Try parking it with the front end lifted (up on a driveway, hill, etc.) and crank the heat to the highest setting. Not sure if Audis have bleeder screws built into the expansion tanks (a la BMW cars) but if they do, unscrew it open to let the system "burp" out the air trapped in the system. If that doesn't work, take it back to the guys who serviced your cooling system. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to help you out! Sometimes it takes a few "burping sessions" to get the air out. Believe me, I know. I used to drive a Bimmer E36! They're notorious for air in the cooling system!

 

Hi

Thanks for your reply.

Re no heat

I did take it back to Independent Tuning. I left the car with them.

I originally took the car in for a heater core flush, which they did..however now ....

The mechanic called me and said that water pump is leaking badly and needs to be replaced. 95 plus 385 labour plus he said i could do the timing belt while he is in there
This is really bizarre to me as I never had any leaks before the flush ..so what happened that wrecked my water pump? Did the flush damage my water pump?

I didnt have a good feeling about the diagnoses, so I just got my car out of that shop.

Also, I am not feeling good about Independent Tuning (at this point)


If anyone has any ideas or thoughts, I would appreciate it

Thanks very much

 

Read my first reply to you I said that you have pressure problem and it was your pump leaking in the first place
They leak every 100 000 km no matter what you do

 

I am surprised because Independent really has a good name in the Audi community. For sure get a second opinion to verify the diagnosis.

Let us know what happens.

 

Can you see fluid leaking under the car?

 

Hi

I took my car to the local Canadian Tire. (only place open today)
They quoted my 49.95 for a pressure test, so I thought what the heck, nothing to lose by 50 bucks.

I went into the shop and the mechanic did a pressure test with me . I was right there and we tested it to 15 PSI

We kept the pressure at 15 PSI for about 10 minutes while we checked under the car for leaks and couldn't see any at all.
He said "where is the leak"?

Then I mentioned the water pump diagnoses by Independent, and then we checked the water pump. A very very slight bubble was forming around the seal of the water pump. I am saying very small because it was hard for me to even verify that it was a bubble.
Then after 15 or 20 minutes we checked the pressure and it had dropped to about 13.5

Also the Canadian Tire mechanic said I might try try a coolant leak sealant because the leak is so small.

There didnt appear tp be a 'major leak" as reported by Mark at Independent Tuning.
This leaves me wondering, was I being sold a new water pump and timing belt that I didnt really have an urgent need for ?..or am I missing something?
I wouldnt want to falsely acuse Independent Tuning , but am very sceptical at this point.

Any thoughts?
Also any opinions on the coolant sealant?
There are various brands out there

Thanks

 

I can't comment on the leak/no leak issue other than I am glad you are seeking various opinions. I do caution you you rad lead sealants. I have heard nothing but bad things about them and do your research before using.

 

Use Rad Sealant and see your coolant temperature go to 180 degrees and oil temperature at 160 degrees.

From that point on Auto Wreckers is not only your destiny but it is your destination.

 

You're getting air somehow in the system.

 

Check to see if you got a "milky or caramel" looking substance on your oil cap or dip stick. If so, you have found where your coolant is running into! Usually a telltale sign of a blown headgasket and/or warped head. If not, I definitely would not recommend what Canadian Tyres suggested. Those "miracle" cures usually leads to other potential problems such as a clogged heater valve, etc.