Radiator Core Support Install

[Nexus1155]

Ok So as I am about to replace my headlights and fenders I was going to take the time out to replace my cracked radiator core support whose tabs were broken when the lights were stolen. I was wondering does anyone have or know of a guide on how to replace it. I heard it was a decent PITA and I might as well replace my timing belt at the same time. So does anyone have a DIY. Thanks Alot!

[Mike@Startup]

Are you talking about the front clip that's made out of fiber reinforced plastic?
The piece that has the headlights, radiator, and bumper attached to it?

If so, look up the TB intall, it will tell you how to remove it, and reinstall it.
Yes, it's some work, expect about 6-8hrs from start to finish.

[Nexus1155]

Awesome, I'll check that out... I might just fab up some new tabs out of fiberglass, because only a bit was broken off so atleast I have something to work with... but I don't know how I would get a bolt to secure that far down with my hands not being able to fit in there... Does Audi sell hardware for headlight mounting??

[2001S4NY]

Are you talking about the front clip that's made out of fiber reinforced plastic?
The piece that has the headlights, radiator, and bumper attached to it?

If so, look up the TB intall, it will tell you how to remove it, and reinstall it.
Yes, it's some work, expect about 6-8hrs from start to finish.

Removing and Reinstalling the radiator support i believe is a 2 hour job MAX.. Thats even if you are swapping stuff over from the old Support to the new one. I dont kno where you get 6-8 Hours.

[Nexus1155]

ok now THAT makes it a bit more logical... i already took the bumper off once so I know how to play rough with it ;)

[Mike@Startup]

Removing and Reinstalling the radiator support i believe is a 2 hour job MAX.. Thats even if you are swapping stuff over from the old Support to the new one. I dont kno where you get 6-8 Hours.

NOT the first time you do it!

When I did my TB job a few weeks ago, it took me 2hrs to get the bumper off & another 1hr to get it back on. All the electrical connections, diff cooler, AC condenser, hood latch, electrical fans, bumper supports, all the metal wire holding clips, and removing the radiator takes some time. There is a LOT of crap on there!

It's all about the learning curve! Even now that I know what needs to get done, it's more then a 2hr job! Maybe getting to the clip, or unbolting the clip in 2hrs, but no way removing it.

If you can do it all in 2hrs you are a far better mechanic then 98% of us out here.


To be sure this is the piece you are talking about?

[Nexus1155]

yup yup....i can get the bumper off in like 15-20 mins and the i dunno about the rest

[2001S4NY]

lol the bumper takes me about a minute per side to unclip, then the wrench out the bolts another minute per side , then disconnect the washer line,. 5 Minutes and the bumper is gone. :D then the radiator support cake, even the first time i ever did it, i used a screw driver to prey the bumper from inside the wheel well, that took me about 5 minutes per side. So i don't know how slow you must be going to take the radiator support out in 6-8 hours. Nexus tell us how long it will take you. But if someone comes to me and wants me to charge them for the listed hours my pleasure :D 6-8 hours of labor just to remove the radiator support then another 6-8 to put it back on wow im set :D

[A4SUM]

I just took mine off yesterday. Here is what i did. Take headlights off. Take plastic under pan off. Take off screws in the wheel well. Remove side bumper grills. Take off Allen bolts for bumper (located on the upper side of bumper). Remove bumper. After you remove bumper, be careful, disconnect the fog lights and headlight washer tube ( there is a little black clip. disconnect the clip and it will separate. have a bucket ready for fluid). Disconnect the 2 radiator hoses (top and bottom. Have bucket ready also..usually only for the bottom hose). Ok, at work and im too lazy to type all this out....just go here...HAHA. sorry.


http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng.html

All-in-All....taking it off it took me 1hr MAX. Just remember to keep your bolts and screws in a bucket or something...i use a magnetic bowl. hope that helps.

[Mike@Startup]

yup yup....i can get the bumper off in like 15-20 mins and the i dunno about the rest

That's about what it take me. Now that I know what needs to be taken off.
I'd say a 1/2 hr is a good estimate.

Now S4NY, come on, 5min? I think you are underestimating the project. I can see the side clips taking 1 min each. But bumper off in 5 min.
Removing the grills, 1min per side, unscrewing the fender liner bolts 2-3min per side, also remove headlights 3-5min per side.
removing the bumper support screws 2min per side. Pulling off the bumper, & draining the washer fluid, 3-4min.
Really 10min is lightning fast.
That's not jacking the car up, or removing the front tires & undertray.

My estimate was for a noob, not someone who has done it. Swapping everything from the old front clip to the new one is going to take some time. Getting the car in service position is about a 2hr job. Swapping everything over to the new one, and reinstall, it's going to be at least another 2hrs for someone who knows what they are doing.

I just don't see anyone doing it alone, front drive in, to drive out in 2hrs.

[Nexus1155]

i use plastic water bubbler cups ;) that way i can mark them from 1-whatever so i know where they go. Well I might as well replace it because from everyone talking it doesnt seem hard at all... I have a question though. For the radiator fluid can i just use 50/50 pre diluted, or is there some special fluid i need to pay $50 for...

[Nexus1155]

Also!!... what do I need to get for my Timing Belt Replacement im at almost 80k and it seems like a good idea about now... I am going to buy the kit most likely from ECS tuning unless anyone else knows some place cheaper. But what do I need exactly... $400 for the kit seems a little too much and im pretty sure I don't need all that stuff. I know I need one with a cam locking tool. Thanks

[A4SUM]

Are you talking about coolant? If you are, then yes, our cars use different coolant. You can dilute the coolant, but be sure to read the instructions on how much to dilute. You can order coolant off ecstuning.com or just go to the dealer. Its like 20-25 bucks for a gallon.

[A4SUM]

$400 is not bad considering you get EVERYTHING you need...including the cam seals and what not. I bought mine from ecs, for both the a4 and the s4, and never had an issue with anything. The TB install is pretty straight forward. You might want to look into getting the cam gear tool, I think that would have helped my install go a tad bit easier...other than that, your set in stone man. Good luck with it.

Also, if you don't have one already, get a Bently manuel...it helps

[Nexus1155]

more money... damn money pit lol.. just got a new credit card so that helps somewhat!

[Nexus1155]

will this work on the S4 i am pretty sure they are interchangeable if not ... damn it all http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-R...spagenameZWDVW

[Mike@Startup]

will this work on the S4 i am pretty sure they are interchangeable if not ... damn it all http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-R...spagenameZWDVW

It looks a little different from the S4 one. Notice there is no cut out for the IC's & the intake hole is wider. Where the bumper shocks go looks different also.

[Nexus1155]

anyone know a good used parts place... stealerships are a-wads

[2001S4NY]

www.car-parts.com

[flips4]

jeremy at matrix i think can get you what you need

[Nexus1155]

car-part couldn't help me but i will be sure to give jeremy a call first thing monday morning! thanks!

[30V]

Do you have contact info. for Jeremy at Matrix?

[Nexus1155]

Matrix Integrated = 1 503 443 1141