Few Quick Tech Questions

B6/7 S4/RS4
#1

Thought I would get some sage advice while I am logged in

  1. I am replacing my serpentine and crank pulley with the new JHM units, my question is, when I put my rad to service I only have about 4" to work with, is it better to just remove the rad altogether for the install or should I just leave it alone and fire in the new parts in the tight working conditions. The bentley actually does not call for complete removal, but it appears to be tight space to navigate! I also plan to do the seal as well while I’m in there.

I was using this http://www.cuccarogarage.com/diy-audi-b6-b7-s4-serpentine-belt-replacement-service-position/

The author appears to leave the rad on and endure the cramped conditions, when I looked at a few other build threads lately it looks like most people who have done this just pulled everything, but then again most were tossing on superchargers.

  1. I am replacing my lower control arms/balljoint, and the bentley references a specific VAG tool that apparently helps removal… any idea where to get one or if its worth picking up?

  2. Do any of you guys use anti seize on your hardware, if so what parts? I only ask because I am encountering a staggering amount of seized/corroded bolts. My rear sway bar bracket M10s actually snapped clear off when I went to remove them. I pumped the PB to it, hit the second bolt with map gas, and it still twisted off. >:( The 034 replacements appear to be stainless, but I am now fearing galling. :-\

#2
  1. When I did my 6 rib conversion, I had my front rad support off but I also had to replace it from being in an accident. It gave a lot more room since I had everything off. If you take it off youll need more coolant, and have to work around the ac condenser unless you plan on removing it and recharging it later.
#3

Hmmm I don’t mind doing the coolant as I can handle that myself, but I don’t want to touch my condenser.

Thanks for the response, I might as well just drain it and do a coolant flush at the same time.

#4

You should be able to move the condenser down and tuck it under the car somewhat while you work. I did a coolant flush on mine as well. Flushed it will distilled water until it came out completely clear, then drained completely and fill with G13 coolant

#5

Good to know! I will google the coolant quantities meow

#6

If you’re just doing a belt and pulley change I would recommend putting it in the service position. With the correct tools its not a hard job at all and much less time consuming. Completely removing the core support involves draining coolant, evacuating and recharging the A/C and disconnecting power steering hoses, etc. If you’re doing this in your home garage it can be kind of a messy job. That being said pulling the front clip gives you access to clean up your engine bay and makes it easier to do the belt and pulley, if you’re interested in doing that. When I did my belt, tensioner and crank pulley I was also doing valve cover gaskets and wanted to clean the engine so it made sense for me to pull everything.


http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s527/jimmys4/S4/DSCF1593_zpsb9b5a429.jpg


http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s527/jimmys4/S4/DSCF1619_zpsfcc6c047.jpg

When doing the control arms its a good idea to have new bolts on hand. With the car being in a winter climate they will most likely be a bitch to get out and get damaged. I know when doing uppers the manual says you’re required to replace the bolts that go into the knuckle but I’m not sure on the lowers.

#7

Wow! Thank you sir, I guess you answered my questions. I am doing this in my garage, and I am already getting enough grief about the mess from my wife! I really don’t want to do the A/C or power steering lines if I don’t have to.

I did get the hardware kit with the 034 control arm kit as well as the updated tie rod ends. I just don’t want to have this battle again in the future.

#8

If your still doing this it always made sense for me to just pull everything back as far as you can. After the bumper comes off its kinda a breeze and while your in there it makes sense to make the most of what your doing all the AC and power steering stuff isn’t hard to deal with just pinch off the lines so you don’t get any leakage.

I always felt why try to do something with the bare minimum room when you don’t really have to. If your stranded on the side of the road I would say just do the service position.

Just my .02