The Official B8 S4 Water Pump Support Group Therapy Session

[andyollie]

i think im the first one, water pump started to shoot water out a small hole in the top of the pump seems to be a pressure release valve hole?

anyway back to dealer 7 days back order on the pump :(

[thewusman]

i think im the first one, water pump started to shoot water out a small hole in the top of the pump seems to be a pressure release valve hole?

anyway back to dealer 7 days back order on the pump :(

Shite. Sorry to hear.

Hope they get it sooner than 7 days - that seems a long lead time.

[A4Ber]

I was driving home. when I was 2 blocks away from home, it showed me a MSG that coolant is low and stop the engine. I arrived home and noticed some smokes coming out of the hood. I noticEd my coolant broke an was leaking. I called side assist and they towed it to rector Audi. Anyway I took some pics and will show u guys tonight. The tow guy told me that there is a recall or the a4/s4 but I haven't receive any letter? Anyone heard about this?

[Nvius]

Uh oh, I thought this was isolated to cars in cold weather climates, but you're in NorCal! I think I should start worrying now.

Hope this works itself out quickly for you, let us know if there is indeed a recall or TSB about this issue.

Good luck.

[lotusgardener]

It gets cold in NorCal last time I checked.

[Nvius]

Very rarely do temps reach below freezing during the winter. Maybe a couple times a year and if so, only in the morning. I also believe A4ber is located in SF judging by some of the pictures he put up of his car. Weather there is constantly 45-60 degs in the winter. It's 56 degs right now. If NorCal is "cold", then Washington must be the artic.

[MiracleWhips]

But it was pretty frickin cold in the hood last night, but still only in the 40's.

Sorry to here about this, and do report any findings!

[SPR415]

DAMN that sucks.. is there leak or crack??? It was pretty cold last night in SF..

[L0U]

likely the waterpump seal.

[NWS4Guy]

Known issues with bad water pump design, supposedly incorporating plastic blades for the impeller, they are typically replaced with metal versions. When this happens, it's an easy fix, no harm to the car if you don't just keep driving it like a nut. It will still smell of antifreeze for a week or so till it all burns off when you get it back.

No current recall on them, but it's known to be an issue with B8 S4 and the current Q5 model engines.

[Leo]

What was your mileage?

[B8 Phantom S4]

Sorry to hear about your car. Do you garage your car, or do you park it out on the street?

[A4Ber]

Sorry to hear about your car. Do you garage your car, or do you park it out on the street?

Yes i park on the street.

[A4Ber]

4500

[B8 Phantom S4]

Sorry again man. I'll give Rector a call and see if they wouldn't mind checking my car out too.

[xtrema]

Yes i park on the street.

Yup.

Sound like S4 can't be in freezing temp for more than 4 hours until you get the metal pump. Sigh, hope my car come with one standard.

[A4Ber]

Anyway I might trade in my car for the Q7 TDI : )

[L0U]

I just came from a fx45, the q7 tdi is definitely going to be a different kind of vehicle over the S4. I didn't like the experience.

[B8 Phantom S4]

Anyway I might trade in my car for the Q7 TDI : )

WTF? Didn't you just get the S4 this past Aug? What makes you want to trade it in for a Q7?

[A4Ber]

Going to get my car back now. They fixed it and gave me free 5k service :)

[NWS4Guy]

Going to get my car back now. They fixed it and gave me free 5k service :)

[cool] Nice!

[andyollie]

was it the waterpump? had mine brake too

[Alkivar]

Known issues with bad water pump design, supposedly incorporating plastic blades for the impeller, they are typically replaced with metal versions. When this happens, it's an easy fix, no harm to the car if you don't just keep driving it like a nut. It will still smell of antifreeze for a week or so till it all burns off when you get it back.

No current recall on them, but it's known to be an issue with B8 S4 and the current Q5 model engines.

is this only on the 3.0T where they use the plastic bladed waterpump? Or is this is their other offerings 2.0T/3.2L etc... right now? aka... should I be concerned about this happening to my A5 [:D]

[NWS4Guy]

is this only on the 3.0T where they use the plastic bladed waterpump? Or is this is their other offerings 2.0T/3.2L etc... right now? aka... should I be concerned about this happening to my A5 [:D]

Only the water pumps on the S4 3.0 and the Q5 3.2 so far that I am aware of - they share the same pump.

[Tifosi]

Going to get my car back now. They fixed it and gave me free 5k service :)

IIRC, isn't the 5K service a complimentary service ?

[Alkivar]

Only the water pumps on the S4 3.0 and the Q5 3.2 so far that I am aware of - they share the same pump.

I'm pretty sure the 3.2L in the Q5 is the same as the 3.2L FSI in the A5... damn, one more thing I need to keep an eye on.

[DUBSPORTN]

Sucks man, but at least you have your car back. Makes me appreciate living in south florida!

[NWS4Guy]

IIRC, isn't the 5K service a complimentary service ?

Yep it is, I took it to mean they gave him the equivalent 5K service that didn't count as his 5K?

[Tifosi]

Yep it is, I took it to mean they gave him the equivalent 5K service that didn't count as his 5K?

On post #12, OP indicated that the car has 4,500 miles on the dial.

[A4Ber]

Yep it is, I took it to mean they gave him the equivalent 5K service that didn't count as his 5K?

Yup they didn't count as 5k so i havent use any of my service yet.

[orlandosk2]

So far I have had a few problems. First problem is shifting is hard in second at times. Second is the speakers sounding like crap either due to blown speaker or electrical problem. I say electrical because sometimes I see the NAV screen dim like its about to go out. 3rd is i think the lip of the front bumper which is a metallic color is starting to rust. 4th is today that the check coolant light came on and all the coolant blew up everywhere and made a mess due to the water pump going bad.


Any one else having these problems?

[Nvius]

Haven't had any of those problems. may I ask how many miles you are at?

Are you manual or DSG?

Do you have B&O speakers or Audi Symphony?

Nav screen dims based on ambient lighting, could be why it's dimming.

I didn't think the front "splitter" was metal, don't know why it would exhibit rust.

Leaking coolant appears to be a prominent problem with our cars. Search around, theres a few posts here as well as on Audiworld about it.

[orlandosk2]

12788 Is the mileage, Manual, Audi Symphony, Its not dimming its like shorting,

[mellow_sparky]

the water pump is pretty well known on these forums - hopefully your replacement has the metal impeller. I haven't heard of the other issues you speak of. The front splitter is painted plastic, so it's not rusting. Maybe something splashed up from the road or something in the engine is leaking on it?

[bcampbell]

I know of another S4 here in Aberdeen that needed a new water pump on Wed of this week. Have they fixed this prob for the new ones leaving the factory?

[notjoefromnh]

You'll be fine, just give Audi a chance to fix it up for you. These cars are complicated and its rare to have a product line with zero issues. Just unlucky to have the pump break. My screen "dims" too.

If you keep having the same issues just write everything down and call AOA.

[Militant-Grunt]

First year cars are always the experimental ones =/.

[notjoefromnh]

First year cars are always the experimental ones =/.

Well these have been out in Europe for a year already

[orlandosk2]

So the problems that were fixed is .... waterpump and blow subwoofer. Keep in mind this car was about 55k and I never changed the settings of the radio from the factory and even if I did it should handle what they have on there

[Proogz]

The S4 was out in Europe in 09.... The ones here in NA def are not first year cars when you think about it. Some issues like water pump blowing up just make its way to other year models and such.. Its not a big issue, I'm sure if you really wanted to you could go to your local dealer and have them replace it in "worry" for it faulting anytime soon. They know its a issue, and they know some way or another they are going to have to replace it for you.

It sucks tho I will agree when it happens, tagged along with other issues. I am sorry to hear that man.. Glad they fixed everything!

[Twowheelsgood]

I contacted Audi of America to find out if they were aware of the water pump issues with the 2010 S4 (B8), and if I could expect that a metal impeller or at least an updated plastic impeller would be installed in the S4 that I ordered in January and was built sometime between then and now. The AoA rep was quite cheerful on the phone and gave the impression that they investigated my question. However, today she called back and said that the impeller issue I was referring to must be for the previous S4. I assured her that the have been numerous reports of problems with water pumps in the 2010 the B8 model, but given that she is just the drone on the phone there didn't seem any point in continuing the conversation.

Whether or not Audi acknowledge it, I do hope that some production adjustments were made because MY S4 ARRIVED at the dealer and I'm picking it up Thursday. I'm pretty excited about getting the car, but less so about accepting that this may be the end of my life with a totally reliable (Lexus) vehicle.

[Ynnekdude]

I contacted Audi of America to find out if they were aware of the water pump issues with the 2010 S4 (B8), and if I could expect that a metal impeller or at least an updated plastic impeller would be installed in the S4 that I ordered in January and was built sometime between then and now. The AoA rep was quite cheerful on the phone and gave the impression that they investigated my question. However, today she called back and said that the impeller issue I was referring to must be for the previous S4. I assured her that the have been numerous reports of problems with water pumps in the 2010 the B8 model, but given that she is just the drone on the phone there didn't seem any point in continuing the conversation.

Whether or not Audi acknowledge it, I do hope that some production adjustments were made because MY S4 ARRIVED at the dealer and I'm picking it up Thursday. I'm pretty excited about getting the car, but less so about accepting that this may be the end of my life with a totally reliable (Lexus) vehicle.

