2005 Audi A4 Losing Anti Freeze

DAVEPUT

MEMBER
2005 AUDI A4
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
51,000 MILES

I bought my car at 42,000 miles and within 9,000 miles the coolant tube had to be refilled twice. I noticed leakage underneath front center, but not enough to lose a whole tub. Brought the car back to the dealership, they did a pressure check and it came back with no issues. What could be causing the leakage? The leakage underneath seems to be when the car is not in use over 12 hours and in cold weather (under 30 degrees).

updated 2/23/09
Thanks for the reply. The dealership is not an Audi dealer, they're a VW. A question on your response in regards to the water pump. Wouldn't a pressure check identify a water pump malfunction? Or is it a seal within the pump?

Thanks.

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi:
Is the dealer an Audi dealer? If not, have them check the water pump. This is a somewhat common issue.

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Saturday, February 21st, 2009 AT 7:51 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

A pressure test could identify it if you could see the water pump. I believe the pump is run by the timing belt on the 2.0L and under a cover. Plus, when you say it leaks after it's turned off makes me believe that even more. You see, when the engine is hot and running, water circulates keeping the engine cool. When you shut it, the circulation stops and the coolant sits in one spot almost boiling. Thus, it builds the most pressure then.

If you are going to a VW dealer, they should be fine with an Audi. Just make sure they have checked the water pump. Just to give you an example of how hard it is to get to one, the first thing you need to do to work on it is to gain access to the front of the engine, the front bumper must be removed and the hood lock carrier assembly moved forward to the service position. If you have the 1.8L I believe it is run by a serp belt.

Let me know which engine you have so I can be more exact.

Joe
PS: For some reason, your response didn't come to me directly. The group moderator sent it to me, so I'm sorry it took so long to get back with you. I always check my email, morning, afternoon, and evening. It's 9:30 PM here now so time to hit the sack, but I will check my mail in the AM by 9:00.

Joe