a metal pole just went through my grill....

[kak39]

Got to love the christmas spirit. Driving down a highway H1 infront of me drives over the metal pole, it bounces up and wam right into the front of my grill. I pull over, open the hood and it was wedged above my radiator and sticking out the front of the grill.

Damage. It doesn't look too bad the grill looks like its missing a tooth and the radiator just looks scratched. I did not see anything leaking, but I heard a hiss from the front when I turned the car off. I'm not sure if this is normal, because there are alot of weird noises when turning the car off normally.

What should I check for? anything that comes to mind?

[kak39]

Crap...it's still hissing.

[Audituning02]

either needs a radiator or a/c condenser if i had to guess

[kak39]

Is it safe to drive to the dealer (~ 20 miles). I don't see any warning lights or heat issues. The coolant is still full and no leaks. Just hissing still.

[Great White]

^ I'd call the dealer.
Sorry to hear that, it sucks.

[kak39]

Just called. Hopefully their service guy Tommy can give me an idea of what to do...got to love this stuff around christmas

[kak39]

Believe it's the AC condenser. The coolant is not leaking and I think the AC condenser sits infront of the radiator.

How much we talking for the dealer to fix the condenser

[S1LVERBULLET119]

Parts and labor are going to be alot. Have to drain,replace condensor, and refill. I'd say probably about 8-900 at dealer prices, maybe more

[Q-Ball]

Sorry to hear about the freak accident...

do you have a pic?

[kak39]

Will take pics when I get home. I saved the metal pole as well. Might put it under the tree ;-)

Is this something that can wait until the warmer months? Don't really need the A/C now

[CZA420tAvant]

go though insurance man... good luck

[kak39]

dam $500 deducatable on comprehensive...I guess that's better than the 1k+ i will get slammed with at the dealership. I wonder how much my rates will go up after that claim though.

Anyone got any ideas for a new front grill for me ;-). Currently I have the S-line titanium (black) ...of course with a tooth missing.

[Great White]

I wonder if you rates would go up because of this... I hate to say that but... maybe you should call your insurance rep too :-)

[kak39]

Is this collison or comprehensive damage?

[kak39]

[A4A4A4]

Time for an rs4 grille!!!

[kak39]

Time for an rs4 grille!!!

Way ahead of you ;-)

[RedS-line]

i second that. could be a blessing in disguise :)

[kak39]

Does ECS sell a titanium RS4 Grill? Also, can I use the same license plate mount I currently have?

[NightRoller USP]

Sorry to hear that man.....that sucks!

You should def. get a Rs4 Grille....they look so sick!!!

[Erocko]

yeah, RS4 grill, all the way. Glad the pole didn't go into your windshield and the damage isn't too bad.

[4RingRook]

Does ECS sell a titanium RS4 Grill? Also, can I use the same license plate mount I currently have?

Yes, ECS sells the grille for $299.95; and Yes, you can use the S Line license plate bracket on the RS4 grille. They're the same size.

Sorry about the car man.

[kak39]

I'm more concerned I think about that hissing noise that just went away. I believe that noise was freon leaking. Is there anyway to tell if this is true?

[Quattro]

i would not mention a pole when talking to service guy, maybe they will cover under warranty. looks like radiator to me, but I could be wrong.

[grmntoy]

hey i got the same grill for sale for $120 shipped let me know!!

[RAUDY]

Sorry to hear about this mate. I'm glad it didn't hit the windscreen...

The grille looks like it absorbed most of the force and deflected the pole upwards somehow. Could've been worse. I had a friend got a thin metal stick hit the oil cooler on his RS4. Had to be towed to the dealership

[kxl77]

Turn on your ac and see if it is working properly.

But it's more likely that you punctured the radiator (as it seems based on the picture). Your AC condenser or AC parts are not directly in front of the radiator (most cars)
It might be such a small puncture that no coolant is leaking, however since the design of a radiator is pressurized, that built up pressure within the system is/may be leaking.

Based on the pictures, I would say I am almost positive that your radiator has been compromised. If you want a cheap fix (temporary), you can seal it with radiator seal. If you want a permanent fix, purchase a new radiator. I think it should be around $300-400. Or buy it used from a junkyard for about $100 or so. Either way, it's an easy swap if you choose to pursue it yourself or take it to a mechanic.

Good luck.

[whitevdub]

damn sorry to hear that...i have an rs4 grille for 250 shipped in the classifieds, i'm going through a tentative sale right now, but im away right now and wont be able to let you know till tuesday...check it out though

[kak39]

Turn on your ac and see if it is working properly.

But it's more likely that you punctured the radiator (as it seems based on the picture). Your AC condenser or AC parts are not directly in front of the radiator (most cars)
It might be such a small puncture that no coolant is leaking, however since the design of a radiator is pressurized, that built up pressure within the system is/may be leaking.

Based on the pictures, I would say I am almost positive that your radiator has been compromised. If you want a cheap fix (temporary), you can seal it with radiator seal. If you want a permanent fix, purchase a new radiator. I think it should be around $300-400. Or buy it used from a junkyard for about $100 or so. Either way, it's an easy swap if you choose to pursue it yourself or take it to a mechanic.

Good luck.

I see no issue with temp of the car? Sure its not the A/C Condenser? I'm little scared to try to run the AC and see ;-)