It was an issue in my A6 at around 4500 miles. I hope they recognize it. It seems that a majority of people living in colder climates have had problems with the water pump already. I've already had mine replaced under warranty for the reasons stated above.

[jscaf]

I contacted Audi of America to find out if they were aware of the water pump issues with the 2010 S4 (B8), and if I could expect that a metal impeller or at least an updated plastic impeller would be installed in the S4 that I ordered in January and was built sometime between then and now. The AoA rep was quite cheerful on the phone and gave the impression that they investigated my question. However, today she called back and said that the impeller issue I was referring to must be for the previous S4. I assured her that the have been numerous reports of problems with water pumps in the 2010 the B8 model, but given that she is just the drone on the phone there didn't seem any point in continuing the conversation.

Whether or not Audi acknowledge it, I do hope that some production adjustments were made because MY S4 ARRIVED at the dealer and I'm picking it up Thursday. I'm pretty excited about getting the car, but less so about accepting that this may be the end of my life with a totally reliable (Lexus) vehicle.

So I guess they have not corrected the problem as per my understanding of your blog??? I ordered an S4 2010 with S-tronic at the end of Feb and reading the Audizine forums on the car - I am now very worried...

[NWS4Guy]

So I guess they have not corrected the problem as per my understanding of your blog??? I ordered an S4 2010 with S-tronic at the end of Feb and reading the Audizine forums on the car - I am now very worried...

They are aware, all problems are tracked for trends. Public admission of an issue can be very bad, look at Toyota. Audi will likely fix it quietly, and the issues will go away. Out of the owners all over the world who post here, we have a few hundred, and less than 10 reports of this happening? Whatever the cause it doesn't seem to be widespread, and could be attributed to a bad batch from the producer, we just don't know.

Don't get yourself worked up about it.

[Twowheelsgood]

I agree with NWS4Guy that Audi is likely to make a fix without admitting there was a problem. I'm a lot more worked up about the prospect of scooting around in my new S4 than I am with its reliability (with a RAV4 and a GSXR750 for backup in case needed!).

[ChrisC]

I guess I'll add myslef to the casualty list. First sign was lack of heat, then message on dash, then steam-bath. 17,000km on odometer. Took delivery August 18th. Koodos to Audi
Road-Side Assistance and the local Dealer. Car was collected, transported and delivered to the Delaer within 45 minutes of my call (late Friday afternoon) and the car was ready for pick-up by 1:00 Saturday.

[NWS4Guy]

Ugh suck man, but glad you were well taken care of - and fast!

[drvolkl]

Dang... that's quite a few. How about a recall/tsb so I don't need to spend a day stranded/towed.

[L0U]

august delivery eh. So far all the failures have been the first run of S4's sent. None with october delivery onwards has had one yet. The trend results are being followed no doubt.

[drvolkl]

august delivery eh. So far all the failures have been the first run of S4's sent. None with october delivery onwards has had one yet. The trend results are being followed no doubt.

you thinking just a bad first batch of pumps, or any correlation to mileage on the cars? I haven't been following that closely, just reading that a few people are having this issue.

[Leo]

Hmmm, I've got an August delivery, only 12,000km, though. Let you know when mine goes.....

[xtrema]

Same to be a combination of factors. But being exposed to cold weather seems to be one of the common trends.

Looks like my S4 will never see a open air parking lot/structure during winter. Either my garage or underground parkades. :D

[kapikog]

A lot of VAG w/p impellers are polymer ('plastic'). They have been cracking for many years (1.9TDi, 1.8Ts, etc.). The solution has always been to replace it with an aftermarket steel impeller type. It's sad to see that thisproblem has not been rectified, assuming that it is a broken impeller that is causing these failures.

[riegeraudi]

Seriously what is wrong with the guys at audi and not repairing this problem. Can't understand why they don't just install the steel impeller from the factory. The water pump is not cheap to replace either at around $400cdn.

[jimmyrecluse]

Changed in 26 hours. Not bad. The whole process from roadside to service was easy.

[drvolkl]

My build date is 10/09.... I'm wondering if I'm in that "1st batch" that seems to be the trend. 3k miles and climbing.

[schmally]

unfortunately you see new part failure in every brand..

[jimmyrecluse]

DrVolk, thats about my date too.

[A4Ber]

Lol me too!

[agkellyboy]

Dad's just went as well this morning.

[drvolkl]

Dad's just went as well this morning.

build date on his car?

[CAA]

Is there a build range that's at risk of
failure? My build date is 12/09 - purchased
1/10.

Thanks

[agkellyboy]

Probably 7/09

[jimmyrecluse]

Does anyone know why they are going bad? The new pump and the old pump have the same part number.

I think Audi is using the same part.

[b_desom]

Still hoping I don't join the club - but do the dealers show you the failed part?? - and if so did the impeller actually explode. - If the impellers are actually exploding there is a high likely-hood that pieces are getting into the water passages and clogging them (unless there's a strainer on the pump outlet). If there are exploding impellers out there I'd hope AoA would be offering extended warranties (at least covering overheating) as there is no way (other than taking the motor apart) to verify that cooling passages haven't been partially or completely blocked - eventually causing damage

[kwan]

The impellers don't explode. It's more like a ball seat comes apart and allows coolant to flow out.

[adbender]

The impellers don't explode. It's more like a ball seat comes apart and allows coolant to flow out.

My water pump went down this week...coolant light came on and when i checked the coolant had dropped to bottom quarter of the reservoir.

just had it serviced not too long ago....have 12000km on it since August 2009.

it was explained to me as that the high pressure release valve becomes stuck causing it to bleed excessively.

they just happened to have the part in stock...which tells me this is not the first occurrence

[leondewet]

Same here! My Audi S4 B8 has the same problem. Water pumping through small hole on the top of the pump. My Audi has only 19800km on the clock! Don't know how long I have to wait to get a new pump yet...

[adbender]

i think im the first one, water pump started to shoot water out a small hole in the top of the pump seems to be a pressure release valve hole?

anyway back to dealer 7 days back order on the pump :(

By the way, mine just went last week.

i have about 12000km on the car since last august.

my coolant just dropped one day...coolant indicator went off...no issues around rising temps.

According to the dealer, there was a problem high pressure release valve...the dealer took care of it in a day as they had the part on hand

[Eggplant Wizard]

Noticed yesterday that I was about 1 cm below the min line in the coolant tank. Topped it up with distilled water, now we see what happens.

[NWS4Guy]

By the way, mine just went last week.

i have about 12000km on the car since last august.

my coolant just dropped one day...coolant indicator went off...no issues around rising temps.

According to the dealer, there was a problem high pressure release valve...the dealer took care of it in a day as they had the part on hand

That is actually good info...

Most have assumed it was a faulty design surrounding the use of plastic blades in the pump over metal. Some have been replaced with the same plastic, while some went metal. I think a mechanic talked about this, and blamed the plastic.

After more of these, most say it's a leak AROUND the pump and not anything internal. This high pressure valve would make sense from what we have seen and heard about how these fail and what happens. I believe this is the fautly part, not the pump itself.

[andyollie]

would you belief it mine failed today AGAIN!!! not happy.

[NWS4Guy]

would you belief it mine failed today AGAIN!!! not happy.

Oh wow, this is the first second pump I have heard. Raise hell with the dealership and demand the metal impeller one in case this is a factor. Let us know what you find out.

[jimmyrecluse]

Mine went at 4500 miles. The part number to the new one is the same. Not sure its the impellar.

[s4atx]

Anyone with a failure file a complaint w/ the NHTSA ?
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

[andyollie]

Oh wow, this is the first second pump I have heard. Raise hell with the dealership and demand the metal impeller one in case this is a factor. Let us know what you find out.

they say mine was one of the first to fail which it prob was, and there as no 2nd gen. pump released. should have her back tomorrow

[leondewet]

The dealer said they will have to replace the water pump. None in stock though (South Africa). Will have to wait at least a week to 10 days. If it fails again I'll sue them!!!!! Now I will always worry about the reliability of my S4, pitty. Will probably sell it soon....I wanted an excuse to buy a RS5...now I have one!

[leondewet]

they say mine was one of the first to fail which it prob was, and there as no 2nd gen. pump released. should have her back tomorrow

Are they going to fit her with a 2nd gen. pump this time?

[NWS4Guy]

Are they going to fit her with a 2nd gen. pump this time?

The damn sure better :)

[c52k]

Mine went at about 4,000 miles

[borutp]

It looks like every single one of our B8 S4 will sooner or later have water pump failure....mine went at 8500 km - 5300miles [:(]

[leondewet]

Should have bought that BMW!!!

[L0U]

LOL, that would have sent you into a whole load of other problems though. Some 335s don't even make it on the first drive home the whole way. I have been reading about their lemon law stories lately.

[HyperM3]

Should have bought that BMW!!!

Yeah, trust me, the grass is NOT greener on the other side.

[leondewet]

Waterpump fixed. They fitted the 2nd gen pump.

[xtrema]

2nd gen pump, it that what they call it or just something dealer invented?

[leondewet]

They showed me the old one. It has a plastic like housing. The new one was more a aluminium housing with a slightly different design. It it for sure not the same pump they removed. Only time will tell if it is a improvement.

[dgibbs]

Interesting... I wonder if this helps with the seal issue that some people were having. It sounded like sometimes it was the plastic impeller and other times it was the actual high pressure seal around it. This could be very good news!

