Audi A4 recently started leaking coolant and I couldn't find the leak so I took it to a local mechanic with which I have just started to build a relationship. They found the leak. It is coming from the hose where the coolant temperature sensor plugs in. I am told that the whole crossover pipe has to be replaced because it is one unit along with all of the seals, clips, washers, etc that go along with it. They have quoted me what consider to be a high price for a coolant hose replacement. Approx. $300 parts (106 for the hose) and $515 for the labor. To me this doesn't seem as labor intensive as they are projecting. Maybe there is something that I am missing? I really appreciate any advice, opinions or insight. Thanks in advance.

1/2/2013 4:57:07 PM

Every hose on a VW is a custom plastic part. They are terrible cars. I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this. You might can find a dealer online that offers cheaper parts, but don't expect the discount parts places to be much help.

The 3.0 is the worst engine to work on that VW makes. It wouldn't surprise me if you have to remove hood, bumper, grille, headlights, radiator and move the engine itself(or something similarly ridiculous), to replace that hose.

I mean, just look at this horrible abomination:


beethead can tell you more. Or you can pick up a service manual and see for yourself. Be careful not to break any of those other custom brittle plastic parts in the process; each of them costs an additional $100.

1/2/2013 5:11:48 PM

I was just about to ask if they need to take off the front of the car for that hose, wasn't sure where it was.

Have you tried negotiating with them, I'm usually able to get prices dropped especially if its a shop you use regularly.

1/2/2013 5:14:57 PM

Here's a shot of one from the rear. It might be doable just by removing all that plastic at the bottom of the windshield. Looks like $500 worth of fun to me.



[Edited on January 2, 2013 at 5:26 PM. Reason : .]

1/2/2013 5:25:45 PM

Yea. I hate working on the car. It's my girlfriend's and is a complete nightmare to do ANYTHING aside from an oil change on. Even the spark plugs are hard to change. Just was amazed by the cost for a coolant line replacement. The responses are much appreciated.

1/2/2013 5:35:59 PM

do you have the part number?

06c121085h would be the one that runs across the back, and dealer list is only $85. There is a LOT of stuff back there, so it is labor intensive.

Quote :

"The 3.0 is the worst engine to work on that VW makes."

no, sir. 2.7t is worse, and the 4.2 is no picnic either.

1/3/2013 10:55:07 AM

They are charging around $100 for the pipe. But they also have a million other small clips,seals, pipes, temp sensor, etc making the parts total around $300. I questioned them about replacing parts that I didn't need and they said they price everything in that they might have to replace and will take it off if they don't have to replace it. They said that Audi uses cheap brittle plastic that deteriorates so often things break when trying to disconnect/reconnect. A friend of mine who is a mechanic said this was true and they were just covering their ass by not under quoting. I had a passat that i used to do my own work on and remember the hoses crumbling in my hand so I also believe this to be true. I reiterated that I did not want to replace anything that wasn't broken and that I wanted to reuse as many parts as possible. Also asking for my old parts back. The labor is where I thought I was getting hosed. $500 seemed ridiculous but the more people I talk to the more it sounds like it is a little high but not outrageous. A friend recommended a guy (master mechanic) that he knows that could do the work cheaper out of his garage but I've got a difficult schedule to work with and don't think it's gonna work out. Think I'm just gonna bite the bullet and have the work done and pay this time. I really appreciate the responses and if I'm making a mistake please call me out. At least I will know to find a new mechanic for the next job I need done.

1/3/2013 11:24:11 AM

I would get a quote from beethead (apex tuning) before settling for a higher price

1/3/2013 12:45:12 PM