Leaking Sunroof or Clogged Drain Plugs?

[jesterekim]

Hello all, been awhile since I posted here. Hope everyone's doing well.

I just got my driver side tie rod assembly replaced along with the axles (both cv boot were ripped with no grease, wonder how long I was driving like that for.)

Anyways, got a slight problem. I don't know if the sunroof isn't closing properly or if there's a leakage OR if the drain plugs are clogged. I found this article: http://www.audiworld.com/tech/ext61.shtml and I think I'm going to try that first. I'm just trying to make sure WHAT the problem is. And I'm having a hard time finding speedometer cable ANYWHERE. Been to Autozone and R&S Strauss, and they have nothing. Anyone recommend me something similar to the speedometer cable that I can fish thru the drain plugs?

Also, check these pictures out. The rear pillars on the driver side gets wet after a carwash and carwash ONLY. It rained pretty hard a few days ago and I was driving around for 2 hours in the rain, and the pillar was dry. WTH? Anyone know anything or done something to fix this? Here are the pics.





Thanks in advance for the inputs.

[JDM EJ1 95]

mine has the same thing..

i dont know what it is

but i have some on the front panels too by the windshield


autozone DOES have that cable... its located behind the counter with all the other speedo cables.. its a universal speedo cable repair kit.


(i was a manager at autozone)

[RxDlr]

I've had this same issue. I don't know if audio ever recalled those tubes you may want to check on it. I know theres a way you can clean them but if you have marks on the door pillars from the water I don't think those come out

[JDM EJ1 95]

im pretty sure a light solution of water/soap will get most of it out.

[dgrs4sd]

I have the same thing and thought the guy who owned it before me was spraying salt water all over the car.

Going to clean mine today and I will let you all know what works best.

[AddICTioN]

I have the same as well. Was planning on trying to blow the line clean with my air compressor or try the cable thing. Anyone successfully cleared the line?

[B5swede]

I have the same water marks on my C-Pillars too, the marks clean off with a sponge and water, but next time the car gets wet new stains appear. I always figured the drain plugs were clogged, but hadn't found any write-up on how to address it. Thanks, Im gonna check out the link.

[big_greasy_taco]

Is there anyway to get an air compressor to the drain-tube up top? It could be possible to blow it out without taking off the bumper.

[BITRBO]

I have the exact same thing on all four pillars, and just figured the sunroof was leaking... The staining almost looks like a crusty salt residue, so I just thought is was from living near the ocean (salt spray, then rain, etc.). But come to think of it, I think it might only be happening after car washes, cause I wash my car A LOT... so the staining must be from the soap.

Anyways, I'm gonna read up on that DIY to clean the lines but I would also like to know if someone has tried compressed air... IDK, but that would seem to be the easiest most efficient way of clearing the lines.

Any updates OP?

[jesterekim]

It's clear that there are many S4's with this same problem. I'm assuming its a design flaw on the drain tubes. The stains come off easily, and yes, its from the carwashes.

Let's keep eachother posted on the problems. I will go to autozone again to seek out the speedometer wire. Good luck everyone.

[jesterekim]

Is there anyway to get an air compressor to the drain-tube up top? It could be possible to blow it out without taking off the bumper.

Doubt this. The speedometer cable method seems the best. Also, taking off the rear bumper is pretty simple.

[jesterekim]

I've had this same issue. I don't know if audio ever recalled those tubes you may want to check on it. I know theres a way you can clean them but if you have marks on the door pillars from the water I don't think those come out

Washes up very easily with soap and water. Thank god,

[jesterekim]

autozone DOES have that cable... its located behind the counter with all the other speedo cables.. its a universal speedo cable repair kit.


(i was a manager at autozone)

Can you go to my local Autozone and bitch at them? I asked the counter guy and he gave me a firm, "NO." I just have to ask for that brand or just speedometer cables?

[JDM EJ1 95]

use the part number.. and say its a "help" number.. off of the box in the picture.

[BITRBO]

Doubt this. The speedometer cable method seems the best. Also, taking off the rear bumper is pretty simple.

Hmm, that sucks. I guess I have to see where the tube is located, but I'd imagine if you can get a speedo cable to it, you can get an air hose/nozzle too... You might have to jerry-rig something, but still.

I'll give it a go and see what happens

[jesterekim]

Just went to Autozone and got the last speedometer cable they had. (Thank you again, JDM)

I will try to fish the cable thru the drain plugs this week.

[dennisS4]

Hi everyone, I have noticed the same problem only on the rear pillars. Has anyone gone to Audi and see what they will do about it if anything? I'm going to try the speedo cable idea and clean it up as is stands and see if this problems goes away or lessens. Theres always something keeping you busy with this car.

[dgrs4sd]

I recently just did this DIY and it worked great. I used "Tough Stuff" from Autozone and it did and AMAZING job cleaning up the stains in seconds.

I actually cleaned the whole headliner as the pillars looked brand new after I was done.

I do wish there was a way to push air or water from the top drain holes down to make sure that they are completely clean. From what I could tell the accesses were hidden under the sunroof...

[jesterekim]

I do wish there was a way to push air or water from the top drain holes down to make sure that they are completely clean. From what I could tell the accesses were hidden under the sunroof...

That's why you have to remove the rear bumper and push the cable from bottom to the top of the sunroof.

[AMC]

if ur experiencing this on the driver side u dont even have to take the bumper off, just simply go where the 6cd changer is located, pull the hose and run the wire thru there, you can do the same in the pass side but ull have to remove the carpet panel but its better than removing the bumper and possibly giving you a fitment issue when trying to reinstall it

[BITRBO]

if ur experiencing this on the driver side u dont even have to take the bumper off, just simply go where the 6cd changer is located, pull the hose and run the wire thru there, you can do the same in the pass side but ull have to remove the carpet panel but its better than removing the bumper and possibly giving you a fitment issue when trying to reinstall it

daaamn, that's really good to know! I was NOT wanting to take the bumper off. On a side note, why couldn't one blow compressed air through those tubes from the bottom, up? I mean, if you can access the tubes from the rear enough to run a throttle cable through them, why not air? I'd probably opt to try both just to be sure

[AMC]

daaamn, that's really good to know! I was NOT wanting to take the bumper off. On a side note, why couldn't one blow compressed air through those tubes from the bottom, up? I mean, if you can access the tubes from the rear enough to run a throttle cable through them, why not air? I'd probably opt to try both just to be sure

i was thinking of that but i didnt want to blow dirty shit all over my interior and if it was clogged badly i didnt want to risk blowing the drain tube

[AMC]

oh i think i should get some reputation points for that guys...lmao

[BITRBO]

done!