[xtrema]

They showed me the old one. It has a plastic like housing. The new one was more a aluminium housing with a slightly different design. It it for sure not the same pump they removed. Only time will tell if it is a improvement.

I saw that you're from SA. And here I thought the problem only happen to people who has cold winters.

[xtrema]

They showed me the old one. It has a plastic like housing. The new one was more a aluminium housing with a slightly different design. It it for sure not the same pump they removed. Only time will tell if it is a improvement.

I saw that you're from SA. And here I thought the problem only happen to people who has cold winters.

[leondewet]

I saw that you're from SA. And here I thought the problem only happen to people who has cold winters.

Had my B8 S4 during the whole summer. Our winter is just beginning now. So technically it did fail in the winter time...only just.

[leondewet]

Interesting... I wonder if this helps with the seal issue that some people were having. It sounded like sometimes it was the plastic impeller and other times it was the actual high pressure seal around it. This could be very good news!

The impeller of the old pump was metal as well. My problem was with the high pressure seal. The high pressure outlet (small hole in waterpump) looks very different on the new pump. There is a sort of valve that replaced the hole it seems.

[bscardin]

With the summer travel season starting up I was starting to worry a bit about my water pump. It is hard to tell how prevalent this problem is so I figured I'd do what the internet does best and post a poll! I did a quick search for polls and didn't find one so forgive me if this is a dupe.

For those of you who have had one fail can you post your build date?

[Udon]

Failed at 14,500km .. just got the car back today after they replaced the water pump. I asked the service rep if it was a common problem with the s4's and he just replied that there have been several previous incidents with the water pump needing to be replaced. Don't remember the build date of my car, but I recieved the car at the beginning of Nov '09.

[sf_loft]

What happens when it fails? Is the car still drivable?

[dgibbs]

Well first it is one of two things, seems like either the high pressure valve on the pump or the plastic impeller blade inside goes kaput.

AFIAK, most people get a low coolant light, then your temp gauge starts going up. If you continue to drive it'll finally get to the point where the car tells you to STOP DRIVING because of low coolant.

Not sure how slow/fast the coolant leak is, but you probably don't want to be driving long with no/low coolant and high cooling temps.

[JimmyBones]

Well first it is one of two things, seems like either the high pressure valve on the pump or the plastic impeller blade inside goes kaput.

AFIAK, most people get a low coolant light, then your temp gauge starts going up. If you continue to drive it'll finally get to the point where the car tells you to STOP DRIVING because of low coolant.

Not sure how slow/fast the coolant leak is, but you probably don't want to be driving long with no/low coolant and high cooling temps.

From what i have seen the water pumps leak because of the plastic housing deforming. The new replacement part has a metal housing but the internals are still plastic so Audi sort of half fixed a crappy part.

The coolant leaking depends on a lot of things and I have had one with no leaks visible come in on a Friday and pour coolant out the following Sunday but most recently a Q5 that was just steady dripping when it came in for its 5k service so it is just by luck how bad the pump leaks.

[s-4man]

mine just went 8000km I'm fucking pissed off. how long can I drive the car with no coolant?

[B8 Phantom S4]

Keep in mind that there's another issue that could cause the coolant to leak. The radiator is exposed in the lower part of the bumper and any kind of road debris can hit it and puncture it causing a leak, which is what happened to me and I believe another car or two on the forums. My water pump never failed, but was replaced regardless when they were replacing the radiator.

[aherl83c6h]

i have to add myself to this black list... failed after 5.500 miles.. they're going to replace it (stock is in plastic) with the 3.0 TDI model (aluminium).
Damn it Audi, this is really not good for your rep.... saving a few bucks for an economic pump... (it's gonna cost a lot to Audi for my case, I've taken the free rent car for 5 days....)

[Nickyracer]

Mine failed at 15500 km in the Winter.
Was replaced within 24 hours.

[fili]

does anyone know when Audi replaced the pump, and how do i find out when (month) my car was manufactured?

[s4nicetry]

Wow I just read the poll stats and there are a lot of premature failures. That is terrible, Audi has used those garbage plastic impellered wp's for years and although they still had premature failures in them from time to time the B8 S4 seems to really dislike them.[:(]

[jimmyrecluse]

the thermostat. IT seems like common sense to replace the thermostat with the wp, but the dealer only does as AoA says. NOW they are telling the dealers to replace the thermostat along with the pump. Unless the dealer was just making excuses.

[NWS4Guy]

Decksurgeon did a high level DIY for replacing the water pump with the new metal housing one, and he also recomended the thermostat replace when doing this, since you have to pull the pump to replace it anyway, and the thermo is not a spendy item. Seems sage advice to me and that any mechanic would think to do this.

I liken it to changing the timing belt on an Honda and NOT changing out the water pump personally (Honda's water pumps run off the timing belt, and the belt/pump replacement schedule is like buying hotdogs and buns - Pump replace every 120K miles, belt every 80K miles)

[jimmyrecluse]

Exactly. Its common sense to change the thermostat but either the dealers do exactly as tehy are told, or just forgot to change it out with the pump.

[romanvn106]

10000 miles and there goes a water pump

[NWS4Guy]

10000 miles and there goes a water pump

Noooo....mine has 10,400, this is the second one around 10K to go here lately, what was your delivery date? The other to go around 10K got his late Dec, which is when I took mine. Hope I avoid it, but also sort of hope it happens to get the new one...

[jimmyrecluse]

A friend of mine pump was just replaced, hes got probably 3,000 miles.

[kyee]

Noooo....mine has 10,400, this is the second one around 10K to go here lately, what was your delivery date? The other to go around 10K got his late Dec, which is when I took mine. Hope I avoid it, but also sort of hope it happens to get the new one...

Yup, that was my car a couple of weeks ago. Our cars probably were in the same build batch. If your pump does go, just pray that you're in a good location to pull over, as it happens with no warning, and you immediately need to pull over and turn the engine off.

[NWS4Guy]

Thanks, I'll be sure to do that. Was there no steam, sound or anything? Just the DIS saying pull over?

[finesta101]

Im sure many of you know the coolant problems a lot of s4 owners are having. I remember reading a thread about someone speaking to a tech from audi and he mentioned that 2010 build dates have a diff. housing or something and we wont have any problems with the coolant issue.

Can anyone verify this, or maybe just mention if you had this problem or not and your build date.

My build date is 03.10 and nothing so far.

** Water Pump**

[LeadToRome]

Coolant problems, what's the story? Haven't heard about it.

[finesta101]

meant water pump...

[LeadToRome]

meant water pump...

oh...well, they changed the pump from one with a black plastic housing to one with a metal housing, which has supposedly fixed the problem. At least I haven't heard of any problems with the new pump so far. There's a few threads around with pics, you can see the pump if you know where to look, check out the recent thread for pics. I'm not sure exactly when they changed pumps but I think you're on the good side of the line, but as I said, do a little research and take a look and you'll know for sure.

[romanvn106]

im geting the new one now

[swish]

Thanks, I'll be sure to do that. Was there no steam, sound or anything? Just the DIS saying pull over?

My pump went a week ago 7200 miiles . No warning , warning in display is triggered teliing you to pull over immediately. Car was towed to dealer on a flat bed.

Dealer had a pump in stock however they determined the thermostat also failed , had to be ordered , out of car for a week.

[kyee]

No warning whatsoever. No rising temps, no steam, no sound, no nothing.

I had a BMW 335i sedan before this car, and had the HPFP (fuel pump) go out on me twice. If Audi fixes this water pump on the first round, I'll be fine with it. 1st year/gen cars are bound to have some issues, as long as they fix it, that's all you can ask for. Other than this failure, I have no other complaints/issues with the car. No regrets, still loving the ride.

[iceboss23]

Mine just went yesterday on the Autobahn at 16300 miles. Dealer is replacing it under waranty but it is going to take til monday. At least Audi is paying for a loaner for 3 days.

[romanvn106]

yep nothing but the screen saying to shut down the car

[compguy]

Less than 10K km, first sign was that I started to lose power steering, car felt jerky too, must have been the charger belt slipping. Then the acrid smell of burning coolant. I knew right away what the problem was and pulled over. Not a single warning light came on, which was kind of strange because I could barely turn the steering wheel. You'd think it would throw some kind of light but nothing. I guess the car was just longing for it's bi-monthly visit to the dealership. All these problems are really starting to piss me off. I just scrapped a 98 Chev Venture last week that never leaked a drop of coolant. And in 12 years, I never changed it neither.

Come on Audi, broken water pump, jerky DSG, vibrating front end, sunroof deflector that doesn't work, big vibration when turning lock to lock at parking lot speeds, sport diff malfunction error, parking brake malfunction error, jeez...I wonder what else to expect after 10K km. I hope atleast all the bolts are tight and nothing falls off.

[Legacykid]

when was your car built?

Sry to hear about this, hope all is well

[Zed 2.0]

What is your coolant level? I don't know why your power steering would go with an overheated engine (and no temp alarm).

[Chestlock]

Harsh.

Not being able to turn the steering wheel sounds more like something of power steering pump/belt failure. Not throwing a light could indicate something even more ominous with the electrical system, which could have also affected the PS.

I'm assuming you're CDN with the km reference? http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/consumers/auto-arbitration.html

Best of luck, keep us posted.

