Audi S6 Air Suspension Failure: Fix Options & Costs

I experienced a similar issue with my 2015 Audi S7 about a year ago. I have some experience working on cars but air suspension systems require specialized knowledge. The symptoms were nearly identical, uneven ride height and suspension components not responding to adjustments. After initial diagnosis, it turned out the issue was much simpler than expected. The main problem was a faulty wiring connection to the level sensors, not the air struts themselves. The repair cost was 95 Euro for diagnosing and fixing the cable connection issue. The workshop completed the work in about 2 hours. They checked all suspension system connections and found a damaged plug that was causing communication errors between the sensors and control unit. Before jumping to conclusions about needing complete air struts replacement, it would help to know: Are you getting any specific error codes? Does the suspension behavior change after the car sits overnight? When did you first notice the uneven ride height? Have you had any recent suspension work done? These details would help determine if your issue is electrical like mine was or if there are actual air leaks in the system requiring more extensive repairs.

Latest service was at 52000 KM in December. Thanks for the detailed response! My diagnostic scan showed error code 01778 (suspension level sensor fault). The ride height started behaving erratically after heavy rain last week. The suspension pump makes an unusually loud noise when trying to adjust, which seems different from your electrical issue. The uneven ride height is most noticeable after the car sits for several hours, suggesting possible air leaks in the suspension components. No recent suspension work has been done since purchase. Getting concerned about potential repair costs if the entire system needs replacement.

Thanks for providing those additional details. Based on that error code and the symptoms you described, your issue does sound more serious than my electrical fault, especially with that loud suspension pump noise. The air leaks in the suspension system are a common problem, particularly after exposure to harsh weather conditions like heavy rain. When my S7 had a similar issue a few years ago with air leaks, the load leveling system started making similar noises before failing completely. The suspension pump working overtime trying to maintain pressure is often a sign of air leaks in the struts or lines. In my case, moisture had corroded several connection points, creating small leaks that gradually worsened. The repair involved: Full system pressure test to locate leaks, Replacement of two faulty air struts, New suspension pump installation, System calibration Total repair cost was around 2100 Euro and took 3 days to complete. While expensive, fixing it early prevented additional damage to other suspension components. Consider getting it checked soon, as running a compromised air suspension system can lead to premature pump failure. The noise you mentioned suggests the pump is already straining to compensate for leaks in the system. Would recommend having the workshop perform a thorough leak test before replacing any parts. Sometimes the fix can be as simple as replacing a few seals rather than entire components.

Thanks for sharing that detailed repair experience. The symptoms do match mine, and based on the growing noise from the suspension pump, I suspect I'm facing a similarly extensive repair. After hearing your experience, I scheduled a workshop appointment for next week to get a complete pressure test done. The suspension pump noise has gotten even louder since my last post, and the car is now sitting noticeably lower on one side after just a few hours of parking. Looking at potential costs around 2100 Euro is concerning, but I agree that addressing the air leaks sooner rather than later makes sense to prevent further damage. The load leveling system barely functions now, and I would rather fix it properly than risk more extensive suspension component failures. I will update once the workshop completes their diagnostic testing and provides a full assessment of the air struts and suspension system condition.