Well it's been about 3 months now that I have been notecing a smell of gas after filling the car up, and last week I seen a huge puddle of fuel under the gas tank. I did some searching but nothing answered my question. I read that to drop the tank you have to take out the axel. Is that true? Basically has anyone else had this problem and what is the best way to go about fixing it. I looked under the car and I could see a trace of fuel coming from the top of the tank.. I was planning on dropping the tank this weakend, is there any tricks to it... BTW 01 audi A4 1.8T.

 

Just fill it up 2/3 of the way.
Then it probably wont leak.
I had a similar issue with my last car. If it was full it would leak, if less than full, it was fine. So i just never filled it up.

To properly fix, you need to remove the tank and repair/replace it.

I doubt its easy, but sorry, I cant elaborate, I know nothing about dropping the tank on this car. there's a tech on here that may be able to help you though, just check back after a while. And please refrain from smoking while the tank is nearly full.

 

Yeah forgot to mention.. Do to the fact that it leaks, it is giving me a cel. So I can't get the car inspected.. So just filling 2/3 wont work...

 

go back through the posts and you will see more on this topic. I had to have mine replaced ($3K btw). They take out the back seat as well. residual gas smell as a result has made my car smell like an old volvo (no offense vnv). Not safe to leave a leaky gas tank though so repair is probably not a choice. Also, not covered by federal emmissions warranty so unless you are under factory, your looking at a fun bill. I did it with a stealership but I do like them. You might get it cheaper somewhere else. It will throw an emissions code however. Good Luck.

 

3K for a fuel tank wtf... I did search and found nothing helpfull. I found one post that said that the axels had to be dropped for the tank to come out. Is that true. Do I have to drop my tank, do my seats pull up or something.. I just payed $1,600 for timing belt, and was hoping that guys would fix the fuel leak but he didn't want to mess with and now it's up to me.. Just looking for some advice from someone who has actually done it...