Dr. A8

I just finished doing some major work on the A8 (thermostat/wp/timing belt/seals/valve cover gaskets etc)

The torque dampener on the front of the engine was torn in half which I think is pretty common.

I looked for a replacement but everything was at least $80.

I decided to see if I can repair it instead so here is what I did.
Washed everything in simple green/water and dried with compressed air


3M window weld ~$20


Fill the lower portion of the mount


Put the top on and squish


Using gloves, spread excess around the outside, making sure to cover part of the metal portion


Allow to cure for at least 24 hours. I checked it the next day and it still felt a little squishy. After 2 days it was very solid.

I'll post updates on this as I accrue more miles. The car currently has ~203k

silverd2

A couple of notes about the torque mount:

The mount compresses under acceleration, so even a broken one works perfectly then ... but under deceleration, the engine ***** the other way and pulls a broken mount apart. If you use tip and low gears a lot to slow down going down hills (my case driving mountain roads), it wears heavily on this mount.

You can test it by (while watching the mount, engine running) putting someone in the driver's seat, foot on brake and put the trans in reverse. If you have a broken "egg", it will open up in front of your eyes.

Here's the cheapest price I've seen lately ... I replaced mine cheaper than this a few years ago >>

https://www.europaparts.com/motor-mo...RoCWtEQAvD_BwE

My experience >>

quattroworld.com Forums: Front engine torque support rubber mount replacement , 40V >>>>

Dr. A8

I figured for $20 it's worth a try. I was wondering why there were two shims under my bracket but your other post explains it.

I'm actually planning to reprogram the tcu to the sportier setting. I can't stand that I'm not allowed to keep it in 1st gear while using tiptronic. Also the trans is not very responsive.

Dr. A8

I ended up having to redo the timing on my car. While putting it back together I found that the crank pulley was rubbing on the large metal bracket for the viscous fan. The reason was that the torque damper is now taller and was pushing the bracket too close to the pulley. I ended up just prying the bracket away from the pulley and tightening the bolts. No more rubbing but who knows if the taller mount will be a problem in the future. I guess I could try removing a shim if it is.

audinutt

$20 is a lot to spend when you could buy a new one for $80 IMO... then the labor of changing it out.
Just buy a new one and be done with it IMO.

-Richard

2001 S8

+1. You're right there. Change it and forget it.

Dr. A8

I get it but it's already done. The problem is resolved and spending more money after the fact is far more expensive. If there is a problem with it, I'll deal with it when it comes.

pocketchange

Cure time is A little short IMO. Since this is basically the way the things are made, I think you have a good idea.. (i'm a cheap SOB ..) pc