Leaking water pump

[ddun]

Just a heads up for everyone, I recently had my 35k service done and the dealer really did a full inspection. They noticed a small coolant leak coming from my water pump and they replaced it under warranty no questions asked regardless of all my mods. They even had to remove all my EC hoses to get to the pump 8)

So everyone inspect your water pumps while you're under there

[hender]

same dealio w/ me. except my light came on before anyone noticed it.

[coolwater]

My pump broke at 20k.

-cW

[ddun]

Is it an updated pump or just a replacement

[maga4]

Are there any symptoms that we can notice or is it something the dealer just discovers with an inspection? Thanks

[TCHUN003]

Water pump at 20k? This is scary since water pump failure can lead to serious engine damage...

[hender]

Are there any symptoms that we can notice or is it something the dealer just discovers with an inspection? Thanks

keep checking the level of that big pink jug of fluid beside your engine (after a drive)

[Crucible35]

I've had my water pump replaced twice on my '09 A4. Once at around 25,000 kms and again at 85,000kms. Yup, you need to look under the hood more often and check the reservoir like Hender said. On the second time, I got a warning on the DIS "Shut Off Car and add coolant". You probably noticed above that I had the second one blow about 5,000kms after the warranty had expired. I have my service done at Mississauga Audi.....without any prompting from me, they contacted Audi of Canada who agreed to cover the water pump replacement and took care of 60% of the rental car bill (it had to be in for a week since there was a shortage of water pumps.....go figure!)....they had no loaners avaiable at the time.

It would have cost me about $600 for the water pump replacement. I obviously have no complaints towards Mississauga Audi or Audi of Canada!

[hender]

It would have cost me about $600 for the water pump replacement. I obviously have no complaints towards Mississauga Audi or Audi of Canada!

yeah Mississauga is pretty good to me, too! No complaints about 'em.

[coolwater]

Is it an updated pump or just a replacement

No idea if it was a updated pump.
However, I did get the "shut off engine immediately" in the display.
Luckily I was near home and just took it easy for 4 blocks until I could add more of the pink stuff.

As others have said just check the coolant level regularly and you will catch this issue.
You will also notice coolant on your belly pan and for me it dripped onto the front passenger side of the car....

-cW

[Crucible35]

yeah Mississauga is pretty good to me, too! No complaints about 'em.

It's funny....after I posted this, I happened to read another thread in the B8 S4 forum (I think) where they were really slamming AofM. What happened to Alex Fretes? Haven't seen him on here in ages.

[maga4]

keep checking the level of that big pink jug of fluid beside your engine (after a drive)

Thank you!

Hopefully Audi gets this all squared away for everyone having problems

[b4a41point8t]

I took my car in yesterday to Audi of Downtown Los Angeles for the TSB on the power steering hose shudder at low speeds. Pretty common, very annoying. They paid 100% of my loaner car and just called me right now and told me my water pump was leaking. They are replacing it free of charge (im at 33,XXX miles) so props to them for catching it and helping me out.

So yes, the water pumps seem to be a weak point on the b8, luckily they are prettty cool about fixing it.

[rippin'av]

Just wanted to report that I just got this same warning message this morning on my 2009 A4 (52K). I took a look in the engine bay and sure enough it is leaking around the gasket area of the water pump. Looks like its been slowly seaping for a while now. I don't have any drips under my car in my garage or at work. My reservoir is very very low though. Would this be covered under my CPO extended warranty do any of you know? How bad is it if I just top up my coolant and keep and eye on it and continue driving for another 2 weeks? I am in the busiest time of year for me at work (12-14hrs/day, 7 days a week!) so I don't have any time to take it in for repair.

[B8Phil]

Of course this is covered under the CPO. At least call the dealer and schedule an appointment 2 weeks out.

[coolwater]

Should be covered.
BTW, I had my 2nd water pump replaced a few weeks back.
Hopefully this one lasts a while.


-cW

[pkancel]

I just had my 35k service and all was fine, I thought. Until this past week I had my HID/LEDs installed and the guys there showed me that my waterpump was leaking and appears to have been doing so for some time. Looks like my dealer missed that. They also showed me that I have a couple of small slits in the control arm bushings, very small but obviously will get larger over time so looks like another visit to the dealer.

