AUDI RS4 RIDE HEIGHT PROBLEMS
 

AUDI RS4 B7 2007

Any advise would be appreciated.

As we all are aware DRC systems fail..

Previously running standard OEM DRC system dampers with H&R lowered spring that are at most 5 years old.
I had clunking, knocking suspension sound appear from rear of car and rear passenger side had noticeable drop in height. Audi diagnosed that this was due to a leaking rear left shock that clearly showed fluid leakage on driveway and visible ride height drop due to this. To add to this had slow leak causing clunking noise from rear right of car.

Just replace DRC system with Bilstein B8 sprint damper all round which fitted as a perfect OEM replacement with no issues as I did not want to go to the extent of coil overs. DRC system was disconnected bilstein dampers fitted and they that were fitted with current H&R lowering springs.
RESULT – All clunking, knocking noises have now gone and car once again drives great.
PROBLEM – The rear left corner that had lost a lot of DRC fluid even after new shocks being fitted has not returned to an equal ride height as other rear side.
I would always assume a spring would return to its natural ride height after the short term of extra compression that it has endured due to this being the main DRC shock that had lost nearly all its fluid and ride height.
Can anyone advise,,,please??
Am I now looking at replacing my H&R springs even though there are no visible damage to the springs and prior to DRC leakage I had equal ride height at both rear wheels but the ride height is around 1.5cm lower on rear left of car than the rear right hand side.

Nice car first of all man!

It appears that the spring is probably permanently compressed at the moment, however to make sure, one way would be to remove both rear springs and test them: measure their height uncompressed and compress them to normal working height and measure their rebound. This is the only sure way to see if the springs are the problem. If not then it could be something else in the rear suspension, but first check the springs as they appear to be the most likely suspect. Keep me posted, I'd be curious to know the outcome.