[compguy]

I forgot to mention there was coolant all over the engine, belts and pretty much the whole front of the engine bay. The belts were intact. Maybe I'll post a picture or two when I have some time.

The coolant level had dropped to just above the lower line on the overflow tank.

[foodplz]

I'm really starting to get irritated. This obviously is a defect and audi has a solution. Why don't they just proactively begin replacing these for the builds that have the defective pump. Everyday I drive, I'm wondering if i'm gonna have to call a flatbed and throw a wrench in my day.

[L0U]

my coolant runs less than the low level cold, and 1/3 full when hot since new. A coolant leak should have emptied that little resivor I think. Won't be long for the shop to sort it out if its blown the gasket out of the plastic pump.

[S4Tokyo]

my coolant runs less than the low level cold, and 1/3 full when hot since new. A coolant leak should have emptied that little resivor I think. Won't be long for the shop to sort it out if its blown the gasket out of the plastic pump.

LOU, by no means an authority on subject - did suffer a bust pump / leak - but just glancing through User Manual a few days back I noted on subject of Coolant a specific note that 'coolant should always be at full .....it does not leak (not designed to) ...and so if there is a low level indication then there must be leak of some type ....see your Dealer' [loosely transscribed, don't have text here].

maybe worth checking before Mount Vesuvius blows :-(

[Leo]

My coolant has always been at the "full" level since new (1 year now) - both when cold and hot. It will vary by about 0.5 cm (at most) from time to time, but always around the "full" mark.

[Leo]

LOL......I was scheduled for an inspection this morning at my dealer, and on my way there, my water pump said bye-bye. Awful putrid smell, followed by white smoke coming out of the hood area, and finally a low coolant warning with a recommendation to turn off the car.

I was at most 1km from the dealership and continued driving there (coolant temperature did not budge). It seems that my car loves me as it decided not to let go at a critical moment. Luckily for me also, dealer had a new one (all metal) in stock. It was replaced and am now driving the car again.[:)]


FYI car is one year old (18000Km).

[compguy]

Nice. Another one bites it. My dealer has to wait at least a week to get one. So I guess the moral of the story here is that if you have a black waterpump (plastic one) then you just never know when it'll ruin your day (or week for some people). The two questions I still struggle with is...

1) How could this pump have ever passed any sort of extended testing based on it's extremely high failure rate?

2) Why doesn't Audi just do a recall? They must know the pumps are going to fail and have to change them all anyways and why not do it on the good (i.e. at the customer's leisure) and not have the car fail and the most inopportune time and also risk severe engine damage for the average who might just drive it until the engine overheats and stops on its own. Let me tell you I'd certainly have a much more positive perspective if they did that.

This S4 is my first Audi and likely my last. I was looking at a Q7 for the wife but after so many problems in so short a timeframe, there is no motivation anymore. Her current GMC Yukon has had $500 in warranty work done in 6 years of ownership and more importantly, it has never left her and my kids stranded on the side of the road.

[wwhan]

My 2011 S4 seems to have a silver (metal?) pump. Have any of the 2011 S4 pumps died?

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/559/Pump_cr.jpg

[tera baap]

i feel your pain i litterally dropped my s4 off at biener in long island ny. its a brand new car why is it having all these issues?! and even the dealer service kid fucking drove my car into an old a6. thank god i had the took hook on lol. very minor shit but still im dishearted in my brand new car..
'

[compguy]

Car's fixed. Waterpump replaced as well as serpentine belts. Still smells like burning coolant though. [:(] Gotta keep an eye on it to make sure nothing's still leaking.

[kyee]

I could smell the burnt coolant for a few days after the fix. it eventually goes away.

[NWS4Guy]

My 2011 S4 seems to have a silver (metal?) pump. Have any of the 2011 S4 pumps died?



Nope, all new ones have the metal pump.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/377783-DIY-S4-Waterpump-and-Thermostat-Install-Supercharger-Removed-(Pics)?highlight=water+pump

[Dr GP]

My coolant level has been slowly going down. Service dept contacted. I'm nursing it for another 800 miles until my 5k service. Apparently there are no other symptoms before it fails.

[riegeraudi]

Harsh.

Not being able to turn the steering wheel sounds more like something of power steering pump/belt failure. Not throwing a light could indicate something even more ominous with the electrical system, which could have also affected the PS.

I'm assuming you're CDN with the km reference? http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/consumers/auto-arbitration.html

Best of luck, keep us posted.

Better off getting a lawyer than CAMVAP. Tried it with one of my previous cars and it was a joke.

[Seinsmeld13]

I was about to leave on holiday when I had a failure. Steering was all messed up and smoke coming out from under the hood. Waited 60 minutes for the tow then received a call back that I would have to wait an additional 4 hours. I have now made my own arrangents for a tow and I am now waiting for that truck. Not impressed to say the least. I suspect a water pump failure. Anyway I will keep you guys posted. Holiday on hold for now.

Update, car towed in, dealer had a courtesy car waiting an A4, not bad. Anyway they will look at it Monday and they will go from there. Funny thing is I scheduled my second service for September 9th and I discussed the water pump issue. The Audi service rep was certainly aware of the problem but said nothing could be done until it failed. It failed less than 48 hours later! While it is in they will align the trunk lid and inspect the binding that have reported for the steering at low speeds. I'll keep you guys posted and report if in fact it was the water pump failed or not.

[L0U]

moving closer to a possible recall on a few thousand 2010 S4s perhaps.

[MMMB00ST_A4]

We understand you are upset, but there is no need to call us gay..

[awdjunkies]

We understand you are upset, but there is no need to call us gay..

LOL. I had to go back and read it a second time. seriously though on a new car? this seriously Sux. Thank God warranty is there when you need it.

[sf_loft]

What is your car's build date? That really sucks and I thought you'd only over heat, but not lose power steering. This is a huge safety issue.

[NWS4Guy]

I'm sure Audi went to great pains to make your pump on your car fail exactly on this date just to ruin your holiday. How horrible of them.

[Brooklyn]

They don't rent cars in Canada?

[Seinsmeld13]

We understand you are upset, but there is no need to call us gay..
Sorry about that I meant guys not gays, not that there is anything wrong with that.

[Seinsmeld13]

They don't rent cars in Canada?

Stupid question. Ya and we have summer as well.

.

[Seinsmeld13]

What is your car's build date? That really sucks and I thought you'd only over heat, but not lose power steering. This is a huge safety issue.

Not sure of build date as I am at home without the car but I believe July 2009. Delivery September 2009.

[marty was here]

I was about to leave on holiday when I had a failure. Steering was all messed up and smoke coming out from under the hood. Waited 60 minutes for the tow then received a call back that I would have to wait an additional 4 hours. I have now made my own arrangents for a tow and I am now waiting for that truck. Not impressed to say the least. I suspect a water pump failure. Anyway I will keep you guys posted. Holiday on hold for now.

Update, car towed in, dealer had a courtesy car waiting an A4, not bad. Anyway they will look at it Monday and they will go from there. Funny thing is I scheduled my second service for September 9th and I discussed the water pump issue. The Audi service rep was certainly aware of the problem but said nothing could be done until it failed. It failed less than 48 hours later! While it is in they will align the trunk lid and inspect the binding that have reported for the steering at low speeds. I'll keep you guys posted and report if in fact it was the water pump failed or not.

look it sucks that you had a "failure", but they had a loaner waiting for you. you are delayed in your "ruined" holiday by what, 3 hrs?

idk if you know this, cars can break down.

[zerinA4]

What?! Heresy!!!




idk if you know this, cars can break down.

[marty was here]

What?! Heresy!!!

whats hilarious is that you had a b5 s4, you wanna school bout reliability?

[Seinsmeld13]

look it sucks that you had a "failure", but they had a loaner waiting for you. you are delayed in your "ruined" holiday by what, 3 hrs?

idk if you know this, cars can break down.
I am not going anywhere until at least Tuesday when I hopefully get my car back. So a little longer than 3 hours try 72. I was driving to New York won't be doing that in their courtesy car.

[zerinA4]

I don't think reliability was in any B5 S4 owner's vocabulary, certainly not mine. :) Like you said though, cars break down and that's what the warranty is for. Sounds like the OP was put in the best situation possible with an A4 loaner and what not...car will be fixed and that will be that. I think some folks expect cars to be perfect and never break down...just simply not going to happen no matter what the brand or model.


whats hilarious is that you had a b5 s4, you wanna school bout reliability?

[zerinA4]

That's your decision though. Better that it happened before and not during, right?


I am not going anywhere until at least Tuesday when I hopefully get my car back. So a little longer than 3 hours try 72. I was driving to New York won't be doing that in their courtesy car.

[compguy]

Join the club.

I think I know your car Seinsmeld and mine was built at about the same time. Mine failed a week ago. Same symptoms. Loss of power steering, strange engine performance and smoke and smell from under the hood. How this is not a recall is a total mystery. But like I said in my other thread, it's bullshit to have to be driving a car you know is going to fail (ones with the black pump).

I was taken care of in 45 minutes. But I got the crappiest rental. They should be using Audis as loaners and not bloody Civics and Camrys that have 50K on them.

[Seinsmeld13]

That's your decision though. Better that it happened before and not during, right?

