Change water pump without removing front end?

[KStartz]

Is this possible for the A4 B5? Has anyone done it? Does anyone have any opinions IF it is possible? Thanks!

[Mad Cow]

Yes.

[SquishyPanda]

It might be possible if you have small hands and a lot of patience but the lock carrier is designed to be [relativeliy] easily removed for service on the front of the car. Swing that out of the way (you can leave the AC lines and stuff attached) and you can just sit down right in front of the motor with everything at eye level. It's actually almost comfortable. Beats the hell out of leaning over the bumper and trying reach down for everything or getting on the ground and reaching up.

[KStartz]

That's good to know. I've looked around online, but I'm still scared to tear into it to that degree. Are the water pumps designed to leak when they're about to die? Mine is not, and I'd like confirmation before I spend the time/money...but on the other hand, I have changed all cooling system components except for the pump and thermostat and the car still overheats when stopped.

[SquishyPanda]

If you're scared to pull the front end off, you're really not going to like changing the water pump. I'd try the thermostat first.

[pbcrazy]

Possible? Yes. Realistic? No.

[Mad Cow]

You do realize that you have to take the timing belt off the change the water pump and thermostat in the 2.8? If you're afraid of pulling the lock carrier off you should probably stay away from the timingbelt. If you do decide to tear into it, don't even think of doing it with the lock carrier in place because that's just asking for trouble.

Not trying to be discouraging, but the 2.8 timing belt is a whole lot more difficult than the 1.8t.

[Seerlah]

I changed the tb tensioner without removing the front clip or placing car into service position. Most PITA job I have done on my car. So the WP isn't just possible, but also very doable. Would I suggest you do it, though? Nope. If you are asking this question there is a good 98% chance you will f*ck something up to the point you will end up placing the car into service position anyways.

[KStartz]

I should have specified that messing with the belt is my concern, not so much removing everything to get to it, but I guess the responses and end results would be the same X_x haha

[Seerlah]

What year and engine is your car?

[KStartz]

2001 Audi A4 Quattro V6 2.8L 30V

[Seerlah]

I would listen to Mad Cow on this. Don't have any experience. Mine was on a 1.8T and was the most PITA job I have done on my car. And I have done a few.

[KStartz]

Dang I have a new fan clutch, I'm pretty sure my radiator is not clogged, there is no air in the system, and the auxiliary fan is working fine. Am I missing anything else that might cause it to overheat?

[Seerlah]

Cooling sensor. Car isn't really overheating. But incorrect readings from a sensor will say that you are.

[Drifter420]

I did my 98 2.8 tb water pump without takin front end off and I did my 2000 1.8t tb water pump without takin it off to and I didn't think it was that bad to do. Just unbolt it and pull the front clip ahead you get three four inches, and I got big hands and arms

[Seerlah]

I am thinking service position versus nothing at all. Not front end removal.

[KStartz]

I replaced the cooling sensor a week or so ago as well.

[Seerlah]

Oh!