The notorious Dentist drill noise!!! Help with ?

[megamike]

I recently got my 2000 S4 chip last month. I don’t push that car hard, but last night I heard the notorious Dentist drill noise that I been reading so much about. I read in pervious post many time about how much it cost to replace the turbo (6,000.00) or more. Thinking about it was just stressing me out I couldn’t even sleep last night. The next day I took it in to my mechanic and he said it was just the power steering pump and hose making that sound, which I told him to just replace which was going to cost 700.00. What a relieve! I took the car into get it fix and he calls me back a hour later and tell me that the noise is coming from the passenger side turbo. That when the headache came back. So I start to complain about how much the turbo cost and how you have to pull the engine out to remove the old one and install the new one. That when he lifted the car up and look at where the turbo is located and calls over the other mechanics. Then they said that it can be done without the engine removed and he estimate 4 hours. I told him that is impossible but he assured me that it can be done and that he wouldn’t want to do all that work to replace the turbo. He even tell me that he change the timing belt without taking off the bumper.

I love my car and I want to keep it, but recently I been laid off and spending 6k on some K04 and labor is out of the question as of right now.

Since my mechanic is saying that he can replace it without removing the engine I was think of getting some used KO3 and replace one or even getting a pair of new K03 and replacing them both.

So my question is that is my mechanic wrong? He never replaces the turbo on the s4 before but he think he can do it without removing the engine. There was pervious post about this topic but it wasn’t any help.

Also how much is it really to replace two turbo? What should I do at this point when money is a issue…

[galvan11]

This is why s4's aren't for everyone. I learned the hard way just like you.
Yes the turbos can be replaced without pulling the engine, as its been done before numerous times. In your case I would put in a used k03,sell the car and run..Goodluck

[megamike]

So what did you do in your case... did you go with the K04 upgrade. Also I was thinking about fixing the car cheap with some used set of k03 and it keeping it if it was really 400.00 to replace them without talking out the engine.

[Reaxion]

I've heard of places charging turbo installs for as low as $1,400.00. Look around and get some quotes. For 6K someone could go stage 3. Pick up used K03's, they aren't terribly expensive. If you shop around I'm sure you could get the whole thing done for 3K or less. Check classifieds.

Don't stress too much. If there's a will, there's a way.

[fixn2xlr8]

I've heard of places charging turbo installs for as low as $1,400.00. Look around and get some quotes. For 6K someone could go stage 3. Pick up used K03's, they aren't terribly expensive. If you shop around I'm sure you could get the whole thing done for 3K or less. Check classifieds.

Don't stress too much. If there's a will, there's a way.

I went stage 3 with labor for less than 8k.

[Evilevo]

I went stage 3 with labor for less than 8k.

Wow, you guys need to learn to shop around. I went full Stage 3+ with RS6ss and DPs for 5k including labor

[AudiHolicS4]

Wow, you guys need to learn to shop around. I went full Stage 3+ with RS6ss and DPs for 5k including labor

yea well you get all the good deals then cause most people dont have those kind of connections BTW when my turbos blow you think you could hook me up lol

Edit- sry to the person above but i havent had to deal witht this yet soo i really cant give you any input but i would say check around normally things tend to work out

[Evilevo]

yea well you get all the good deals then cause most people dont have those kind of connections BTW when my turbos blow you think you could hook me up lol

Edit- sry to the person above but i havent had to deal witht this yet soo i really cant give you any input but i would say check around normally things tend to work out

I can try, we can see what i can do for you

[megamike]

They’re a AZ member that selling K03 that he claims got 60k on them for 200.00. Should I get those put them in my car or there also a seller on eBay that got rebuilt K03 turbochargers with brand new OEM center cartridge for 1000.00.

I also talk to another mechanic in Miami who said if you drop the sub frame you can remove the turbo’s. He also said there other trick you can do to remove them like taking out the engine mounts and jacking up the engine a little.

