Puzzler. Found aluminum bolt on splash tray.

[GScot]

2008 S5 6mt. Had wheels off to flush brakes and happened to see a 12mm Al bolt laying on the splash shield under the clutch housing. About 75mm long. Looks similar ones on the bottom of the block to clutch housing.

Any sharp eyes have an explanation? Start digging to find the upper fasteners? It's aluminum so one time use but doesn't show much for marks of installation. Black X on the head. 12 point 18mm head.
[IMG][/IMG]

[The Flash]

dang hope u find it that looks like its holding together something important LOL

[NaiveTurtle]

Looks like a bell housing bolt.

[Spm58]

I asked a Audi tech I know. He said bell housing bolt as well. Needs to be replaced after 2 tighten cycles

[GScot]

Thanks everyone. Didn't see what else it could be. Guess I'll figure out a way to get to the upper bolts as that must be the source.

[ES803313]

Correct this is a bell housing bolt. If you measure a length (mm) you can narrow it down to a few culprits.

Also, the X on the bolt means it has already been re-used once which means you need a new one.

EDIT: Realized you provided a length. Check out page 8: http://bd8ba3c866c8cbc330ab-7b26c6f3...lywheel_R2.pdf

[JamesRS5]

Have you had the clutch replaced? There's a chance it's been used twice and replaced but they left it laying on top of the gearbox and it's migrated down there over time?
A good flashlight and a mirror will help you inspect to see if one is missing.

[GScot]

Correct this is a bell housing bolt. If you measure a length (mm) you can narrow it down to a few culprits.

Also, the X on the bolt means it has already been re-used once which means you need a new one.

EDIT: Realized you provided a length. Check out page 8: http://bd8ba3c866c8cbc330ab-7b26c6f3...lywheel_R2.pdf

Jackpot. It was 100mm rather than the 75mm I originally said. The link you provided is just what I needed. I'll contact ECS tomorrow and see if they can provide a new bolt.

[GScot]

Have you had the clutch replaced? There's a chance it's been used twice and replaced but they left it laying on top of the gearbox and it's migrated down there over time?
A good flashlight and a mirror will help you inspect to see if one is missing.

The first owner was a manual rookie and used up the clutch in 12k miles, Audi replaced it after she traded. I just bought the car recently from the second owner who only put 38k on it in 6 years. Car is in excellent shape other than it was due for a full round of maintenance which I am doing. It is currently on jack stands after I flushed the brakes and changed the accessory belt & tensioner/idler last weekend as a precaution. I just happened to see that bolt on the rear splash shield. I'll find which one is missing or maybe get lucky and find this was extra.

Thanks again for all the help. I do the work myself and having some experienced hands to ask for guidance on occasion is great.