s4me2

I'm at about 17,000 miles on an '00 S4. I haven't been experiencing any real loss of boost, but decided to pull the infamous TBB to take a look. Sure enough, just as Don P. discovered, I had some deep cracks right under where the underside of the clamp's screws dig in to the TBB's rubber flanges. Thankfully, the cracks had not worked all the way through to the interior sides. I ordered the new TBB and clamps at the local dealer. In the meantime, I've patched the existing TBB using a bike tube repair kit. Also, coated the 'points' on inside of the clamps with liquid rubber..hopefully they won't cut into the TBB any further.

Anyone had problems with the rubber tubing further downstream toward the turbos?

Jim De Arras

Please just replace the TBB, you risk too much with the patches, the TBB expands and also gets much hotter than a bike tire patch was designed to handle. The patch piece may come loose and get sucked into the engine!

Don't mess with the air system on this car, mistakes are too costly.

s4me2

Patches on on the exterior side, right under the clamp. No chance of getting sucked into the engine

Innovator

Ya!

Jim De Arras

OK, but on any air path problem, I would just park the car until I could fix it right!

s4me2

I feel ok driving the car. Of course, if it ruptures between now and when the new TBB comes in, it'll be parked until the repair can be done.

Jim De Arras

Especially be careful NOT to suddenly drop the throttle with boost on, that causes the highest spikes.

s4me2

Are you aware of probs with these?

jsbear

The TBB is a low cost item, don't patch it.