(98 A4 1.8TQ) Leaks, leaks, leaks :-(

[Rocket Science Racing]

Hi all,

I went to change the oil on my used (but new to me :-) 98 A4 1.8TQ last
night and discovered a bunch of leaks. I've cleaned up the bottom of the
engine the best I can with no soap and water (the hose is frozen :-) and I'm
looking for tips on where it might be coming from. I know it's difficult to
diagnose by email, but any ideas would be appreciated.

The first appears to be the junctions of the hoses from the power steering
pump and the power steering cooler, under the intercooler. I hate those
factory hose clamps, they always seem to loosen up. I had to replace the
ones on my washer fluid reservoir already. Anyone else have the same
experience?

The second one I'm not as sure about. The bottom of the torque support
bracket at the front of the engine, and especially the bracket that attaches
to it on the passenger side, were pretty wet with oil. I saw no obvious
source. Any ideas on this one? I'm surprised the car isn't using oil given
how wet it was.

There was a lot of caked on oil and dirt on the sway bar and the
cross-member. I'm wondering if that is just left over spooge from the 9
previous oil filter changes? (I'm on the 55Kmile change-that blinking 'oil"
message is a powerful motivator :-) I haven't pulled the filter yet (got to
get a wrench that fits this morning) but I bet that makes a real mess right
in that area.

Finally, there is something leaking directly under the passenger side engine
mount. The bottom of the mount was a little wet with oil. Any ideas on that
one?

I'm hoping none of this is manual tranny oil. I'm thinking positive, like
maybe the old oil filter is not tight enough :-}

Thanks and Happy New Year,

Scott
98.5 A4 1.8TQ