96 a4 2.8, anyone replace the thermostat with out taking the entire front end off like a timing belt job. I just did the timing belt, water pump and thermostate last week, look like the thermostat is sticking open.....it sucks, so can i squeaze in there and do it with out disassemble the entire front end again...

 

pas possible mes ami

 

if your REALLLY flexible and have steady hands like grasshopper than yes... haha other whys then no.. but if you so desire go for it...

 

You don't need to take off the front end completely, just take out the bumper support bolts and insert it in one of the lock carrier bolts so the front end hangs on the bolts instead of the radiator hoses, this is what mechanics do at the dealer, no body fully removes the front end.
It is possible to remove the thermostat without putting the lock carrier in service mode, but its harder than just putting the front end in service position......trust me.

 

your > you're

than > then

other whys > otherwise

just to name a few in such a short reply


that's just for the OP just in case it was not understood.

 

that's > That's

 

I did it without removing much at all 2 hours, just clutch fan, tenennier pully, acc belt , timing covers and slid timming belt 90 percent off the pullys, not bad at all.......could do it again in 1 hour, then again i'm use to working on jetskis and motorcycles so limited space is my speciality.