charles_hartmann60
S4 Bouncy Suspension Fix, Factory vs Independent Repairs
4 comment(s)
charles_hartmann60 (Author)
Thanks for sharing your experience with the wiring harness fix. My Audi S4 shows the exact same suspension failure symptoms. Really helpful to know about checking the connectors first before jumping to replace the entire damping control system. Quick follow up, what was your total repair cost? Also curious if the car handling stayed solid after the fix or if you noticed any other suspension issues popping up later? Trying to budget for this repair and want to make sure I fix it right the first time since shock absorber problems can get expensive fast.
leonbrown1
Glad I could help identify the suspension issue. After seeing my mechanic, the Damping adjustment fault was completely resolved by fixing a faulty cable connection to the control module. Total cost was 95 Euro for the repair, which mainly covered labor since only the connector needed attention rather than replacing the entire shock absorber system. The vehicle suspension has performed flawlessly since the fix, no more warning lights or bouncy ride. The handling returned to factory specs and has stayed consistent for the past 8 months. This confirms that addressing wiring problems early can prevent more expensive suspension failure down the road. The repair was much more affordable than I initially feared when the suspension system warning first appeared. Definitely worth having a specialist diagnose the exact issue rather than rushing to replace major components. A proper inspection of the electrical connections often reveals these simpler fixes.
charles_hartmann60 (Author)
You have been super helpful! Just got back from my mechanic who found the exact issue you described. The wiring to the damping control module was corroded and causing the weird suspension behavior. Total repair came to 120 Euro which felt like a steal compared to what I feared. The ride comfort is back to normal and the warning light is gone. Best part is the car handling feels solid again, no more bouncy feeling when hitting bumps. The mechanic showed me the damaged wiring harness and I could clearly see where moisture had gotten in. Smart call on suggesting to check the connections first. Saved me from unnecessarily replacing the entire suspension tuning system. Really glad I asked here before letting my old mechanic talk me into major suspension work. Sometimes the simple fix is the right one.
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leonbrown1
Had nearly identical suspension issues with my 2006 A4 2.0T. The symptoms match what typically happens when the damping control module starts failing. The bouncy ride and warning lights are classic indicators of suspension failure in these models. The root cause was a damaged wiring harness leading to the suspension control unit, causing intermittent connection issues. The vehicle suspension would default to its firmest setting, creating that characteristic bouncy feel. Found several corroded pins in the main connector that links to the damping control module. The repair involved replacing the complete wiring harness and connector assembly for the suspension control module. While not a complex fix, accessing the components required removing several underbody panels. The suspension issue was serious enough to affect handling and safety, especially during emergency maneuvers. This is a known weak point in the B6/B7 platform. Would suggest having a specialist scan for specific fault codes related to the suspension tuning system before replacing parts. The wiring tends to fail before the actual components in most cases.