Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) System Pressure, Checking

Special tools and workshop equipment required 

• DRC Pressure Tester:VAS6209/2  , not illustrated
• Hand Vacuum Pump:VAS6213 
  Fig 1: Hand Vacuum Pump VAS 6213

  Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

DRC Pressure Tester:VAS6209/2  , Bleeding

Use only approved oil for the bleeding procedure. Refer to the Parts Information.

• The DRC Pressure Tester :VAS6209/2  must always be bled the first time it is used.
• If the DRC Pressure Tester:VAS6209/2  still shows a residual pressure greater than 0.5 bar (7.25 psi) (for example, from a previous reading), bleeding must not be done.

-- To bleed pressure gauge -B- and line section -A-, install the special tool as shown.

Fig 2: Bleeding Pressure Gauge And Line Section

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

The illustration shows bleeding process by extracting hydraulic fluid using a Hand Vacuum Pump:VAS6213  .

-- The bleeding procedure must be performed until air bubbles are no longer visible in hose -C-.

-- Disconnect hose -C and D-.

System Pressure Test

Fig 3: Identifying Cap & Extract/Fill Valve

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

• System pressure check is performed on front shock absorber of corresponding DRC line.

-- Remove the cap -arrow- from the extract/fill valve and connect the DRC Pressure Tester:VAS6209/2  .

-- Read the system pressure on the DRC Pressure Tester :VAS6209/2  .

• The pressure on the DRC Pressure Tester :VAS6209/2  increases slowly and takes approximately two minutes. The DRC system pressure can only be read when the needle on the DRC Pressure Tester:VAS6209/2  has finally come to a stop.

-- Disconnect the DRC Pressure Tester :VAS6209/2  and install the dust cap.

TIP:

A small oil leak at the connection that results from connecting or disconnecting the DRC Pressure Tester:VAS6209/2  is not critical. Multiple measurements should be avoided since the system loses a small amount of oil each time the DRC Pressure Tester :VAS6209/2  is connected. Every connection results in a pressure decrease of approximately 0.3 bar (4.35 psi) from the previous reading. Multiple repeated measurements decrease system pressure below minimum pressure or failure.

-- If the pressure is not OK, determine the cause and service the system.

DRC System Pressure Values

Pressure values refer to reference temperature of 20 °C (68 °F).

• 16 bar (232.06 psi) = operating pressure
• 15 bar to 16 bar (217.56 psi to 232.06 psi) = central valve new or as good as new
• 14 to 15 bar (203.05 to 217.56 psi) = normal range of operation, system OK
• Less than 14 bar (203.05 psi) = system leaking or not filled completely, air entering system, central valve has no pressure/is empty.