread: DRC failure question on RS4 Update

Thread Tools

Display