DRC Update
10-05-2008, 06:35 AM
#1
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DRC Update
My front-left strut was replaced last Wednesday after noticing leakage. The car felt fine on the way home where it sat until yesterday as I was out of town. Driving around yesterday, I started hearing a metallic clunking noise coming out of the back end. At first, it was going over sizable bumps, but progressed to any bump or road crease. The ride is a lot more firmer.
Plan on taking it in Monday. Any thoughts???
Couple notes:
(1) My SA originally said DRC was not limited to 12months/12,000K. He has since checked and said that is the case, although he agrees it's BS. Will be interesting to see how this progresses.
(2) I was talking to my SA about aftermarket (Stasis). he called me on Friday asking me for info - seems there's another RS4 owner at my dealership (Don Rosen Audi) that's been having DRC issues, is fed up and was asking about aftermarket options.
Plan on taking it in Monday. Any thoughts???
Couple notes:
(1) My SA originally said DRC was not limited to 12months/12,000K. He has since checked and said that is the case, although he agrees it's BS. Will be interesting to see how this progresses.
(2) I was talking to my SA about aftermarket (Stasis). he called me on Friday asking me for info - seems there's another RS4 owner at my dealership (Don Rosen Audi) that's been having DRC issues, is fed up and was asking about aftermarket options.
10-05-2008, 09:37 AM
#5
Wish76 I don't know if this will help you out much but here is my 2 front strut DRC replacement info
Took them 1 full day to replace both front struts. The work done on the invoice under warranty is as follows:
"Tech found failure of the front struts: assembly struts leaking
Installed new front struts, bled system and performed alignment"
Units: 4.90
Tech(s): 75
Parts:
2x Part #: 8E0-616-887 Valve
1x Part #: 8E0-412-019 Shock Absorber
1x Part #: 8E0-412-020 Shock Absorber
2x Part #: N-034-790-8 Screw
2x Part #: N-102-861-02 Nut
2x Part #: G-052-731-A2 Hydr. Oil
I've driven the car for several days. The fronts feel great after replacement and show no signs of new leaks yet. I took pics of the new struts and will be watching them for new leaking. If the replacements leak I will continue to have my dealership replace them under warranty. This first round of replacements has given me confidence that my service department can do the replacements correctly. That said, it's only been a few days so time will tell.
They never said anything about 1 year/12,000 miles to me. My rears are dry, no signs of leaking or problems.
The new struts:
<IMG SRC="http://www.jlosee.com/images/RS4/driverssidefrontsmall.jpg">
<IMG SRC="http://www.jlosee.com/images/RS4/passengersidefrontsmall.jpg">
"Tech found failure of the front struts: assembly struts leaking
Installed new front struts, bled system and performed alignment"
Units: 4.90
Tech(s): 75
Parts:
2x Part #: 8E0-616-887 Valve
1x Part #: 8E0-412-019 Shock Absorber
1x Part #: 8E0-412-020 Shock Absorber
2x Part #: N-034-790-8 Screw
2x Part #: N-102-861-02 Nut
2x Part #: G-052-731-A2 Hydr. Oil
I've driven the car for several days. The fronts feel great after replacement and show no signs of new leaks yet. I took pics of the new struts and will be watching them for new leaking. If the replacements leak I will continue to have my dealership replace them under warranty. This first round of replacements has given me confidence that my service department can do the replacements correctly. That said, it's only been a few days so time will tell.
They never said anything about 1 year/12,000 miles to me. My rears are dry, no signs of leaking or problems.
The new struts:
<IMG SRC="http://www.jlosee.com/images/RS4/driverssidefrontsmall.jpg">
<IMG SRC="http://www.jlosee.com/images/RS4/passengersidefrontsmall.jpg">
10-05-2008, 09:49 AM
#6
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My Repair Order looks about the same.
I was surprised to find out that an alignment is not covered as part of the front struts replacement.
The warranty bill came to about $7,000. Ouch.
The warranty bill came to about $7,000. Ouch.
10-05-2008, 10:11 AM
#7
Yes but.....
Even if not tracking, can't you use the MS to better tune the ride characteristics. i.e. softer springs with stiffer dampers can yield better handling and a more compliant ride. If money is an issue, obviously the SL will be more than sufficient, but if money is not an issue, the MS will give superior results, track or not.
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10-05-2008, 10:24 AM
#8
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the facts....
it is common knowledge at this point... that the DRC system (starting with the previous rs6) is flawed. Despite whether one has the original components replaced with 'updated' oem parts... it does not change the issue. As we have heard of the shocks leaking before even being installed on the car.
Good luck with whichever route you take... I hope the pricing of the group buy will help many of you guys out and end this DRC experience.
Rd
Good luck with whichever route you take... I hope the pricing of the group buy will help many of you guys out and end this DRC experience.
Rd
10-05-2008, 02:27 PM
#10
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Hmm, i'd say that with the MS
ride comfort is VERY adjustable. I love being able to firm/soften the suspension setting with a few turns of the dial. I don't do it often mind you, but when necessary it is a nice luxury. worth the extra cost? maybe not, but i like it :P