so I was at the dealership today getting an oil change, and the mechanic asks me about some coolant aroma. He decides to throw in a free radiator check, and later tells me that there is a small leak. He quoted the part at about $350 and labour at $375. Just wondering about the severity of the issue, and any good alternative locations in the GTA (preferably near brampton). I am not a DIY-er yet so thats obviously out of the question and I want only audi parts, and at the very least, only shops that specialize in Audi cars.The mechanic tells me that these leaks can get quite troublesome. Sucks...I just forked out some money to fix O2 sensors.

 

anybody know of any better prices or better shops? How severe is a coolant/radiator leak??

 

Your first problem is that you are going to the dealer for oil changes.

Keep a close eye on your coolant level. Have you had to add any? Replacement radiator is in the range of 120-150 USD on line. I would guess that a shop would charge 2 hours labor to replace.

 

+1 I have a radiator leak. But it holds pressure and the temp is always normal. Depending on my driving I gotta add a little water now and then. Replacing a radiator is actually not difficult, if you're not under warranty it really helps to DIY this kinda stuff. You can find radiators for much less than $350, and what hes charging in labor is ridiculous.

 

I have a pinhole leak that drips fluid down the inside of the radiator. I found a new radiator for less than $150 shipped. I havn't put it in yet but doing the research makes it seem like a straight forward job. A non dealer quoted me around $400 for the part and labour, if you look around you can at least cut $700 to $400. If you are interested in replacing yourself, the Timing Belt tech articles will give you the know how.

 

I have small leak on the bottom left part of my radiatror. Is there any way to fix it, or should I just get a new one?

 

Its not too bad of a DIY, just buy an aftermarket rad and replace it. Dont forget to use g12 coolant as well.

 

You can do this in less than an hour with a 6mm Allen wrench and 10mm socket (plus a couple others) - ok click HERE and do everything up till the "take the radiator off" the hardest part is getting the demon bumper off. DIY maybe 1 to 1-1/2 hours after you get the bumper off if you have no clue what you are doing.