It failed during my holiday, I got 5 minutes from my house when she started smoking. This is a known issue with 2010 S4's having water pump failures. This incident could have been avoided with a recall. I hope this doesn't happen to you or anybody else on this forum. My point is do the recall. I am not impressed nor is my family.

[Rhytid]

I don't think reliability was in any B5 S4 owner's vocabulary, certainly not mine. :) Like you said though, cars break down and that's what the warranty is for. Sounds like the OP was put in the best situation possible with an A4 loaner and what not...car will be fixed and that will be that. I think some folks expect cars to be perfect and never break down...just simply not going to happen no matter what the brand or model.

I guess I was one of the lucky ones. I did not have any serious mechanical issues with the B5 S4 in the 9 years I owned it. Just got my B8 S4 2 days ago but I miss my B5 S4. Something about that car that made me smile every time I got in it.

[marty was here]

It failed during my holiday, I got 5 minutes from my house when she started smoking. This is a known issue with 2010 S4's having water pump failures. This incident could have been avoided with a recall. I hope this doesn't happen to you or anybody else on this forum. My point is do the recall. I am not impressed nor is my family.

how many times have you used the phrase "for the amount i paid for this car"

ps have you asked the dealership if you can infact take their car to NYC? i think you might be surprised by the answer.


Join the club.

I think I know your car Seinsmeld and mine was built at about the same time. Mine failed a week ago. Same symptoms. Loss of power steering, strange engine performance and smoke and smell from under the hood. How this is not a recall is a total mystery. But like I said in my other thread, it's bullshit to have to be driving a car you know is going to fail (ones with the black pump).

I was taken care of in 45 minutes. But I got the crappiest rental. They should be using Audis as loaners and not bloody Civics and Camrys that have 50K on them.

something failed on your car, and you were taken care of in 45 minutes? im sorry, this is horrible?

as for the "crappiest rental"? i dont think thats fair. the "crappiest rental" is the one you have to pay for.


I don't think reliability was in any B5 S4 owner's vocabulary, certainly not mine. :) Like you said though, cars break down and that's what the warranty is for. Sounds like the OP was put in the best situation possible with an A4 loaner and what not...car will be fixed and that will be that. I think some folks expect cars to be perfect and never break down...just simply not going to happen no matter what the brand or model.

thats my point, i dont think we ever complained this much. and i dont remember getting b5 loaners lol

[DeanMTL]

Seinfeld, stop bitching and whining goddammit. You're lucky you're not living in some banana republic with a dictator restricting your freedoms. Enjoy the A4, which millions will only DREAM about driving, and relax.

[zerinA4]

I got Toyota Corolla loaner cars when my B5 was in the shop. And I don't remember ever complaining about it...it was a car that got me where I needed to go while mine was being repaired. Better than not getting one at all. Sense of entitlement is a bitch, ain't it?



thats my point, i dont think we ever complained this much. and i dont remember getting b5 loaners lol

[marty was here]

I got Toyota Corolla loaner cars when my B5 was in the shop. And I don't remember ever complaining about it...it was a car that got me where I needed to go while mine was being repaired. Better than not getting one at all. Sense of entitlement is a bitch, ain't it?

my current female, a 335i conv owner, went off on a service writer for giving her a 128i as a loaner. shes what i call a "pre-nup required" lady.

[Seinsmeld13]

And to think I am a Habs fan! Fuck you!

[Seinsmeld13]

Seinfeld, stop bitching and whining goddammit. You're lucky you're not living in some banana republic with a dictator restricting your freedoms. Enjoy the A4, which millions will only DREAM about driving, and relax.

fu hoser! To think I am a Habs fan.

[marty was here]

And to think I am a Habs fan! Fuck you!

can you translate this from Canadian English to American English. not the fuck you part, i got that, before that.

[zerinA4]

I just googled HABS and its slang for people of Montreal ... either that or Historic American Buildings Survey


can you translate this from Canadian English to American English. not the fuck you part, i got that, before that.

[Seinsmeld13]

I got Toyota Corolla loaner cars when my B5 was in the shop. And I don't remember ever complaining about it...it was a car that got me where I needed to go while mine was being repaired. Better than not getting one at all. Sense of entitlement is a bitch, ain't it?

Your missing the point, I am not complaining about the rental in fact I intend to treat her like a one night stand. Audi is aware these water pumps will fail they should replace them before they do. When they fail there is a complete loss or partial of power steering of which I am sure several people especially the finer sex may panic and result in an accident. I am an paid accident investigator and believe me this will be reported to the proper Canadian agency for review. I am only trying to help my fellow Audi enthusiast. I have several cars that is not the issue. My S4 is my largest car. Anyway.

[Seinsmeld13]

I just googled HABS and its slang for people of Montreal ... either that or Historic American Buildings Survey

Montreal Canadiens fans are referred to as Hab fans.

[marty was here]

Your missing the point, I am not complaining about the rental in fact I intend to treat her like a one night stand. Audi is aware these water pumps will fail they should replace them before they do. When they fail there is a complete loss or partial of power steering of which I am sure several people especially the finer sex may panic and result in an accident. I am an paid accident investigator and believe me this will be reported to the proper Canadian agency for review. I am only trying to help my fellow Audi enthusiast. I have several cars that is not the issue. My S4 is my largest car. Anyway.

idk how you expected this thread to go for you.

who didnt know the water pump in a b8 s4 goes, raise your hand please.

[nick71692]

Thats unfortunate

[Seinsmeld13]

Habitant ie: a french settler

[ibiski]

Can anyone confirm that the water pump was redesigned for the 2011 models or is this still an issue?

[CBRmatt600]

I got Toyota Corolla loaner cars when my B5 was in the shop. And I don't remember ever complaining about it...it was a car that got me where I needed to go while mine was being repaired. Better than not getting one at all. Sense of entitlement is a bitch, ain't it?

When I used to have a Range Rover that was in the shop constantly, they would give me a mid-90's Volvo 740 Wagon with 197,000 miles on it to use are a loaner while mine was being fixed. At no point was I upset or disappointed, I thought it was hilarious and made me enjoy my own car more.

[marty was here]

When I used to have a Range Rover that was in the shop constantly, they would give me a mid-90's Volvo 740 Wagon with 197,000 miles on it to use are a loaner while mine was being fixed. At no point was I upset or disappointed, I thought it was hilarious and made me enjoy my own car more.

i cant believe that they would give you a heavily used vehicle like a mid90s 740 wagon, just because of the insurance/reliabilities/liabilities concerns.

[UmIsThisThingOn]

Can anyone confirm that the water pump was redesigned for the 2011 models or is this still an issue?
I read somewhere on here it was redesigned mid-2010 production, so the 2011's have the new design.

[foodplz]

I dunno. I'm kinda with the op on this one.

Almost every b8 owner knows about this waterpump problem. Audi knows about the problem. This isn't a rattling dash, flickering headlight, or rear view camera problem. This is the kind of problem that leaves a person stranded on the side of the road and completely throws your day for a loop (in this case a vacation).

Since there is a ready solution for this and it can be clearly avoidable, Audi should fix it... especially in the case where an owner is aware and brings it up with them.

Audi is going to face a shitstorm if somebody gets into an accident because of a waterpump failure they fully knew about.

[Seinsmeld13]

I dunno. I'm kinda with the op on this one.

Almost every b8 owner knows about this waterpump problem. Audi knows about the problem. This isn't a rattling dash, flickering headlight, or rear view camera problem. This is the kind of problem that leaves a person stranded on the side of the road and completely throws your day for a loop (in this case a vacation).

Since there is a ready solution for this and it can be clearly avoidable, Audi should fix it... especially in the case where an owner is aware and brings it up with them.

Audi is going to face a shitstorm if somebody gets into an accident because of a waterpump failure they fully knew about.

Thank you Foodpiz

[sworksone]

I agree. I can't believe that I'm driving a $60k ticking time bomb because of a design problem that Audi knows about and won't fix.

It's time for a full recall or at least a tsb.

[2010S4]

how can we tell which pump we have on our S4 (defective or new design). I don't know my build date, but I picked it up off the lot at the end of May 2010.

[riegeraudi]

For those who say that we should not be suprised at the waterpump going and should not be upset are morons. Of course we aren't suprised when it goes but why shouldn't we be upset? Seinsmeld has every right to be pissed. The problem has a fix but Audi is taking their friggin time when they should be fixing it since it is a ticking time bomb. It's not like these cars or waterpumps are even going to make the warranty expiration. They aren't even coming close so Audi is going to have to fix it on their dime every single one of them so why wait? If the cars have been out 3 years or so and the possibility that of the cars are going to finish the warranty period I can understand Audi's delay to save money. But this is not going to happen. WAKE UP AUDI and FIX THE PROBLEM.

[riegeraudi]

Everyone that has had this problem should report it to NHTSA and tell them you had an engine shutdown that could have endangered your life. That is what is going to get Audi to fix it.

[Thunderbird]

Was this thread reposted? I swear this exact thread existed like a few months ago, or maybe I'm crazy.

[marty was here]

Everyone that has had this problem should report it to NHTSA and tell them you had an engine shutdown that could have endangered your life. That is what is going to get Audi to fix it.

what is? hysteria?

there should be a tsb, but dont get out of hand.

