Allroad suspension dropping

[jbteleski]

I bought an 01 allroad about 6 months ago with 100k on it. When I park the car, it drops down as low as it will go. When the car is started, the assending light comes on and flashes untill the previous level is attained. Sometimes, however, the light continues to flash and the car bounces down the road like a basketball - the yellow up/down light in the cluster will be flashing. This obviously, is not supposed to happen. It seems I have a leak or something in the system - does the car have to go to an Audi dealer? Is there a simple diagnostic procedure? what may I be looking at for costs? I have owned many Audi quattros in the past and have maintained them myself without problems - This allroad is a totally different Animal!

[DC707]

I also have an 2001 Allroad and in fact it is being serviced TODAY for the problem which you speak.....thus the reason for looking at this site. I had the problem about 8 months ago at which point the problem was diagnosed and "fixed" by replacing one or both (don't recall) of the front struts. I had a separate shop check the most recent problems (non-Audi service, but respectable) and they say that the proportioning valve is leaking ($400+ type part). I'll write back again when I hear what the Audi dealer mentions today. Also, I wouldn't drive with the flashing light continuing, we have had luck starting the car and waiting about 5 minutes for the compressor to bring the suspension levels back to normal. On the occassions where that didn't work, we would turn off and turn on the car until it did work.

[Mikesonform]

I have a 2002 that is dropping in the front if you leave it for two days. I had a good chat with a senior guy from audi and he said it will be a leaking joint. To find it you simply squirt on some detergent and water and see where the leak is. Apparantly they use standard air parts that you can get from any compressor type company. Once fixed you should be fine.

Easy enough to fix yourself he said.