Leaking Engine Mount

[E46dxyan]

I have a 14 S4 DSG with 37k.. I detailed the car this past weekend and had a gut feeling to check the undercarriage. The car runs great and I still have maintenance through Audi care. To my surprise I noticed a leak near the left/right control arms. Tried to follow the trail but couldn’t find the source. The leak appeared be slow and dry, my garage floor is bone dry.

Took the car to Audi this morning and was told that the engine mounts are leaking/defective and will be replaced under warranty. Not sure If this is related, but at idle I feel minor vibrations, not harsh by any means, people on the forum has noted this is normal based on the engine design. However, looks like someone reported back that idle felt better after Audi replaced their engine mounts - https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...-idle-question

Car is scheduled for services next week since they didn’t have a loaner today. I'll update after work is done.

[Audibot]

Yes, they are directly related. Your engine mounts (at least the driver's side) are electro-hydraulic, and are used to dampen out some of vibrations. So that makes perfect sense.

[E46dxyan]

Yes, they are directly related. Your engine mounts (at least the driver's side) are electro-hydraulic, and are used to dampen out some of vibrations. So that makes perfect sense.

Good to know! Like I said it’s not jarring, but it's there, felt through the steering wheel, shifter, and pedals.


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[E46dxyan]

Dealer replaced my mounts today and the car feels great. Happy to report that there are no vibrations.


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[VeeDubbinJetta]

I was the one that started the thread you linked. Mine still feels rough, rougher than I think it should. I also get a clunk over bumps but I can’t find anything loose. I think I should get it into the dealer and get checked out.

[S4'ed]

Both the driver side, and passenger side engine mounts are fluid filled, with an electromagnetic valve that changes the mount stiffness by closing off the fluid passage which connects two fluid chambers. The engine ECU commands the valves open at idle RPMs for a softer mount to better absorb vibrations, then closes the valves above idle, for stiffer mounts. These mounts have a long history of failing, leaking the reddish-brown damping fluid....expensive parts and difficult to replace.

[E46dxyan]

The color described is exactly what I noticed near the control arms.

I’m assuming my symptoms wasn’t as bad as yours. Mine was more at stand still idle, I can slightly feel the engine and at times feel the engine blip if that make sense.

I recommend getting the mounts checked.

The invoice was $1,260. $600 for parts.

Good luck


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[E46dxyan]

I didn’t have rough idle, my issue was related to vibrations. However they can be correlated.

[jygesq]

Both the driver side, and passenger side engine mounts are fluid filled, with an electromagnetic valve that changes the mount stiffness by closing off the fluid passage which connects two fluid chambers. The engine ECU commands the valves open at idle RPMs for a softer mount to better absorb vibrations, then closes the valves above idle, for stiffer mounts. These mounts have a long history of failing, leaking the reddish-brown damping fluid....expensive parts and difficult to replace.

I think the change occurs at 9 mph as I hear a click sound at that speed. I brought my car to dealer to complain about the clicking sound at that exact speed and was told it from the electronic motor mounts and normal. Others have reported hearing the same noise

[wangshuo1989]

My car's idle was never smooth. But it's not leaking fluid. I guess it's just what it is as a V6 engine.

[mikey7182]

Interesting! I just my oil changed yesterday at my shop, and they mentioned that one of my engine mounts was leaking as well (I didn't realize they were fluid-filled). They quoted me to replace both front mounts with 034 Motorsports Street Density mounts for just under $1k installed. Anyone have any experience with these? The few reviews I read online seemed promising, and they are void-free, higher density composite than factory, and fluid-free. I haven't noticed any excessive movement or vibration but I'm sure it's a matter of time and I'd rather get in front of it.

[E46dxyan]

I think the change occurs at 9 mph as I hear a click sound at that speed. I brought my car to dealer to complain about the clicking sound at that exact speed and was told it from the electronic motor mounts and normal. Others have reported hearing the same noise

What do you plan to do?


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[E46dxyan]

My car's idle was never smooth. But it's not leaking fluid. I guess it's just what it is as a V6 engine.

That is true


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[E46dxyan]

Interesting! I just my oil changed yesterday at my shop, and they mentioned that one of my engine mounts was leaking as well (I didn't realize they were fluid-filled). They quoted me to replace both front mounts with 034 Motorsports Street Density mounts for just under $1k installed. Anyone have any experience with these? The few reviews I read online seemed promising, and they are void-free, higher density composite than factory, and fluid-free. I haven't noticed any excessive movement or vibration but I'm sure it's a matter of time and I'd rather get in front of it.

I have no experience but I’m sure some does.

If I didn’t notice a leak I would’ve just drove the car as is. It’s not an immediate repair, but as you know with these cars, over time they will deteriorate if not addressed.


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[jygesq]

What do you plan to do?


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Nothing now that I know what it is. Shop foreman is a straight shooter.

[1ronin]

Dealer replaced my mounts today and the car feels great. Happy to report that there are no vibrations.


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Asked dealer about slight rough idle and they said “well you do drive a performance car, so expect some harshness “.

Will try another dealership and mention to check motor mounts as I also hear clicking noises or sounds like doors locking.