If that the case labor is 400.00 I might just go with some K03 for right now until I got some more fund for some k04.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Audi-...3A1|240%3A1318

[Videlov]

My k03s are getting really close to popping. I get a nice loud dentist drill when they are spooling up, and if I actually go WOT there's a weird drill noise.

[MacDaddy]

My k03s are getting really close to popping. I get a nice loud dentiestdrill when they are spooling up, and if I actually go WOT there's a weird drill noise.

my passenger side turbo howls like a banshee especially when cold, but i got a replacemet turbo on the bench ready to be installed.

[Videlov]

my passenger side turbo howls like a banshee especially when cold, but i got a replacemet turbo on the bench ready to be installed.

Yeah but does it make noise when in WOT?

[megamike]

So since you guys turbo are going out are you planning are replacing them with k03 or k04 and who doing the labor….. are you replacing both or just one…
How long can I drive my car till the turbo dies out….

[Videlov]

Local fellow AZers or some reputable shops.

[MAKK]

I have a set with around 70K on them. Car was not chipped until I bought it. I only put around 2800 miles on the car. Never went over 15 psi. and the car was only chipped for a few weeks, then pulled the motor, etc. for single project. PM if you are interested. They are boxed and ready to ship already.

[rick_chicago]

There's no way to confirm. There have been forum members here driving for months or years with the dentist drill/police siren sound with no other effects. Others had them blow in days or weeks.

The general consensus is our cars should be driven out of boost until OIL TEMPS get above 175-200. OIL TEMPS...not engine temp. I follow that rule religiously, and my drilling turbo has been giving me all 18 psi the GIAC asks for. I've had the drill noise since at least this past spring.

I am prepared for the trip to CPT in Chicago for K04's, the hardware and downpipes - on the current chip - for a stage 3- tune. And I am expecting that to set me back $5k or more.

Good luck.

[///M3 TO S4]

YOU CAN NOT REPLACE THE TURBOS WITH THE MOTOR IN THE CAR....I'VE DONE TWO SWAPS, IT'S JUST NOT POSSIBLE. Sure, we've "heard" that you can, but no one has proof that it has been done. I bet you drop it off with him and he says it can be done, but you get a call back saying it can't be done. Sorry about the mis-fortune man, but these car's are not one of gamble with unless you have lots of money laying around, or an un-tapped credit card. Good luck.

[megamike]

What is the deal….. I called around San Francisco and ¼ of the shop said then can do it. And also the shop I talk to said they could do timing belt without taking out the front bumper. I don’t know what the deal is but my mechanic said he could do two k03 if I bring it in for 500.00 labors and what ever parts needed. I am just going give him the benefit of the doubt and let him do it.
Ohh yeah he said that whom ever that need to take a bumper off an s4 to do a timing belt is not really an experiences mechanic.

galvan11

Yes the turbos can be replaced without pulling the engine, as its been done before numerous times.

///M3 TO S4

YOU CAN NOT REPLACE THE TURBOS WITH THE MOTOR IN THE CAR....I'VE DONE TWO SWAPS, IT'S JUST NOT POSSIBLE.

M3 TO S4 HOW experiences ARE YOU AS A MECHANIC

Maybe is because some mechanics choose to thing this the hard way and also in the long run is the easy WAY and they can make the most out of jacking Audi owner doesn’t mean that it UNPOSSIABLE.

ME FAIL ENGLISH! UNPOSSIABLE!

[s42k5b]

Do yourself a favor and bring your car to someone who ACTUALLY WORKS ON AUDI'S. I would love to see someone do a TB job without taking the bumper off!

[Sleeeper X]

Tell him fine, you'll pay for 4 hours of labor and not a cent more. and if anything breaks he's paying for it.

[gointoscott]

YES YOU CAN REPLACE TURBO'S WITHOUT REMOVING ENGINE.

There is an Audi mechanic that does it here in Milwaukee. He said he made some special tools to get to the bolts to remove the turbo's.

you can raise the engine a little like some suggested, and I think by removing the front axle shafts it helps give you more room to get to the turbo's.

