I did 2004 a6 4.2 myself and thought it was an easy job. No way it takes 40hrs to do it all. Hardest part was cleaning out all the stop leak the previous owner dumped in there. Great cars.
I also have an '04 A8 and you are correct.. this job is a pain in the backside. It helps to have small hands and a good sense of touch. I needed to rip the front end off anyway to do complete timing component/coolant pump service. Several pump bolts were seized, what a job it was getting those out, even with the lock carrier out of the way. Replace that plastic coolant tube with a machined aluminum one, then no worries about future pipe rot.
You dont have to disassemble the entire front. Thats how Audi does it and estimates 8 hrs work time. Actually you can move the front into a "service mode" where the entire front is moved ~20 cm (8 inches) forward but everything except the bumper and the head lights stays connected. It is a bit crammed but it is enough space even to replace the timing belts. You need two long bolts that you swap with the ones that holds the front with 8(?) bolts to the studs. One bolt left, one bolt right. One stud is seen at 2:05. The squared tube with the 4 holes. Then you pull the entire assembly forward. First time it took me ~90 minutes to place the front in service mode. Next time it just took me 30 minutes. The guys in this video did a great job showing how to do the service mode: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oGwDYXFPKK4.html
Bruv.. you’re just complaining 😂 every car has its kinks… i agree it’s a hassle but it ain thag bad if a job to do especially if you’re as “mechanically inclined” as you keep saying over and over.. you just suck it up buttercup and turn a wrench and move on with the pride of knowing YOU did your own work! 😂 I’m doing the same exact world on mine now and have done a few.. Good way to make some extra cash to from helping others with theirs… Be blessed not stressed Bruv
bruv you couldve just took the subframe off, then supported the motor,(vice versa) took the passenger mount off then have space to remove the cooler etc, with a lil battle removing the cooler pipe itself some, then you can remove the cooler then replace the tube, then install everything in reverse accordingly. there's another video on it as well.
@@doylewebb77 nice, I have the same engine in a 2002 S6 wagon. Have a stupid oil leak right now almost as if oil is being poured out not coolant and I just redid the Valve covers and crank seal. Maybe I didn’t seat it right idk