[k9lovr]

Just found my second pump is now leaking...had the original replaced last November and now am at 57k...calling Audi to see if they will stand behind it or if I will be on the hook for the repair...only lasted 14k miles

[JagStyles]

Just had my water pump replaced today. Light came on when ignition was turned on indicating low coolant level. They found a small leak and replaced the water pump no questions asked. Problem is I'm seeing posts here from people that have had their water pump go on them 2 or 3 times. Has Audi not remedied/fixed the issue with the newer parts so it doesn't reoccur so quickly?

[Jmstrag]

I had mine done last week at 50000km. its my first pump replacement, but on the forum it sounds like even the metal redesigned water pump has been failing on people.

[pkancel]

Likely not.....and dont understand the problem. My CPO 2009 had the waterpump replaced before I bought it. After a few weeks I was smelling coolant, took it in and they said the car was fine. Roughly 8 months later the leak was apparent because you could see build up of coolant around the base of it. They replaced it. For a month I was happy to no longer smell coolant. Now its started to smell again and sure enough, coolant build up around the base again, indicating a leak on this new one. I cleaned the area once to see if it would come back and within a week, there it was. Come on Audi...your customers have nothing better to do than bring their cars in and keep getting them fixed for a simple waterpump. Its not like waterpumps are new technology. Same basic principles....fan that circulates coolant through the engine. Oh and my car has 37,000 miles on it now....

Just had my water pump replaced today. Light came on when ignition was turned on indicating low coolant level. They found a small leak and replaced the water pump no questions asked. Problem is I'm seeing posts here from people that have had their water pump go on them 2 or 3 times. Has Audi not remedied/fixed the issue with the newer parts so it doesn't reoccur so quickly?

[b4a41point8t]

Just found my second pump is now leaking...had the original replaced last November and now am at 57k...calling Audi to see if they will stand behind it or if I will be on the hook for the repair...only lasted 14k miles

Hey, curious how this ended for you. I'm in similar position. Replaced astound 40k or so and warranty is up soon. If it fails again will audi stand by the original repairs? For all I know, they could have just put a bandaid on it so that it fails shortly after warranty period.

[k9lovr]

I requested they replace mine but they would not do it even though it was just outside of the warranty. They calimed if it had been with in the 12mo/12k mile warranty the part it self was covered under they would have repaired it. I am having to go to a VW dealer closer to me and hope they do a better job or that the part does not fail again....

[sdy101]

My water pump was just replaced at 49,920 miles. I'm now just over 50k and out of the standard warranty, but if the part is covered for 12 mo/12k miles, I'll be keeping a close eye on it...

[londonhaks]

I got an interim service at an Audi UK Main dealer and now 4 months down the line my coolant level is only a couple of inches above the bottom - took it to another main dealer who advised the water pump needs replacing and want to charge £500 labour - its out of warranty at the moment - does anyone know if Audi Uk have shown good will to pay for labour charge before? In addition I suspect high engine oil burn rate (although now I suspect a faulty sensor because all this time it was showing a quarter full and now all of asudden its showing half full again). Another fault diagnosed by the dealer was Fuel Flap Throttle issue and want to charge £150 to repair that - is this the same as a faulty solenoid issue?

[piotrowr]

Just had my water pump replaced today. Light came on when ignition was turned on indicating low coolant level. They found a small leak and replaced the water pump no questions asked. Problem is I'm seeing posts here from people that have had their water pump go on them 2 or 3 times. Has Audi not remedied/fixed the issue with the newer parts so it doesn't reoccur so quickly?

You were just at the dealer so could you ask what they are doing to remedy it???

[piotrowr]

Sounds like a Sticky topic...

[TCHUN003]

I wish there was something like A4mods.com for the B8 or a cheaper service manual like Haynes for the B8 so I could DIY. I have less than 30k miles, but my warranty expires this summer. I have a feeling that my transmission and water pump will go out right after my warranty expires knock on wood.

[NJRoadFan]

For those wondering where the water pump is on the 2.0T its.... well..... German engineering at its finest. The water pump assembly is mounted on the motor directly BEHIND the alternator and UNDER the intake manifold and is very difficult to see. It has its own dedicated drive belt and also houses the thermostat. If your thermostat ever fails, you might as well replace the water pump too since the whole assembly has to come out anyway! The benefit to this design is that you don't have to take the whole front end of the car apart, but your working area is VERY tight and you have that tiny belt to worry about.

