Anyone have to replace this part? It’s at the bottom front of the engine and mine is rusted to all hell. The only thing that scares me is the hose at the passenger side back of this pipe - which appears to run into the back of the engine. And also appears to need the sub-frame dropped in order to have any chance at accessing it, especially one that’s full of corrosion. Any thoughts or experience with this one?
That pipe connects to the water pump correct… IF so I have seen some that are really really bad. But most of it is just surface. I would say sand it down and see if your able to get to clean material before pulling that out as it is going to be a bit of a pain to remove.
Thanks Justin - to be honest that’s really what my dilemma was. I just have the front core support off now and will be kicking myself if I have to replace that in a year or so because of a leak. But hey at least in that case I’ve not got some experience in the labor involved and should be able to do it in about half the time.
If I do end up having to do this though - do you know if it’s ever been done without dropping that sub-frame for the rear passenger side connection? I can get a picture up if needed to try and make sure I’m being clear enough. Appreciate the insight either way though man.
getting suspension/subframe bits out of the way will give you better access but its not required.
You will need to remove the front end, radiator and core support, alternator belt/tensioner, alternator, and oil cooler to finally get access to where the pipe connects to the engine. The oil cooler is a pain because there’s a bolt in the back that is virtually blind - I had to get it in and out by guiding myself by a laptop and borescope!
I would inspect first - unless it is truly rusted through or otherwise leaking, I wouldn’t bother to replace. I stripped one of the bolts on mine and now it’s probably impossible to remove without drilling out the head.
Audi definitely didn’t make it easy, as with so many things on this car ;D