Most prefer to pull engine so you can replace clutch (which is good idea for those who put K04's in) Also to replace the engine mounts - they are known for going bad. So to do it right you will want to remove the engine.

But that doesnt mean you have to. But dont replace just one turbo. They wear evenly in pairs, so if one goes, be sure and replace both.

You can go used, but I would go rebuilt or new, dont go through hassle to replace them to have a set of used ones go again shortly on you.


Also how loud is the sound? Is it blowing white-bluish smoke? does it go into boost?

If they are just noisy but car runs fine and goes into boost, you may not have to replace them now. could give you some time to save some or get back to work and then you can get them fixed. Just an idea.

Hope the best for you man.

[///M3 TO S4]

What is the deal….. I called around San Francisco and ¼ of the shop said then can do it. And also the shop I talk to said they could do timing belt without taking out the front bumper. I don’t know what the deal is but my mechanic said he could do two k03 if I bring it in for 500.00 labors and what ever parts needed. I am just going give him the benefit of the doubt and let him do it.
Ohh yeah he said that whom ever that need to take a bumper off an s4 to do a timing belt is not really an experiences mechanic.

galvan11

Yes the turbos can be replaced without pulling the engine, as its been done before numerous times.

///M3 TO S4

YOU CAN NOT REPLACE THE TURBOS WITH THE MOTOR IN THE CAR....I'VE DONE TWO SWAPS, IT'S JUST NOT POSSIBLE.

M3 TO S4 HOW experiences ARE YOU AS A MECHANIC

Maybe is because some mechanics choose to thing this the hard way and also in the long run is the easy WAY and they can make the most out of jacking Audi owner doesn’t mean that it UNPOSSIABLE.

ME FAIL ENGLISH! UNPOSSIABLE!

I'm not going to get into an argument with you, you can't do it, simple as that. If you look at the book labor hours it's 30+, which low-and-behold involves pulling the motor according to ANY labor rate book. I'm pretty damn mechanically proficient, but i'm no professional.. Search for my write-up I did on stage 3 swaps...most complete to date. The "easist" way is to drop the whole sub-frame/suspension/motor out the bottom if you have a lift...but that still means removing the motor.


Anyone who has done a turbo swap, please chime in and explain how there is NO room, even with the motor "jacked up". I'm not trying to be a dick, but until you've done a swap, you wouldn't understand. Like I said, give me PROOF that someone has done it, not just "a mechanic told me". Pulling the motor is the ONLY proven method.

YES YOU CAN REPLACE TURBO'S WITHOUT REMOVING ENGINE.

There is an Audi mechanic that does it here in Milwaukee. He said he made some special tools to get to the bolts to remove the turbo's.

you can raise the engine a little like some suggested, and I think by removing the front axle shafts it helps give you more room to get to the turbo's.

Raising up the motor on just one side isn't possible on this cars....been there, tried that for over an hour. The other side turbo gets caught on the frame NOT allowing the opposite side to come up. I'm not making this shit up just to hear myself talk. Taking the manifold to turbo bolts is all fine and good, but you CAN NOT get to the main coolant banjo bolt on top of the turbo with it in the car...it's hard enough getting it out with the motor sitting on the ground. If he can do it, he's some sort-of stretch arm-strong. Like I said, not trying to be a dick, just stating the truth since i've been there, done that twice now. I'm not some sort of audi expert, but I know whats logical, and what's not.

Do yourself a favor and bring your car to someone who ACTUALLY WORKS ON AUDI'S. I would love to see someone do a TB job without taking the bumper off!

Thank-you, the "mechanic" sounds like he's blowing a load of smoke up this guys ass. Timing belt with the front bumper on..lololol. He's going to get this guy in there, and be like "yeah, I was wrong, this is going to cost a bit more than I thought".

