2012 c7 a6 3.0T water pump + thermostat DIY tips

[violentaudi42]

Got the water pump and Thermostat replaced today, the vehicle was not required to be put into service position, nor was the front bumper removed.

We took off the plastic cover above the radiator ( plastic guard ) , and took off the radiator fasteners, and wedged the radiator backward, away from it's mount; away from the engine, giving us enough clearance to remove tension on belt, removed all sensors on and around supercharger, removed supercharger, removed thermostat pipe(PITA, lots of bolts) , thermostat + water pump; replaced both parts and reinstalled in reverse order.

Did not have to remove front bumper, or radiator support, only removed corner screws to give more leeway for movement for radiator support.IMG_20190830_184123.jpegIMG_20190830_200445.jpeg

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[3g_bishi]

Nice!

Why are you using prestone coolant?


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[violentaudi42]

empty bottles from different vehicles to empty out the coolant from reservoir.

i put G12+ purple into it.

will be flushing it out soon along with liqui moly for the oil.

[jrp916]

Got the water pump and Thermostat replaced today, the vehicle was not required to be put into service position, nor was the front bumper removed.

We took off the plastic cover above the radiator ( plastic guard ) , and took off the radiator fasteners, and wedged the radiator backward, away from it's mount; away from the engine, giving us enough clearance to remove tension on belt, removed all sensors on and around supercharger, removed supercharger, removed thermostat pipe(PITA, lots of bolts) , thermostat + water pump; replaced both parts and reinstalled in reverse order.

Did not have to remove front bumper, or radiator support, only removed corner screws to give more leeway for movement for radiator support.IMG_20190830_184123.jpegIMG_20190830_200445.jpeg

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Nice! I have two questions- what parts do you need besides the thermostat and water pump? ( gaskets, coolant, etc...) and how long did it take you? Thanks!


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[violentaudi42]

4 hours and we replaced the supercharger gaskets while we were there.

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[Ford Prefect]

4 hours and we replaced the supercharger gaskets while we were there.

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Did you clean the valves?


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[violentaudi42]

Did not , wasn't that deep in. I want to get them done professionally. Like a walnut blast

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[Prlme]

Perfect! I need t do this before the winter (mild leak in my water pump, non oem bs)

Did you have to use a flat breaker bar, or were you able to use a standard one?

[violentaudi42]

Had to be flat!

Barely enough clearance.

Radiator had to be pulled Way from engine, 2 man job.

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[jrp916]

4 hours and we replaced the supercharger gaskets while we were there.

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So a complete list of supplies-
Water pump
Thermostat
Supercharger gasket
G12 coolant (how much?)
Anything else?


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[violentaudi42]

3 -4 jugs does it for the coolant , and just regular tools, you need torx bits too. Make sure you have a full set.

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[jrp916]

3 -4 jugs does it for the coolant , and just regular tools, you need torx bits too. Make sure you have a full set.

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Did you bother with the coolant vacuum fill tool? On some of the installs they use it to fill the system I believe.


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[violentaudi42]

No , I was planning on doing a coolant flush soon anyway , didn't bother with the coolant too much.

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[jrp916]

Thanks. Did you have a leaking pump or just do it as preventative maintenance? How many miles does the car have? I’m thinking about doing it at all as maintenance when I get to 80k.


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