Rough and Shaking at Idle - Leaking oil at the Dealer

[tpo209]

I was scheduled for an oil change and service on Thursday (2010 A4 w/ 96,000miles) but started to get a shuddering, rough vibration at idle today when sitting in traffic, red lights etc. I decided to drop it to the dealer a few days early so they could look into the vibration. Ten minutes after leaving the dealer I get a call that my car is leaking oil from somewhere around the front bumper/transmission mount, but its not transmission oil. The car ran fine at speed, just rough at idle.

I checked the oil indicator on my way to the dealer and it was at empty, but no oil light so hopefully whatever it is I caught early enough to not damage b/c of low oil?

I've had all the big issues fixed on this (oil consumption stage 2, turbo, water pump and timing chain), any ideas what this is or how much $$ I'm in for? Starting to think its time to trade this one in and be done with it.

[nycaudi]

Front main seal and pcv valve.....

[tpo209]

Thanks for the input. Any idea on cost to repair? Would they have been into this when they did my timing chain/tensioner in March?

[Sauci]

had a similar issue and it was the pcv valve. Replaced it myself for ~100

[pierreb]

You can even get just the diaphragm part for the pcv from amazon for less than $20. That's usually the part of the pcv that fails.

[nycaudi]

Thanks for the input. Any idea on cost to repair? Would they have been into this when they did my timing chain/tensioner in March?

You have a couple of options. I'd say swap it out yourself since the part is on top of the motor and easily accessible. Maybe 30 minutes of your time and anywhere from 60 to 100 usd for the part. Make sure you get the latest revision of the part

I think there's a diy thread in here somewhere that can walk you thru it

[tpo209]

Just heard back from the dealer... leaking oil from the rear main seal plus the breather hose?? internally? Motor mounts and high presssure fuel pump also gone all for a grand total of $5k. Looks like this one is done for and I'll move on to something else. Any suggestions on a new car other than the obvious.

[s4baby]

You may want to get a second opinion because most dealers suck. I would try to replace the PCV valve (breather hose?) which is around $80 bucks. You could do the motor mounts yourself with 034 Motorsports' version for around $400.

Not sure on what is involved with rear main seal and fuel pump. Again, I would get a second opinion.

[pierreb]

Rear main seal is a transmission drop. $1k at indie mechanic. Idk how big a deal the fuel pump is but you can easily fix this car for $1500.

[tpo209]

Got a quote for $2500 from my local mechanic so having it towed there in the morning. Still think I'm done with this one as its been $7500 in the past six months in repair and only expecting more as i reach 100k.

[pierreb]

Rear main seal is pretty common at this mileage although I would have taken the opportunity to swap it when the pistons were done. Same with the mounts. I put 034s in last summer and couldn't take the vibration after 6 months so I put new oem mounts in when the last pcv blew my rear main seal. I'm on my 4th PCV but now it's VTA so it shouldn't take the seal with it next time. Still original fuel pump. You should budget $2k/yr from here out to own this car but you'd be silly to get rid of it now as it's practically new.

[tpo209]

Being on the 4th anything for a car and $2k/yr isn't what I want to be into with a car. I thought it was "practically new" after I did the pistons and turbo, then again after the timing chain etc. Can't put almost $10k into a car in 6months thats only worth that much.

[pierreb]

Pcv blowing on a stg 2 setup is pretty common due to the increased crankcase pressure. That's life with a tuned car. $2k/yr for a luxury German car that's paid off is pretty cheap in my view but that's just my opinion. Good luck with whatever you end up doing.

[ak11214]

Got a quote for $2500 from my local mechanic so having it towed there in the morning. Still think I'm done with this one as its been $7500 in the past six months in repair and only expecting more as i reach 100k.

Wow $7,500 in repair in the past six months? What did you had to fix?

[s4baby]

1st step, stop going to the dealer if your car is out of warranty. If you're in the Philadelphia area, check out Autobahn Motorsports in Horsham.

[nycaudi]

Stealer ships are no good for you vehicle unless your warranty is still in effect. Find a local shop with great reviews and that's been in business a long time. You will save lots of money this way. You're about 3 hours from me, I could connect you to the people I use.....but again, that' a 3 hour trip. Fill your oil and take it easy on the gas for the time being until you find someone local that you trust. If you're willing to come down to my area send me a pm and I can get you quotes from my people. I recommend you buy the parts yourself and have them installed. Don't let shop buy parts for you as you'll be paying an additional "tax" for no reason. Good luck