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

[ricematthews]

Scott:

Here's my story......

I purchased a '98 A4 Avant Q (30v 2.8) from an out of state non-Audi dealer
in November.  The car came with a 2 month/2000 mile warranty.  After
purchasing it, I brought the car into the state and had my mechanic do the
state inspection on it (the dealer guaranteed it to pass inspection).  I
also asked my mechanic to look it over to tell me if there was anything
outside of the inspection items that needed attention.  At the time I
mentioned that I suspected an oil leak.  I had smelled the distinct odor of
burning oil on my ride home from the dealership, but suspected that they
spilled some during an oil change and that it was burning off of something.
200+ miles later, the smell persisted so I suspected a leak.  My mechanic
found that the engine was leaking from either the pan gasket, rear main seal
or somewhere near the crank sensor.  In addition, the transmission (manual)
was leaking from the gasket where the housing extension is mounted (I think
this was what was causing the smell - dripping onto the exhaust) and the
rear diff was leaking from both axle shafts.  Rather than fix the problem,
the dealer bought the car back from me.

I subsequently bought another A4 Avant Q 2.8 from a private seller.  I now
suspect this car to have a slight oil leak from the engine (location
currently unknown).  The car is covered by a transferable Audi Assured
warranty, so I hope the leak is fixed under warranty.

I'd be interested in knowing what you ultimately find to be the source of
your leak and I also wonder if leaks are a common problem with the newer
Audis.

-Mark


>
> 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
>
>
>
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