[b4a41point8t]

For those wondering where the water pump is on the 2.0T its.... well..... German engineering at its finest. The water pump assembly is mounted on the motor directly BEHIND the alternator and UNDER the intake manifold and is very difficult to see. It has its own dedicated drive belt and also houses the thermostat. If your thermostat ever fails, you might as well replace the water pump too since the whole assembly has to come out anyway! The benefit to this design is that you don't have to take the whole front end of the car apart, but your working area is VERY tight and you have that tiny belt to worry about.

Looking at pics it looks 10000000 times easier than the b6/7. I did my own on my b6 and it wasn't fun. Half way through I thought to myself "Oh my god, what have I done" as I looked upon my completely disassembled car. The b8 seems easy, remove the throttle body hose and throttle body (VERY easy) and you're looking at a complete open space to work in.

[londonhaks]

I got an interim service at an Audi UK Main dealer and now 4 months down the line my coolant level is only a couple of inches above the bottom - took it to another main dealer who advised the water pump needs replacing and want to charge £500 labour - its out of warranty at the moment - does anyone know if Audi Uk have shown good will to pay for labour charge before? In addition I suspect high engine oil burn rate (although now I suspect a faulty sensor because all this time it was showing a quarter full and now all of asudden its showing half full again). Another fault diagnosed by the dealer was Fuel Flap Throttle issue and want to charge £150 to repair that - is this the same as a faulty solenoid issue?

i

for the benefit of others - Audi UK won't pick up the labour tab - so I hope to top it up with some G12 and hope that it lasts for 3 more months and then get rid of the beast

[BustaR]

I wish there was something like A4mods.com for the B8 or a cheaper service manual like Haynes for the B8 so I could DIY. I have less than 30k miles, but my warranty expires this summer. I have a feeling that my transmission and water pump will go out right after my warranty expires knock on wood.

Try alldatadiy.com. I added (I already have a subscription for another vehicle) a 5-year subscription for my B8 for less than $30.

[k9lovr]

So I need some advice. I recently (Monday) had the water pump replaced for the second time. The first was replaced in Nov of 11' at 39,851 mile which was under warranty. It began to leak again in Nov 12' but i was out of my warrant by miles currently at 56K, so my nearest Audi dealership (54 miles away) would not fix it under warranty. I took the vehicle to a local VW dealership 5 miles away to have them fix it. Ordered the parts through an Audi dealership, had them with the car when it was dropped off. Monday night the car was fixed, drove it home and then wife drove it to work on Wednesday and the water pump took a shit on the way in. Called the dealership they towed it in, gave her a rental. Now they state the pump was faulty and not their labor. They state we have to get the parts and they are going to charge us again for the labor. The dealership we ordered the parts from states VW should be able to order the parts and it should all be covered under warranty. Is this something that AoA should take care of? I paid $713 in labor to have it installed $300+ in parts. Now the VW states they want $500+ to do it over again and this is a discount. Just stuck and frustrated....Any thoughts?

[pkancel]

Wow, poor guy...what a bunch of total crap. First, are you sure that the Audi Dealer isnt obligated to replace that part. Did they tell you what the warranty is on that part. Is is one year, 12,000 miles or something else. Granted either way you are over that but come on....its widely known that Audi's waterpump fails and fails more than once. I am on my second and I know I need a 3rd on my 2009 A4 2.0T and my car has 37,000 miles.

Second, any chance there is another Audi dealership, even if further away that might be of help? I know that doesnt make sense but hear me out. After purchasing the car brand new, when 2004 rolled around my 2003 A4 1.8t had approx 15,000 miles on it when the face of the stereo started to peel. The dealership told me there was nothing they could do because it was over a year and over 12,000 miles. I told them this was a known problem on this year and could give them a list of owners having the same issue. According to them, AOA says that is normal wear and tear. Bullshit....Another forum member pointed me to a different Audi dealer. So I scheduled the appt like nothing else happened and sure enough, they replaced the stereo. When I picked it up and explained what happened, they told me that if a dealership has a very large number of warranty claims, it goes against them so that may have been why they werent willing to help me on an item that was cosmetic. So possibly you can get another dealer to help you.

The other side of this is VW. They installed the failed/bad part and they want you to repay them for labor. I dont know if I would call the Better Business Bureau or call VW of America or both and make a formal complaint. Someone has to stand by the part and labor because they cant screw the consumer....

