GDJT Allroad^2

I just don't have a PC to run it on. All I own are Sun systems and Macs.

KaMaKaZieP -ALUMIN8-

Thanks for the great news... there is still hope

skiracer

Everything in the photos are valve cover gasket leaks, which are common and easy to fix. The head gasket is BELOW the exhaust manifold, not above it, so if the oil is burning on the manifold it is either a very big leak, is dripping down onto the lower exhaust pipe, or ISN'T the head gasket. I would be very suspicious of the shop that told you these things.

1. Flush and replace the coolant with the correct Audi red coolant. Keep an eye on it for further contamination.

2. Replace the tie rod ends and front brakes yourself- very easy job. The rotors are likely not warped but need to be turned due to hard spots or deposits on them.

3. $6600 is WAY overpriced for this work.... go somewhere else for a second opinion and cost estimate!

KMU

here, and it doesn't sound like there's any impending disaster. The thing that scared you the worst(coolant) if contaminated with the old green type coolant, turns brown. Do as they say- flush several times and fill with correct. coolant 20- 30$. The valve cover gaskets and cam seals are cheap. If they aren't leaking, they will be later. Replace them. I'd get my own rotors and pads and get them on one way or another. If you really have a bad half-shaft you can get a rebuit one with new boots for about $100. If you just replace a boot(a real messy job done while wheels off for brakes) kit costs about 15-20 bucks. I'll bet you could do evrything on the list for less than $1200, and thats if you had some good front end place replace the tie rod ends and align. That's about $5500 in your pocket. I admit some of it will be a PIA, but in the end you'll be depending on your own judgement and won't have to put up with what you just experienced. That head gasket is a real unlikely culprit, and I would consider it the ABSOLUTE last resort if I was CERTAIN. If that needed to be done, I'd be sure of who was fooling with it.

CLeonard

have a pretty decent selection of tools, and while still learning how A8's are put together, have pretty good skills w/ cars. That being said, if you want to try and tackle some/all of the work that needs to be done, just let me know and we'll set up an Audi work weekend! Just bring the beer and help me out when I have a big project and we'll call it even!

Colby

BTW, what shop did you take it to?

GDJT Allroad^2

I'm on the east side of town. I'm fairly handy, but because we're in a constant state of remodling at my house I've lost track of most of my tools In this instance, to do the rear cam seals, I need a T-27 bit that can be driven by a ratchet. I also do not have a garage to work in, so that slows me down some; I can only work on the car outside in nice weather.

CLeonard

Interesting, I've heard good things about them. I get all my cars from Village Motorsports in Fortville, and they use Black Forest for all their work. Well, if you want to do the project, I have tools and a garage! I live in Greenfield, so I'm on the east side as well!

Colby