[galvan11]

///M3 TO S4.......I am no expert in any way, but my turbos were replaced on my own car without dropping the engine by an audi tech. Don't ask me details on how, because I did not do the swap myself. He said by dropping the subframe and removing the front axle did the job. There is another local mechanic that has done several ko4 swaps and uses the same technique as the tech. Props to you for doing the swap yourself but you cant speak for everyone by saying "Pulling the motor is the ONLY proven method" when its clearly not the only way. Others should chime in on this.

As to doing the tb job, yes I have done that job myself , and lol to changing it without removing the front bumper. I have never heard of that as an option.

To the OP, swap both turbos with rebuilt ko3's if on a budget. Cheapest alternative and gives you a peace of mind. Like others have said, take it to someone who works on audi's, or just tell that mechanic your only paying 500 and if anything goes wrong, he is liable.

[JD797]

I say get something in writing stating that you're only going to be paying for 4-5 hours of labor and that if anything is damaged or goes wrong due to him not properly replacing them, that he is at fault and have him sign it

[///M3 TO S4]

///M3 TO S4.......I am no expert in any way, but my turbos were replaced on my own car without dropping the engine by an audi tech. Don't ask me details on how, because I did not do the swap myself. He said by dropping the subframe and removing the front axle did the job. There is another local mechanic that has done several ko4 swaps and uses the same technique as the tech. Props to you for doing the swap yourself but you cant speak for everyone by saying "Pulling the motor is the ONLY proven method" when its clearly not the only way. Others should chime in on this.

As to doing the tb job, yes I have done that job myself , and lol to changing it without removing the front bumper. I have never heard of that as an option.

To the OP, swap both turbos with rebuilt ko3's if on a budget. Cheapest alternative and gives you a peace of mind. Like others have said, take it to someone who works on audi's, or just tell that mechanic your only paying 500 and if anything goes wrong, he is liable.

dropping the sub-frame WOULD include pulling the motor....out of the bottom....as I mentioned above. The motor mounts are ON the sub-frame....so sub-frame comes down, motors coming with it. You would only have to lower the motor 8-10 inches down, but that is still removing the motor. With the motor completely in its stock place, it's not possible.

[megamike]

This mechanic I am talking about work on my s4 and my a4 for years and his more like a friend too. He’s not that type of person that blow smoke up people ass.

Is hard finding a trusting mechanic because most of them will milk you for all that your worth. I told him that unprofessional on this form doubt that he can do a timing belt on a S4 without removing the bumper. He just laughs and said, “Whatever don’t believe everything you read on the forms. “ His dad been a mechanic for 25 plus years and he been one for 10 years and this is a creditable shop. These guy are professional they been in this business all there life I am sure they know what they are doing.

I found a couple other link where people said yes it can be done, they also state that is better to replace the engine mounts and the clutch and other things on the way. That sound great and all, but my car is automatic and my engine mounts are fine.

The cars sound like a whistling noise when driven normal, but when is in WOT you can hear the dentist drill noise. It goes into to boost fine but the car, but the car doesn’t seem to pull as hard as it does before. The car doesn’t smoke at all.

Since He said he could do it for 500.00 I am just going to give him the benefit of the doubt. I think am going to go with some new or rebuilt KO3’s for the time till I get my money together. The car drive fine and it goes into boost so I am going to milk it as much as I can. What is the worst that can happen beside the turbo going out?

I don’t see how most of the young kids that post on this form can afford to go stage 3 and get happy with their turbo goes out. Must be some Richs kids.

http://www.audiforums.com/forum/arch...ex.php/t-86456
http://forums.thecarlounge.net/zerothread?id=3404638

[megamike]

why can't they design the turbo to be more accessible?....somthing more like this...

[galvan11]

///M3 TO S4... I don't want to get in a debate with you because I definitely don't have the credentials. All im stating is that the motor was not fully taken out on my car to swap turbos.

