Air suspension fault

[andydin68]

My 2016 A6 Allroad has developed some sort of air suspension fault. The yellow warning triangle came on last week with the message "Air Suspension Fault" . Car still drove ok but felt a bit vague in the rear. On Monday the the red warning triangle came on with the warning message "Air Suspension Fault - do not exceed 35mph" 

This morning the car is sitting very low at the rear and the red warning triangle  and fault message came on almost immediately after start up. I have booked the car into an Audi specialist I have used a couple of times before. However they are 45 miles from my home. Will the car be safe to drive to tthem?

Also any pointers on what could be wrong? I'm hoping its a leaking valve but I'm prepared for having to replace the compressor or individual suspension air bag units

 

 

[Magnet]

Hello Andy,

Thanks for being in touch, and sorry to hear of your issue. 
This could be a number of possibilities from a leak, level sensor, below par compressor etc. 
Re. safe to drive? - I would be entrusting your judgement based on how you see it, and the advice you will get by phoning your Independent. 
If it turns out to be the compressor then you have your namesake -Andy - up in your neck of the woods, known as Bagpiping Andy, who specialises in making compressor piston rings ( common cause) and supplying reconditioned units. You should find him on a search. Try eBay search for ‘air suspension piston rings’ if stuck. 
Perhaps you could let us know how you get on. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[andydin68]

Thanks Gareth

[ThomasG]

Have you scanned for faults? It may just be a level sensor failure on one of the wheels. I have had that. But only got the red warning when the new one wasn't calibrated. However, if you haven't had the associated adaptive headlights etc., warnings, then it may be the other stuff Gareth mentions.

Good luck. 

 

[andydin68]

I've not scanned for faults as I don't have a scanner. Also have the adaptive headlight fault light and message up as well

[ThomasG]

Fingers crossed it's the sensor. You can get those off eBay. 

Let us know what the garage says. 

I have an OBDEleven. Best thing I've bought for the car! Scans and allows wee tweaks. 

[andydin68]

Update on this problem

Took the car to an independent Audi specialist today.

He looked at the car and inspected all the suspension components. Said he couldn't find any leaks. Also said there was no fault codes coming up on VCDS. He did mention though that it might be seals in the compressor.

He did suggest that I took the car to Glasgow Audi to have the suspension system pressure tested. I'm very loath to do this after a previous bad experience with them.

Should I go to another Audi specialist in Glasgow area for a second opinion?

[ThomasG]

Try A for Audi. Lookers failed to diagnose something I ended up sorting myself. 

[Magnet]

Many thanks for coming back on this Andy. Do you know where the compressor is situated? Towards the rear? AmI right in thinking it’s only the rear suspension is air. 
For what it’s worth, why don’t you search out Bagpiping Andy and talk it through with him? He is a very experienced guy, and may pinpoint the problem for you. 
I ask where the compressor is situated, since it may be worth ‘investing’ in a new piston ring anyway. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[andydin68]

Hi Gareth, it ait suspension all round. The compressor is in the boot under the floor

[Magnet]

Thanks Andy. 
As said, I would be having a chat with your Bagpiping namesake, before spending anything else. His specialised advice would be free. 
Compressor in boot - great - so at least easy to get to. You are spoilt in comparison to the one I did on my non- Audi! 
As you may know:- when you garage referred to ‘seal’, it’s really a ceramic type piston ring. Not a difficult job to renew if this is what is wrong. 
Of course, it may not be this, but Andy should be able to advise you further.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

[andydin68]

Update - took the car to another independent Audi specialist. Verdict from them is the whole compressor has failed. 

[Magnet]

Thanks Andy, so you now need to talk with your Bagpiping namesake then. 
Perhaps you could let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

[andydin68]

That's the car repaired. The compressor relay had failed causing the compressor motor to burn out. I managed to source a reconditioned compressor which the Audi specialist fitted along with a new relay. They also checked the rest of the system for any leaks etc and it was OK.

Everything appears to be working OK now. 

[Steve Q]

On 1/27/2022 at 11:15 AM, andydin68 said:

That's the car repaired. The compressor relay had failed causing the compressor motor to burn out. I managed to source a reconditioned compressor which the Audi specialist fitted along with a new relay. They also checked the rest of the system for any leaks etc and it was OK.

Everything appears to be working OK now. 

Glad you got sorted 🙂