2005 A4 3.0 Upper Radiator Hose Leak

[pablolizarraga]

So, not even a month of having replaced the coolant pipe that runs under the manifold, this happened...


Options;

1) Has anyone had luck just replacing the plastic flange w/i hose that connects to radiator? For example,
$16 flange from ECS
https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...pler/ES342990/

2) Or at least purchased a non-OEM version of the full hose (which actually includes another hose that connects to coolant tank) such as this $68 hose from ECS?

https://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B6_A4...ses/ES2802200/

Unfortunately it's for 2005 models w/ VIN's from 8E-5-125001. My VIN is 8E45A071482.

3) Cheapest OEM I can find thus far is $109 from Europaparts.
https://www.europaparts.com/radiator...e0121101j.html

Thanks


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[19jdog]

You sure its the flange? Maybe the o ring is bad. You need to pull it apart and investigate

I wouldn't order parts unless you know for sure.

[imnuts]

Just from the picture, it looks more like a leaky o-ring than a broken connector or leaky hose, but it's hard to tell really. From what can be seen, there isn't a ton of coolant coming out there, unless it just started. Can you get any pics from under the hose/connector to see where it is leaking? This would also be a good opportunity for a pressure test kit, so you can pressurize the system and figure out where the leak is at without burning yourself on hot hoses/coolant/etc. in the engine bay.

[diagnosticator]

You can replace the O ring inside the connector. The snag is the relative hardness of the OEM O ring nitrile material is a lot softer than typical O rings available in sets. It is possible to fit a standard hardness O ring but it will be more difficult to push the connector back onto the radiator and engage the retaining clip. The radiator side must be lubricated with silicone grease, so that the harder O ring does not roll out of the grove inside the connector while pushing the connector onto the radiator.

[pablolizarraga]

Can you get any pics from under the hose/connector to see where it is leaking? This would also be a good opportunity for a pressure test kit, so you can pressurize the system and figure out where the leak is at without burning yourself on hot hoses/coolant/etc. in the engine bay.

Ill see if I can get a pic today. And yes, the pressure test kit will come in handy once again. Used it to confirm coolant pipe leak.

You can replace the O ring inside the connector. The snag is the relative hardness of the OEM O ring nitrile material is a lot softer than typical O rings available in sets. It is possible to fit a standard hardness O ring but it will be more difficult to push the connector back onto the radiator and engage the retaining clip. The radiator side must be lubricated with silicone grease, so that the harder O ring does not roll out of the grove inside the connector while pushing the connector onto the radiator.

Once again, thank you. With your advice I should be able to do the repair once and properly.





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[pablolizarraga]

Couldn't get a good pic while coolant was coming out but looks like the plastic flange from upper radiator hose to radiator is deteriorating. Gonna have to replace entire hose.

Speaking of deterioration...check your coolant cap if it hasn't been replaced. Found remnants of plastic in my expansion tank. There should be a plastic lip where I've circled in red.



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