Service Position

[split71]

I've determined my alternator needs to be replaced and im trying to find a guide on putting the S4 into service position. Are there any DIY's or guides? I've been searching and i haven't found anything.

TIA

[JWatson]

use a timing belt diy

[pearlwhite]

The car does not need to be put in service mode to change the alternator. It's just a waste of time.

[split71]

Do you have a guide as to the best way to swap it out? It looks like a son of a bitch to do it with the front end on.

[mholme]

You only need to remove the lower intercooler hose to access the wiring harness and the mounting bolts. The bitch of the whole thing is that the top bolt needs lots of room to come completely out. Removing the radiator gives you clearance, but you'll need fresh coolant if you go this route. I know stamps did his starter(right behind the alternator) recently and I don't believe he pulled the radiator or went into service position.

starter was the problem.

I took off the bumper then took all the carrier bolts off the passenger side and loosened the bolts on the drivers side and kept the radiator connected so I didn't have to play with the coolant.
removed the acc. belt
removed the ic hoes and metal pipe
removed the alternator

after that the starter wasn't that difficult to replace. takes a while because there is not much room for wrenching.

[Audiophyle]

wtf is "service position"?

[mholme]

wtf is "service position"?

[revbjeff]

If it is the same for the A4 here is a DIY. I know when I changed the alternator on my 2.8 it was much easier in service position plus it only take 30-45 minutes if you've done it before.

http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng35.shtml

[blmlozz]

If it is the same for the A4 here is a DIY. I know when I changed the alternator on my 2.8 it was much easier in service position plus it only take 30-45 minutes if you've done it before.

http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng35.shtml

I agree with this, either way is time consuming, however I put mine in the service position when I did my alternator, couldn't have taken more than 3hours. although I've taken it apart 50million time before so removing it is a 20minite process for me. you could also just remove the boots that hold the radiator support instead of removing it completly, should give you a couple of inches which will make it a ton easier.

[morris400]

i did mune in about 5 hours, it was the first time i wrenched on a car, i used the diy for timing belt, i just pulled off the the front end completley, i changed my collant as well. this link might help you as well,

http://www.crapple0.com/bentley/b/Audi%20B5%2097-2001/

i recamond you just have the alt rebuilt, way cheaper

good luck,

[Prominion]

If you move to service (I recommend it, good practice too for full carrier removal later for fun stuff like timing belt/water pump/thermostat), make sure you have someone help you with the bumper or put a blanket down underneath so it doesn't hit the concrete. When you have the bumper off, pressure wash the clips so that they are clean and slide easily...makes re-fastening the bumper much easier.

[blmlozz]

i did mune in about 5 hours, it was the first time i wrenched on a car, i used the diy for timing belt, i just pulled off the the front end completley, i changed my collant as well. this link might help you as well,

http://www.crapple0.com/bentley/b/Audi%20B5%2097-2001/

i recamond you just have the alt rebuilt, way cheaper

good luck,

yeah, our alternators are fairly robust, and usually it's just the bushings get worn down and need to be replaced. It's too bad no-one makes bushing kits anymore. Autozone actually only does 100% OE remans for our car, so if you want to get it from somewhere, it's a good place to go.

[split71]

Thanks for the link. I was in a predicament that my car was 50 miles from where i live (don't want to risk driving it and it dying on me). So i was just going to do the work my self. Well im getting it towed to my mechanic for free from my insurance. He's only charging me $150 for labor to install the new alternator.

I was going to buy a replacement one from Auto zone and it's got a 5 year warranty on the damn thing i think. So i thought this was the best route ~ $165 for a new reman alternator is a good price in my book. Rebuilding it may cost close to that and it's easier to just swap a new one in and plug it in and go from there.

Thanks for all your help guys

[revbjeff]

$150 isn't bad to have it changed. Just make sure he puts G12+ coolant back in if he pulls the front

[split71]

Yeah he's pretty versed with B5 S4's...He drives a stage 3 S4 :)

So i trust him and his work, he's done plenty of work for me in the past!

[Audiophyle]

So service position = front end off?

[mholme]

Yup. That's pretty much what Audi calls for anything related to front end engine service for this car. Not always necessary, but that's what's called for.