Audi A6 Air Suspension Failure: Fix Guide & Cost Tips

I had a very similar issue with my 2015 A7 3.0 TDI last year. Based on my experience with air suspension systems, the symptoms you describe strongly suggest a faulty air spring valve rather than complete suspension failure. In my case, the suspension warning light came on and the car was sitting lower on one side, just like yours. The ride quality deteriorated significantly, especially over bumps. After diagnosis, it turned out the air spring valve was defective, causing the system to lose pressure. The repair cost me 590 Euro, which included parts and labor. The workshop replaced the faulty valve without needing to change the entire suspension system. They also performed a full system check to ensure no other components of the air suspension were compromised. Before you head to a workshop, it would be helpful to know: Current mileage on your A6, Whether you hear any hissing sounds when parked, If the problem is worse in cold weather, Whether the shock absorbers have ever been replaced These details would help determine if your issue is identical to what I experienced or if there might be additional complications with your suspension system. I suggest having it checked soon, as continuing to drive with compromised air suspension can lead to more extensive damage to other components.

Latest service was at 49500 KM two months ago. The hissing sound is now noticeable near the front right wheel, especially after the car has been parked overnight. The noise seems to indicate an air leak in the pneumatic suspension system. I did the soap water test around the air spring and found small bubbles forming, confirming my suspicion of a leak. The ride height continues to drop after parking, and the shock absorber seems to be bottoming out more frequently. The problem has gotten worse since my initial post, making the car nearly undrivable on rough roads. Will get it checked this week. Just hoping its just the air spring that needs replacement rather than the entire suspension assembly.

Thanks for the update. Your symptoms match exactly what I experienced with my A7 before getting it fixed. The soap water test showing bubbles is a clear indication of an air leak in the pneumatic suspension system, just like in my case. The bottoming out and dropping ride height overnight are classic signs of a failing air spring. These air leaks typically start small but worsen quickly, which explains why your symptoms have gotten more severe since your initial post. In my repair, they initially suspected a complete suspension overhaul would be needed, but after pressure testing, they found only the air spring needed replacement. The total repair including labor ended up around 590 Euro, significantly less than a full suspension system replacement. Quick word of caution, continuing to drive with a leaking air spring can damage other suspension components, particularly the shock absorber. My mechanic explained that when the air spring cant maintain proper pressure, it puts excessive stress on other parts of the suspension system. Based on your relatively low mileage and the symptoms described, you likely have the same issue I had. Keep us posted on what the workshop finds.

Thanks everyone for the helpful feedback. Just got back from the workshop and wanted to share the outcome. You were right, it was indeed the air spring that was the problem. They found a significant air leak in the front right suspension component. The total repair came to 620 Euro, which included replacing the faulty air spring and performing a full suspension system check. The mechanic showed me the worn air spring and I could clearly see where the leak was occurring. They also confirmed no additional suspension failure had occurred, which was a relief. The car is now sitting level again and the ride height adjustment is working perfectly. No more hissing sounds or suspension warning lights. The shock absorber is functioning normally now that the air suspension is maintaining proper pressure. Definitely glad I caught this early before it caused more extensive damage to the rest of the suspension system. The car rides like new again, what a difference a properly functioning air suspension makes.