Radiator replacement, Costs, and Parts?

[ride92]

Hey forum peeps, before I get flamed left and right I do know about the search function and did use it and looked thru many threads but still have questions. So with that being said, our B6 1.8TQ has a slow leak from one of the end caps on the radiator, a common problem I found out. I believe I can install a new one myself, I did just do the rear coolant flange, PITA!!! We took it to the shop to presure test the system since they had just replaced the J-plug not to long ago and they quoted us $930 for parts and labor. They said we should replace the upper and lower hoses right away since we're in there. That seems like quite alot for everything. $260 for radiator and about $170 for the lower hose, does that sound right? I've googled and found several Radiators for much less but don't know what one to get, any suggestions? Found this site which lists quite a few, our cars is an auto so what one should I get?

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/search/?Ntt=Radiator

Do I need to find one with the tranny cooler? Or is that the smaller looking radiator thing in front of the big one on the car? Any help you guys could proide would be greatly apperciated, maybe steer me to some helpful links or threads, maybe my search terms were off or something. thanks again!!

[jeffrey146]

I paid $250 at a local shop for that job. That price is way high. Get on the regionals and find a good shop in your area.

[ride92]

I paid $250 at a local shop for that job. That price is way high. Get on the regionals and find a good shop in your area.

They quoted $295 for labor and $590 in parts for the radiator, upper and lower hose and 3gal or coolant. Are you saying you got everything done, parts and labor for $250?

[MikTip]

Hey forum peeps, before I get flamed left and right I do know about the search function and did use it and looked thru many threads but still have questions. So with that being said, our B6 1.8TQ has a slow leak from one of the end caps on the radiator, a common problem I found out. I believe I can install a new one myself, I did just do the rear coolant flange, PITA!!! We took it to the shop to presure test the system since they had just replaced the J-plug not to long ago and they quoted us $930 for parts and labor. They said we should replace the upper and lower hoses right away since we're in there. That seems like quite alot for everything. $260 for radiator and about $170 for the lower hose, does that sound right? I've googled and found several Radiators for much less but don't know what one to get, any suggestions? Found this site which lists quite a few, our cars is an auto so what one should I get?

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/search/?Ntt=Radiator

Do I need to find one with the tranny cooler? Or is that the smaller looking radiator thing in front of the big one on the car? Any help you guys could proide would be greatly apperciated, maybe steer me to some helpful links or threads, maybe my search terms were off or something. thanks again!!

Easy DIY.

I replaced mine a few months ago...

Get one from genuineaudiparts.com

Did the coolant flush while I was in there.

My Audi loves me for it!

[Charles.waite]

Be sure you get the proper one for the transmissino you have. The Tiptronic one has a Fluid cooler built into it while the manual cars don't.

(I may be mistaken, I know the b7 has the tranny cooler built in, 95% sure the b6 does too...)

[lencho1500]

Radiator was the first "repair" I did to my B6, it's pretty easy. My hoses were fine, unless they are leaking I see no reason to replace them...
Look up the DIY for the timing belt to show you how to remove the bumper, you will not need to move the fron clip thou, once the bumper is removed it should be obvious what you need to do to free the radiator. Hoses are a bit of a pain to get off but with a little shimming they'll come off.

I got my radiator from ECS and after 4 yrs its still going strong. And buy some new coolant from the dealer. Let me know if you have any questions

[lucaq]

I ordered mine from Amazon.com, it arrived in a few days and guess what? It had a WorldPac sticker on it (where many indy shops get their parts from), Nissens, genuine OEM radiator. $115 or so, shipped!

[lookaught]

Definitely an easy weekend day job in the driveway. Just be prepared to catch the coolant using a big tupperware style container thats not too tall but has a good footprint. Getting to the radiator is a 20 minute job if you know how to remove the bumper. then its just the annoying disconnection of the two rad hoses and the temp sensor, and reinstall.

Seriously, its an easy diy and a good way to learn about your car if you dont work on it much

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