Coolant Expansion Tank question

[musanoadsaba]

I noticed today my coolant expansion tank was dripping out the bottom as it likely should when hot. I thought it was odd that it just drips down onto the motor/heatshield. Is there supposed to be a hose attached to the bottom of the tank that directs the overflow away from the engine?

[Tugboatguy]

If the fluid level in the tank is at the proper level and you engine is running at normal operating temperatures,Coolant shouldn't be leaking out of the tank. You probably have a crack in the tank or a bad hose going into the tank, both are an easy fix.

[musanoadsaba]

Yeah, I looked at it closer tonight, and I am going to replace the tank. It has some cracks that are likely leaking when the coolant gets hot. Thanks for the reply.

[NY07RS4]

I bought a new one and will be swapping it in soon. I believe there are three locations for a hose attachment. I can check later. Maybe your overflow hose came loose or is cracked? Either way, inexpensive item to replace for big piece of mind imo. I'd buy a new cap too, it's worth it.

[musanoadsaba]

Do you know if the Vaico branded ones any different quality from the OEM?

[Tech/Sales@JHM]

Do you know if the Vaico branded ones any different quality from the OEM?

Musanoadsaba-

We stock the Coolant Expansion Tank for the B7 RS4 here at JHM! The Vaico unit is not OEM, however it is a high quality replacement part that will meet or exceed OEM quality specifications.



Click Me For B7 RS4 Coolant Expansion Tank!



Click Me for Coolant Expansion Tank Cap!

If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call!

[NY07RS4]

^ There you go. That's who I bought both items from.

[BenSti]

Hi! I need to replace my expansion tank but when I searched around, i can't seem to find a how-to guide. But from what I've heard, doing it is just an easy task you just need to simply siphon the coolant in the tank, unclamp the hoses, replace the tank and refill it. Is this all the instructions on how to replace an expansion tank? Other tips and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Pretty much. Just clamp off the lines going to the tank, suck out as much coolant as you can, disconnect the lines and the sensor on the bottom. Reconnect the lines to the new tank and then refill the tank to the proper level. Close it and let the car run and check the level again.

[koolade9]

Those expansion tanks are known part failure on these cars...they're a plastic part, under a great deal of pressure, heat, and vibration...they will crack over time and need to be replaced. To throw out a number, 50k miles seems average.

[musanoadsaba]

Cody, that is pretty much the how to. Takes less than 20 minutes.

[two2]

bumping this thread..i have a small 1 inch hair line crack and want to replace it before it starts leaking, i'm at 58k miles. is 8E0121403 not the same as 8E0121403F ?
i ordered 8E0121403, im guessing i ordered the wrong one, looks like it's for an A4.. they're different?

dealer refused to replace it under warranty because it's not leaking..

[musanoadsaba]

My dealer gave me the 8e0-121-403-f. I don't no about the other one.

[slvrb7]

in a few weeks make one of those cracks start leaking take to dealer have them replace that simple or call AOA they can help with situations like that sometimes.