I looked all over and can't seem to locate a DIY to replace the thermostat? Audi service manual suggests to remove the front bumper etc... Was hoping it wouldn't be such a big job. Any suggestions?

 

Looked all over? Really? https://www.audiforums.com/forum/gen...cation-177018/ .....lol

May as well just search tb/wp DIY cause its just smart while your in there...unless u did it recently.

 

Thanks for the link...however, I really wouldn't call that a DIY guide..more of a show-U-where-it-is..

I had the TB, WP, belts, tensioner , etc... all done about 50k ago. The thermostat is now shot.

 

I recently did the thermostat on my 30v. After doing it, I really believe that it should be done during the timing belt service.

To be honest, it was a pain. I read from some people that they were able to do it without putting the car into service position. I have no idea how they could manage that.

I pulled the bumper and swung the lock carrier out of the way. The real problem is that the thermostat is behind the timing belt. After removing the timing belt cover, I marked the belt with a paint marker (just in case). Then I wrapped zip ties around the belt and the cam gears. After removing the tension from the belt I could slide it toward the front side of the cam gears, particularly the passenger side cam. Then the thermostat housing can be removed/thermostat replaced.

If this will be your first time putting the car into the "service position", I found this link to be very helpful.

Audi A4 B5 2.8L V6 Timing Belt Replacement | Removal And Installation | | Happy Wrenching

 

I can't see how it could be done without removing the bumper either. This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks Bshusted.

 

I need to replace mine too. Why in the world did audi place the thermostat down there? This is one of those things that should be replaced every couple years and it's one of the hardest things to get to.

My neon was easy - done in about 10 minutes. lame.

 

If you buy an OEM thermostat and replace it at the same time as a timing belt service, it's not a problem. My issue was that the previous owner did not do the thermostat when the timing belt was done.

 

You're only 10k miles away from the smart timing change mileage anyway. Just do the whole job. You'll be torn down to the belt anyhow. Do the whole job rather than do all that work now, and then again in 10k miles.

 

The guy I bought the car from said he replaced the timing belt - and it looks that way.

The only reason I'm replacing the thermostat is the coolant gauge isn't working it was throwing a code and saying the coolant temp sensor needed to be replaced. After replacing it still didn't work. I know it could be the cluster, but the guy I bought this from seemed a little shady. So I thought I'd replace the thermostat and since I have to break it down to that far I figured I'd do the water pump too since I have no idea what was done on this car.

 

If you have no idea what has been done and have no proof of the timing service, you should just do everything. There is no need to risk ruining the engine over ~$200 worth of parts.