[madmadS4]

Narrator: A new car built by my company leaves somewhere traveling at 60 mph. The rear differential locks up. The car crashes and burns with everyone trapped inside. Now, should we initiate a recall? Take the number of vehicles in the field, A, multiply by the probable rate of failure, B, multiply by the average out-of-court settlement, C. A times B times C equals X. If X is less than the cost of a recall, we don't do one.
Woman on plane: Are there a lot of these kinds of accidents?
Narrator: You wouldn't believe.
Woman on plane: Which car company do you work for?
Narrator: A major one.

[L0U]

I'm ok with the waterpump timebomb, but I want Audi to buy me a mobile phone with time on the meter to keep in the car...for when I get stranded. Like is there anyone else in the world that doesn't have a phone to carry around yet? Perhaps I am the last one.

[wwhan]

Pictures and links from this thread;

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/382525-Another-waterpump-bites-it...

I saw one very late 2010, that had the new silver metal pump.

To enter an USA safety complaint reort;

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm

[S4Tokyo]

how can we tell which pump we have on our S4 (defective or new design). I don't know my build date, but I picked it up off the lot at the end of May 2010.

Someone out there has tear down photo's of pump (youi'll see old and new, don't have link off hand so you'll have to search if interested enough), BUT having gone through this experience and read dozens of threads here on this forum and others, I can comment with pretty reasonable confidence that you get a heads up warning if you monitor your coolant level 'regularly'. The User Manual comments that 'coolant level is NOT supposed to reduce, ...if it does there is a leak of some sort...' - loose transcription.

If there's not enough coolant then it's not doing it's job in an engine widely known / quoted to generate lots of heat. I'm not an engine mechanic but if there's not enough coolant and engine is on fire then something is laws of thermodynamics have to take over. Pressures in system will rise and then (to borow phrase used above) you get a shitstorm - only in this case it's coolant all over the engine bay ....and you're ride is toast.

In summary, as one owners advice, I'd say watch the coolant level, especuially if you're travelling any distance from home. If Audi won't doing anything - at this time - until something happens, then maybe best to keep some coolant top up in the trunk until getting to 1st scheduled Service??

[LeadToRome]

We don't want any Habs fans down here anyways.

[Brooklyn]

No one is knocking the dude's right to be pissed off. But vacation ruined? Take the loaner and continue on. Rent a car and continue on. In any event, I digress. I'm going to drive my Audi to dinner and hope it doesn't break down and ruin my dinner. Thanks Audi.

[BLACKS4-10]

that sux-hope they fix it right for you.Good thing this didn't result in an accident.

[Seinsmeld13]

Was this thread reposted? I swear this exact thread existed like a few months ago, or maybe I'm crazy.

Not a repeat this happened to me earlier today.

[Seinsmeld13]

Someone out there has tear down photo's of pump (youi'll see old and new, don't have link off hand so you'll have to search if interested enough), BUT having gone through this experience and read dozens of threads here on this forum and others, I can comment with pretty reasonable confidence that you get a heads up warning if you monitor your coolant level 'regularly'. The User Manual comments that 'coolant level is NOT supposed to reduce, ...if it does there is a leak of some sort...' - loose transcription.

If there's not enough coolant then it's not doing it's job in an engine widely known / quoted to generate lots of heat. I'm not an engine mechanic but if there's not enough coolant and engine is on fire then something is laws of thermodynamics have to take over. Pressures in system will rise and then (to borow phrase used above) you get a shitstorm - only in this case it's coolant all over the engine bay ....and you're ride is toast.

In summary, as one owners advice, I'd say watch the coolant level, especuially if you're travelling any distance from home. If Audi won't doing anything - at this time - until something happens, then maybe best to keep some coolant top up in the trunk until getting to 1st scheduled Service??
I don't think having coolant on hand would have helped me as it pissed out all over a restaurant that I stopped at. This is when the steering f%$ked up. as I was parking.

[riegeraudi]

what is? hysteria?

there should be a tsb, but dont get out of hand.

Ahh a tsb? You do know that a tsb does shit all. TSB just means that it will be fixed when it starts to fail. The waterpump does not gradually go so a TSB is useless. A recall is what is needed because it can cause an accident. I imagine losing all power on the freeway. Not to mention it can do a lot of damage if the wife drives it and keeps going.
Audi won't reimburse any dealer if the waterpump has no problems even if there is a TSB. The part in question has to be exhibiting problems and have a TSB before it is changed out. The only fix is a recall. A recall only will be issued if NHTSA feel that there is a potential safety concern.

[LeadToRome]

You'd think Audi would just deal with this - hell, they already have a fix. Is it really hard to get the pump out or something?

[Alkivar]

i believe you have to pull front bumper to get the room to work...

[S4Tokyo]

I was inferring - to future / concerned owners not yet in you situation - that PRIOR to 'the event' let's say, make sure your coolant level is always full / at max ....doing so w/top up if necessary until you get to 1st Service. Obviously w/coolant low and the Pump plastic vane and or packing already having been busted, then top up is not even a consideration[;)]

That said, knowing it doesn't fix anything, but did you not get warning / alarm displayed in the Cluster before this urinary incontinence problem? Jest aside, am curious that if not then why it does alert for some and not for others? I didn't have the power steering go when it happened, maybe something to do w/severity of pump failure being less and servo for steering not getting signal to shut down?? .... I have no idea of the connection between two systems.

[compguy]

45 minute for Audi to send a truck. 30 minutes to drive to the dealership. 15 minutes to check in the car. 40 minutes at the rental place. You do the math (can you?). It was fricken pain in the ass. Especially because I was supposed to be somewhere and missed the event. Other automakers will simply hand you the keys to one of their demos or another fairly new car. (BMW, GM, etc). I have no idea why Audi sends me to a local rental place. It just wastes time and the cars are crap.

And a crappy rental is one where you are scared to sit in because you might catch something. A dirty shithole. I've driven all kinds of rentals without a problem. I don't expect much except for something that is clean.


how many times have you used the phrase "for the amount i paid for this car"

ps have you asked the dealership if you can infact take their car to NYC? i think you might be surprised by the answer.



something failed on your car, and you were taken care of in 45 minutes? im sorry, this is horrible?

as for the "crappiest rental"? i dont think thats fair. the "crappiest rental" is the one you have to pay for.



thats my point, i dont think we ever complained this much. and i dont remember getting b5 loaners lol

[marty was here]

Ahh a tsb? You do know that a tsb does shit all. TSB just means that it will be fixed when it starts to fail. The waterpump does not gradually go so a TSB is useless. A recall is what is needed because it can cause an accident. I imagine losing all power on the freeway. Not to mention it can do a lot of damage if the wife drives it and keeps going.
Audi won't reimburse any dealer if the waterpump has no problems even if there is a TSB. The part in question has to be exhibiting problems and have a TSB before it is changed out. The only fix is a recall. A recall only will be issued if NHTSA feel that there is a potential safety concern.

i loe it when a canadian relies on a us agency for action. yeah, go call NHTSA, see how they respond to your "potential safety concern". and ps, this car reacts similarly when people run out of gas.

like i said good luck explaining your hysteria to nhtsa

[compguy]

This is definitely not a situation that is safe. Audi knows about the problem and also knows what the outcome could be. Loss of power steering is one of them. A more sinister one is driving over coolant while under power or cornering. I knew someone who wiped out a Viper because he drove over the coolant it was spilling. I was lucky and tooling around at low speed when I lost all power assist. Another possible outcome is having the car barf it's coolant all over the road and then a lucky motorcyclist finds out the hard way it's not a puddle of water. The possibilities for a disaster are numerous. They should replace all known vehicles with this pump, end of story.

[Chestlock]

i loe it when a canadian relies on a us agency for action. yeah, go call NHTSA, see how they respond to your "potential safety concern". and ps, this car reacts similarly when people run out of gas.

like i said good luck explaining your hysteria to nhtsa


Huh?

NHTSA is US.
TC is Canadian

[LeadToRome]

Huh?

NHTSA is US.
TC is Canadian

He knows that. Try to keep up.

[Chestlock]

What I'm saying is: any CDN with the desire to complain to the gov't and try to get them to issue a recall would fare better contacting TC. But good luck - the last recall they issued for an S4 was in 2003, for the MY1997

[Seinsmeld13]

45 minute for Audi to send a truck. 30 minutes to drive to the dealership. 15 minutes to check in the car. 40 minutes at the rental place. You do the math (can you?). It was fricken pain in the ass. Especially because I was supposed to be somewhere and missed the event. Other automakers will simply hand you the keys to one of their demos or another fairly new car. (BMW, GM, etc). I have no idea why Audi sends me to a local rental place. It just wastes time and the cars are crap.

And a crappy rental is one where you are scared to sit in because you might catch something. A dirty shithole. I've driven all kinds of rentals without a problem. I don't expect much except for something that is clean.

I waited several hours for the tow, then a 45 minutes drive to the dealer. I had to pay for the tow. I will get reimbursed so they say. I was about to leave on a ten day holiday. That has been postponed until my car is fixed. My other cars are too small for the trip. I was looking forward to the drive with S4 driving through the mountains. Ya I could have rented a car, but why should I when I have a beautiful car resting on the hoist.Thank God this didn't happen on a New York highway. At least I know the dealer and the tow truck driver. I have to return their loaner when my car is fixed. KInda hard as Tuesday I would have been 1,200 km away. Am I pissed, a bit, but I will get over it as will my wife and kids.