OP....When my passenger turbo blew, my car lost ALL boost and lots of smoke blew out the exhaust. By driving it home, oil got everywhere including my cats and I had to get new ones.They are not cheap. FYI, these cars are not cheap to maintain so expect more ridiculous random expenses in the future.

[AudiSportB5S4]

As to doing the tb job, yes I have done that job myself , and lol to changing it without removing the front bumper. I have never heard of that as an option.

hahaha, that was a good one. I would like to see that happen.

[CONTROL ONE]

why can't they design the turbo to be more accessible?....somthing more like this...

God damn that's beautiful.

And ya, I miss working on my DSM that's for sure. Everything was reachable without issue at all.

You could have the turbo out in 15 mins.

[RolledMySTi]

I heard of people replacing turbo without pulling the whole drivetrain, but it has be a bitch and they must have some special tools. I'm in the middle of my stage 3 swap and it was a bitch to get to half the bolts on the turbo with the motor swinging on a chain. Also the factory manual says to remove the motor.

I really don't see how you would do the timing belt with the bumper on and I have never heard of anyone doing this. Also having done my own timing belt I don't see why you would want to leave the bumper on. It's takes all of 5 minutes to remove and once again is part of the factory manual procedure.

Either way megamike if your buddy says he can do it for $500 I would hold him to it because it will be a pain in the ass.

I am in the middle of my stage 3 swap and have some used K03's that I could sell you if you still need some. They have 93k miles, but are in great condition. I am replacing them because I have to replace my clutch and I want more power. I'm just down in San Jose so you could come check them out and take them to your mechanic to get his opinion on their condition before you buy. Let me know.

[RedRocketS4]

He even tell me that he change the timing belt without taking off the bumper.

How little is this mechanic? 3'0" 26lbs soaking wet and made out of tooth picks? or is he mr. fantastic from the fantastic 4... that would be cool cause then you could diagnose and fix anything...

seriously though, have you opened your hood and looked down between the timing belt cover and the radiator support? yeah... there's a bunch of crap there.

that mechnic is full of $hit.

[megamike]

You guys are funny man. No he not Mr. fantastic from the fantastic 4. But he could fix almost anything and plus he pretty humble dude. He not the type to B.S. …. And yeah when he said he done it before I pop the hood and question him myself. I was like how the hell you get your hand in there, you must really got small ass hands. He like no as long as I can get my tools in there I can do it, here just enough room to work with.
People used to think that is unpossible for a man to go to the moon or even having a black president. So maybe he can do, you guys keep laughing on the forms man…..
As for my buddy who said he can do it for 500.00, I mean shit I am just going to give him the benefit of the doubt that he can do it, he not the type that going half ass the job. Why pull out the motor when you can just replace them as is. I am not cheap but there other things I can spend my 3 grand on labor on… like one of those Samsung 50 inch flat screen and a PS3.

I am in the middle of my stage 3 swap and have some used K03's that I could sell you if you still need some. They have 93k miles, but are in great condition. I am replacing them because I have to replace my clutch and I want more power. I'm just down in San Jose so you could come check them out and take them to your mechanic to get his opinion on their condition before you buy. Let me know.

thanks for the offer RolledMySTi, but I looking for some K03 with lower miles or some rebuild ones for a reasonable price.

[galvan11]

Well I was agreeing with your mechanic that the turbos can be swapped without removing the engine because apparently thats the way mine were swapped.
As to the timing belt, it makes no sense to leave it on. It only takes maybe 5 minutes to remove it like RolledMySTi said.
Seriously diy with a friend and learn to turn a wrench. Most s4 owners have forced themselves to learn to work on their car.

[Mantis]

I read just about every post, having pulled my engine and knowing exactly how much room is available, I would say it is not impossible, just not probable. I think Galvan mentioned something about customized tools, that would deifnitely help, but realistically 4 hours sounds a bit low on the quote, I would be surprised if he could do one side with the motor in place in that amount of time. On a side note, if you blow your turbo and are looking for a buyer, look me up, I am in need of a project car