Truthfully I am actually waiting for someone to start a Class Action Lawsuit against Audi of American. Dont get me wrong, I hate the word "sue" and how that is abused and misused but 2009 A4s have two main issues that are way to regular and common. Loss of oil way sooner than it should be and waterpumps. My 2009 is a CPO, thank God but for everyone like you that isnt under CPO, think of the cost and hassle because Audi wont admit their problem. I love this car and all cars have some issues at some time but seeing people like you get screwed like this makes me not want to buy another Audi if this how they handle their problems. This is a Premium brand....live up to it Audi.

Please keep everyone updated, its important!

So I need some advice. I recently (Monday) had the water pump replaced for the second time. The first was replaced in Nov of 11' at 39,851 mile which was under warranty. It began to leak again in Nov 12' but i was out of my warrant by miles currently at 56K, so my nearest Audi dealership (54 miles away) would not fix it under warranty. I took the vehicle to a local VW dealership 5 miles away to have them fix it. Ordered the parts through an Audi dealership, had them with the car when it was dropped off. Monday night the car was fixed, drove it home and then wife drove it to work on Wednesday and the water pump took a shit on the way in. Called the dealership they towed it in, gave her a rental. Now they state the pump was faulty and not their labor. They state we have to get the parts and they are going to charge us again for the labor. The dealership we ordered the parts from states VW should be able to order the parts and it should all be covered under warranty. Is this something that AoA should take care of? I paid $713 in labor to have it installed $300+ in parts. Now the VW states they want $500+ to do it over again and this is a discount. Just stuck and frustrated....Any thoughts?

[b4a41point8t]

So I need some advice. I recently (Monday) had the water pump replaced for the second time. The first was replaced in Nov of 11' at 39,851 mile which was under warranty. It began to leak again in Nov 12' but i was out of my warrant by miles currently at 56K, so my nearest Audi dealership (54 miles away) would not fix it under warranty. I took the vehicle to a local VW dealership 5 miles away to have them fix it. Ordered the parts through an Audi dealership, had them with the car when it was dropped off. Monday night the car was fixed, drove it home and then wife drove it to work on Wednesday and the water pump took a shit on the way in. Called the dealership they towed it in, gave her a rental. Now they state the pump was faulty and not their labor. They state we have to get the parts and they are going to charge us again for the labor. The dealership we ordered the parts from states VW should be able to order the parts and it should all be covered under warranty. Is this something that AoA should take care of? I paid $713 in labor to have it installed $300+ in parts. Now the VW states they want $500+ to do it over again and this is a discount. Just stuck and frustrated....Any thoughts?

This is unbelievable. My audi dealer is supet cool. I'm in la, dunno if that has something to do about it. Every other car is an audi. Seems like small town dealers are ducks to their customers.

[k9lovr]

Thanks for th responses. An update - the part is covered by the 12/12k warranty mentioned above however VW is telling us that we has to aquire the parts since we ordered it (after they suggested it to us). The audi dealership we work with for parts (Sunset Audi in Oregon - best price for the parts) has been great in that they have reached out to the VW dealership to try and get this situation resolved. Audi dealership states the part and the labor should be covered and have even mentioned paying for it themself and getting reimbursed from AoA. They (Sunset Audi) contacted AoA on our behalf since this will now be a third failure and 4th pump to be in the car which only has 56k miles. So we are in wait and see mode. We are waiting to hear from AoA and hope something will be done to at least help. Its amazing that Sunset Audi in Oregon has worked harder helping me (located in Virginia) then Audi of Alexandria, VA ever did.

[Fburg A4]

Did you take it to Bill Britt VW?

[k9lovr]

Did you take it to Bill Britt VW?

Yup

[Fburg A4]

Ok. Amazing to hear Sunset Audi is doing taking the lead on this issue considering they're 3,000 miles away. I just had to drop my car off in Chantilly; I asked Bill Britt if they could do some warranty work on Audis but they said no. Its tough to find a shop around here I do declare.

[k9lovr]

Ok. Amazing to hear Sunset Audi is doing taking the lead on this issue considering they're 3,000 miles away. I just had to drop my car off in Chantilly; I asked Bill Britt if they could do some warranty work on Audis but they said no. Its tough to find a shop around here I do declare.

I agree local shops are absent in this area. Let me know how Chantilly is because that is one of the shops that AoA mentioned is within my Roadside coverage and I would rather not deal with Audi of Alexandria if I can prevent it.