[Seinsmeld13]

i loe it when a canadian relies on a us agency for action. yeah, go call NHTSA, see how they respond to your "potential safety concern". and ps, this car reacts similarly when people run out of gas.

like i said good luck explaining your hysteria to nhtsa

This Canadian won't be calling NHTSA, at least we are aware they exist and what they are capable of doing. Without NHTSA and other similar agencies we may still be driving potential hazards like the Pinto.

[riegeraudi]

i loe it when a canadian relies on a us agency for action. yeah, go call NHTSA, see how they respond to your "potential safety concern". and ps, this car reacts similarly when people run out of gas.

like i said good luck explaining your hysteria to nhtsa

Running out of gas is controllable unless you are a dumb moron. The waterpump is not and fails without notice. If you think the waterpump failure is not a concern great but if you get friggin hit when your waterpump fails I will be the first to laugh in your face. The problem with you is that you think everyone elses problem is hysteria or that they are complainers while yours is the most important. Grow up, not everything is about you and you should have some compassion for others and stop being an a hole. Not every thread needs your snide remarks.

[marty was here]

Running out of gas is controllable unless you are a dumb moron. The waterpump is not and fails without notice. If you think the waterpump failure is not a concern great but if you get friggin hit when your waterpump fails I will be the first to laugh in your face. The problem with you is that you think everyone elses problem is hysteria or that they are complainers while yours is the most important. Grow up, not everything is about you and you should have some compassion for others and stop being an a hole. Not every thread needs your snide remarks.

lol what? 1. a canadian wants to bitch to an american safety agency; 2. the symptoms are similar to a car running out of gas, are you gonna get this hysterical, when you run out of gas? cause ill be the first to not laugh in your face and offer assistance.


This Canadian won't be calling NHTSA, at least we are aware they exist and what they are capable of doing. Without NHTSA and other similar agencies we may still be driving potential hazards like the Pinto.

i doubt that.

[DeanMTL]

fu hoser! To think I am a Habs fan.

It took you two jumbled posts to get that little nugget out? I'm not a Habs fan, Seinfeld, and I didn't tell you to fuck yourself, only to relax.

Now that you've shown you're a little fucking child, I'd take this opportunity to tell you fuck you too, and I'm glad your vacation was ruined and I hope your family sees what a high-strung idiot you actually are. Karma's a bitch, eh Seinfeld? LOL

Oh, and I loved the part in this story where your family is marooned on the side of the road and your first instinct is to get on this forum and start posting your grievances. If that doesn't say OCD then I don't know what does.

[thebishman]

Cars break down. When it happens and it's an isolated incident, we all have to just accept it for what it is and go on with our lives, even if we're about to go on vacation; on the way to work, etc.

But that being said, I can't believe some of the attitudes here! Talk about being the ultimate Audi 'fanboys'. Listen up: it seems as if a large number(all?) of the 2010 S4s with the plastic water pump impellers have/will fail. Audi knows that these water pumps will almost certainly fail, leaving valued owners stranded, inconvenienced and perhaps placed in danger. Audi needs to issue a recall on these pumps NOW!! To not do so is irresponsible and not appropriate behaviour for a company of Audi's stature. Those of you somehow trying to make this the OP's issue are completely missing the point; this is a known Audi problem that needs to be dealt with. My car has about 6K miles on it and I'm expecting it to lose the water pump any day. In fact, I'm so unsure about the longevity of the pump that I would not drive the car any great distance away from home; I certainly wouldn't take an extended vacation with it. I'm fortunate in having other vehicles to choose from when undertaking longer journeys; for those of you with just one car, the S4, I can understand any anxiety you may have re: this issue.

Bish

[marty was here]

Cars break down. When it happens and it's an isolated incident, we all have to just accept it for what it is and go on with our lives, even if we're about to go on vacation; on the way to work, etc.

But that being said, I can't believe some of the attitudes here! Talk about being the ultimate Audi 'fanboys'. Listen up: it seems as if a large number(all?) of the 2010 S4s with the plastic water pump impellers have/will fail. Audi knows that these water pumps will almost certainly fail, leaving valued owners stranded, inconvenienced and perhaps placed in danger. Audi needs to issue a recall on these pumps NOW!! To not do so is irresponsible and not appropriate behaviour for a company of Audi's stature. Those of you somehow trying to make this the OP's issue are completely missing the point; this is a known Audi problem that needs to be dealt with. My car has about 6K miles on it and I'm expecting it to lose the water pump any day. In fact, I'm so unsure about the longevity of the pump that I would not drive the car any great distance away from home; I certainly wouldn't take an extended vacation with it. I'm fortunate in having other vehicles to choose from when undertaking longer journeys; for those of you with just one car, the S4, I can understand any anxiety you may have re: this issue.

Bish

really? all? what number force you to throw hysteria.

335i motors lose fuel pumps. 2.0t loses cam followers, dv, or pcv. all cars have their faults, and at least there is a definitive fix for the b8 vs the timeline the other examples faced.

[kyee]

Recall? That isn't going to happen anytime soon. The BMW 335 has been out for 3-4 years now, and their HPFP is a known problem. I had it go out twice on my 335i sedan. No recall issued on it. They just fix it when it blows, and that's it. Sucks, but that how it goes.

[leviathan18]

Dont recall the car but fix it when people take the car to the dealer so you minimize downtime of the owner...

[S4-Tommy]

In Austria there is already a recall for all S4 built in a specific period of time.
Mine was already in for changing the water pump. Instead of a waterpump made of plastic I got a new one out of alu.

[Seinsmeld13]

It took you two jumbled posts to get that little nugget out? I'm not a Habs fan, Seinfeld, and I didn't tell you to fuck yourself, only to relax.

Now that you've shown you're a little fucking child, I'd take this opportunity to tell you fuck you too, and I'm glad your vacation was ruined and I hope your family sees what a high-strung idiot you actually are. Karma's a bitch, eh Seinfeld? LOL

Oh, and I loved the part in this story where your family is marooned on the side of the road and your first instinct is to get on this forum and start posting your grievances. If that doesn't say OCD then I don't know what does.
Asshole I wish this happens to you and only you when you and your boyfriend are out on a nice date. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I had time to post this originally as I had so long to wait for my tow.

[Seinsmeld13]

Cars break down. When it happens and it's an isolated incident, we all have to just accept it for what it is and go on with our lives, even if we're about to go on vacation; on the way to work, etc.

But that being said, I can't believe some of the attitudes here! Talk about being the ultimate Audi 'fanboys'. Listen up: it seems as if a large number(all?) of the 2010 S4s with the plastic water pump impellers have/will fail. Audi knows that these water pumps will almost certainly fail, leaving valued owners stranded, inconvenienced and perhaps placed in danger. Audi needs to issue a recall on these pumps NOW!! To not do so is irresponsible and not appropriate behaviour for a company of Audi's stature. Those of you somehow trying to make this the OP's issue are completely missing the point; this is a known Audi problem that needs to be dealt with. My car has about 6K miles on it and I'm expecting it to lose the water pump any day. In fact, I'm so unsure about the longevity of the pump that I would not drive the car any great distance away from home; I certainly wouldn't take an extended vacation with it. I'm fortunate in having other vehicles to choose from when undertaking longer journeys; for those of you with just one car, the S4, I can understand any anxiety you may have re: this issue.

Bish
Thank you Kansas.

[Seinsmeld13]

really? all? what number force you to throw hysteria.

335i motors lose fuel pumps. 2.0t loses cam followers, dv, or pcv. all cars have their faults, and at least there is a definitive fix for the b8 vs the timeline the other examples faced.

My 2.0 T an 07 has been flawless now with 152,000 km on the odometer.

[Seinsmeld13]

In Austria there is already a recall for all S4 built in a specific period of time.
Mine was already in for changing the water pump. Instead of a waterpump made of plastic I got a new one out of alu.

There you go case closed. Replace when going in for service.

[riegeraudi]

lol what? 1. a canadian wants to bitch to an american safety agency; 2. the symptoms are similar to a car running out of gas, are you gonna get this hysterical, when you run out of gas? cause ill be the first to not laugh in your face and offer assistance.



i doubt that.

Seriously why do you come on the forums at all. All your posts are of no use. You don't offer any useful information and more than half the time you are on the Zine so you can just post snide useless remarks. You have to be one of the most useless members in this community. Sakamano was not liked but at least he would argue with some facts and not some useless remarks.

[DeanMTL]

Asshole I wish this happens to you and only you when you and your boyfriend are out on a nice date. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I had time to post this originally as I had so long to wait for my tow.

LOL! You're a fucking loser but I must admit you're funny. Must have burst a few brain cells coming up with the "boyfriend" remark. I'm married with a baby, but I wouldn't put it past a creepy Ontarian middle-aged man like yourself to have secret gay affairs.

[marty was here]

My 2.0 T an 07 has been flawless now with 152,000 km on the odometer.

you are the exception not the rule. btw i have hung with the car and i have nearly as many miles as you do in km

[s4atx]

Those in the U.S. who have had failures ** Take some action and file a complaint with NHTSA.. Sometimes manufacturers need a "nudge" to take corrective action.
I haven't experienced the failure myself, but I do have the 'black-plastic' version of the pump (12/09 build date) and I filed a complaint expressing my concern.
Frankly, when it's 105 out here in Texas, the last thing I want is my ass stuck on the side of the road ** especially on a long road trip.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm

[Seinsmeld13]

LOL! You're a fucking loser but I must admit you're funny. Must have burst a few brain cells coming up with the "boyfriend" remark. I'm married with a baby, but I wouldn't put it past a creepy Ontarian middle-aged man like yourself to have secret gay affairs.
Sorry to interrupt your meal Deano, I trust you enjoyed your poutine, after dinner cigarettes, your 18 hole ( not holes) of golf and Labatt 50's after the da game. I feel sorry for your wife and child.

[DeanMTL]

Mmm...love that poutine! And washing it down with Labatt, how did you know all that about me?

What sort of culinary specialty exists in Brampton Ontario? Or is it Belleville? Which desolate Ontario farmtown are you from again?

Really, keep going, I'm amused...it's like watching the Special Olympics!

[marty was here]

Seriously why do you come on the forums at all. All your posts are of no use. You don't offer any useful information and more than half the time you are on the Zine so you can just post snide useless remarks. You have to be one of the most useless members in this community. Sakamano was not liked but at least he would argue with some facts and not some useless remarks.

you sure about this? have you read the majority of threads in this section, or did it sound good in your head to take a blind swipe at some one?

keep bitching and moaning.

[Seinsmeld13]

Mmm...love that poutine! And washing it down with Labatt, how did you know all that about me?

What sort of culinary specialty exists in Brampton Ontario? Or is it Belleville? Which desolate Ontario farmtown are you from again?

Really, keep going, I'm amused...it's like watching the Special Olympics!

Dino you know I'm just f$&king with ya, my wife is Franch as is my best friend. Even with your comments I still love the French and my beloved Canadiens. By the way I love poutine as well. Actually i had last Sunday at Vagkraft. No one makes it like the French. Now where were we, oh ya putting on kilometers on my free courtesy car. I cancelled my New York trip due to my car failure, the wife suggested we go to, you guessed it Montreal. Maybe we could meet up and suck back a few 50's.

[DeanMTL]

Alright dude, truce. You're allright, I love fucking around on these forums as well. PM me when you're in town, you can come join me and my buddies at some of the better spots in MTL.

[Seinsmeld13]

Here is the last paragraph in a February 2010 Autoblog revue, this is truly embarrassing.

Our model: 2010 Audi S4 S-tronic Prestige
Base Price: $47,300
As tested: $60,075 (yup, that’s a lot of options)

Before You Buy

The 2010 Audi S4’s biggest rival is the BMW 335i xDrive, which is a few grand cheaper than the Audi, but has less power and worse fuel economy. Be sure to drive both cars, but just remember – everyone has a freaking 3-Series. Then again, there’s a reason for that.

Also, it’s worth noting that 15 minutes into driving the car, the water pump blew up and I had to get towed to the nearest Audi dealership. It was fixed for no cost (under warranty,) but it’s something to watch out for. The service manager at the dealer informed me they’ve been seeing a lot of S4s come in for the same reason.

Let dealers compete for your business and have the upper hand in negotiations before going into the dealership by getting a free, no-obligation quote at Yahoo! Autos.

[Seinsmeld13]

Update, as suspected this was in fact a water pump failure. I should have my S4 back by Wednesday. The dealer didn't have a replacement pump in stock. In the interim, I will continue to drive the shit out of their A4 courtesy car. So far I have put 650km on it. By the way the 3.2 engine sucks in comparison to our 3.0 T.

[joshthedoc]

Went out to the car this afternoon and noticed a huge puddle of coolant under the Lt front tire. Popped the hood and the engine is covered in coolant with nothing in the reservoir. Drove a mile or 2 early this morning, didn't hit anything. I suspect this is the water pump failure that I have been reading about. Seinsmeld13 has been dealing with it for the last several days. Whats the story here guys? Has this happened to anyone else? The car has 7600 miles and I picked it up in late Jan several days after it arrived in port. The issue is I am on vacation in Colorado and I am driving back to Southern CA on Saturday. Fortunately there is a dealership about 45 minutes west of here in Glenwood Springs. I am trucking it down tomorrow AM. I'll keep you guys posted.

[compguy]

Another piece of shit waterpump bites it I'd bet.

[Proogz]

My water pump went bye bye while I was driving today :( Was doing 62/km hour coming back from the GYM and got the "switch engine off, and check coolant level"

I felt sad seeing my car get towed.. sigh..

thank god for road side assist. Got the car towed to the dealer going tomorrow hopefully they can replace it all in a day.

11000KM on the car when it happened.

[Proogz]

Mine went boom today too..
damm these 2010 water pump failures.

[dr bryan]

They are dropping like fly's these days! Sorry to hear it.

[Euromike]

i have seen so many of these threads on the B8's waterpumps failing.

Why hasnt audi recalled?

[Rabbit222]

My pump pretty much packed up on Sunday evening. I popped the hood and noticed that my coolant level was way low and also saw lots of white spots around the water pump area. I parked the car off and yesterday morning noticed a huge puddle of what seemed like water. Upon closer inspection I noticed that it was actually coolant. I went to my dealer and bought some coolant, topped it up and drove the car slowly to my dealer so that they can replace the pump. They will be replacing it today. My car is no.4 at the dealer for a water pump replacement. Why Audi has not sent out a recall is beyond me....

[Seinsmeld13]

Car's fixed. Waterpump replaced as well as serpentine belts. Still smells like burning coolant though. [:(] Gotta keep an eye on it to make sure nothing's still leaking.

Why did they replace the belts? Mine is in right now getting the pump replaced. So far I have waited three days. I expect it should be ready tomorrow then I can go on my planned holiday. Mine lost power steering as well. In my opinion that is a safety issue.

[Seinsmeld13]

Welcome to the club. I feel your pain.

[borutp]

when my waterpump died they replaced belts as well...

[Seinsmeld13]

when my waterpump died they replaced belts as well...

Okay I'll review that with the dealer later today when I call to confirm when the car is ready.

[Seinsmeld13]

I feel your pain guys, I really do. Good luck with the replacement. I noticed that a few of the guys have had their serpentine belts replaced when the pump was replaced. Check to see if this is done as well. I will canvas with the service rep today to ensure this is done or find out why not. This may explain the loss of power steering when the pump failed as I suspect slippage due to wet belts. I just hope to hell nobody gets in an accident due to the intermittent power steering loss when the pump goes.

[L0U]

hope there is no shortage. Dealer should keep a dozen in the parts bin in stock.

[madmadS4]

to the original poster: see if you can keep the original water pump. take some pictures of it and post for the forum.

[CAA]

That sucks man. It's funny - it was around 94 here yesterday and I was driving home from the gym thinking "this sure would be a shitty time for the water pump to go". My 5k service is due in about 400 miles and I'll certainly asking about this.

On that note - does anyone have a picture of where I should be looking in the engine bay to see if mine is plastic or metal? Or do all 2010 cars have the plastic pump?

[thebishman]

Two other brand new threads re: broken water pumps in 2010 cars. Why someone feels Audi shouldn't take a pro-active stance here is beyond me.

Bish

[marty was here]

Here is the last paragraph in a February 2010 Autoblog revue, this is truly embarrassing.

Our model: 2010 Audi S4 S-tronic Prestige
Base Price: $47,300
As tested: $60,075 (yup, that’s a lot of options)

Before You Buy

The 2010 Audi S4’s biggest rival is the BMW 335i xDrive, which is a few grand cheaper than the Audi, but has less power and worse fuel economy. Be sure to drive both cars, but just remember – everyone has a freaking 3-Series. Then again, there’s a reason for that.

Also, it’s worth noting that 15 minutes into driving the car, the water pump blew up and I had to get towed to the nearest Audi dealership. It was fixed for no cost (under warranty,) but it’s something to watch out for. The service manager at the dealer informed me they’ve been seeing a lot of S4s come in for the same reason.

Let dealers compete for your business and have the upper hand in negotiations before going into the dealership by getting a free, no-obligation quote at Yahoo! Autos.

are you gonna buy a bmw next time?

[kyee]

i have seen so many of these threads on the B8's waterpumps failing.

Why hasnt audi recalled?

I doubt we'll ever see a recall. Look at how many BMW 335's had the HPFP (high pressure fuel pump) failures. The HPFP on my 335i sedan went out twice, and the car went into limp mode all the way home. No recalls to date.

[Proogz]

Got it replaced today, was fast and easy and got the new REV.2 pump or w/e they call it

[marty was here]

Got it replaced today, was fast and easy and got the new REV.2 pump or w/e they call it

only took a couple hours right?

[Proogz]

I actually asked for the old one Madmad but they diddnt let me keep it for some reason.

[madmadS4]

i have seen so many of these threads on the B8's waterpumps failing.

Why hasnt audi recalled?

quoting the best guy movie of all time:

Narrator: A new car built by my company leaves somewhere traveling at 60 mph. The rear differential locks up. The car crashes and burns with everyone trapped inside. Now, should we initiate a recall? Take the number of vehicles in the field, A, multiply by the probable rate of failure, B, multiply by the average out-of-court settlement, C. A times B times C equals X. If X is less than the cost of a recall, we don't do one.
Woman on plane: Are there a lot of these kinds of accidents?
Narrator: You wouldn't believe.
Woman on plane: Which car company do you work for?
Narrator: A major one.

I haven't heard anyone going to court yet.

[marty was here]

going to court over what?

[nick71692]

thats unfortunate