My S6 Avant Fixing Things Thread

[ShelbyM3]

Not my picture, but from the top of the plastic thing. I can't see where without removing the headliner. Bonded on?

Very similar to my son’s experience. I think that white part is, for lack of a better term, like a heat shrink type fitting between the tubing and the sunroof. But, it’s not really flexible. It’s quite firm and over time the sealed connection fails.


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[R490]

Very similar to my son’s experience. I think that white part is, for lack of a better term, like a heat shrink type fitting between the tubing and the sunroof. But, it’s not really flexible. It’s quite firm and over time the sealed connection fails.


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So the weird part is that the leak isn't coming from the nipple, I think it's coming from above.

[Audibot]

Above that should just be the metal pan piece and the rest of the sunroof pan. They do get brittle over time but generally don't crack/break in-situ unless you mess with them.

[R490]

Above that should just be the metal pan piece and the rest of the sunroof pan. They do get brittle over time but generally don't crack/break in-situ unless you mess with them.

It looks like it's leaking next to the bolt in the above picture. I wonder if it's the feed tube for the splitter box? It's raining and cold today, so I'll take the day off lol.

[ShelbyM3]

It looks like it's leaking next to the bolt in the above picture. I wonder if it's the feed tube for the splitter box? It's raining and cold today, so I'll take the day off lol.

I don’t blame you. That seems like an odd place to develop a leak. I’m very curious as to what you find.


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[R490]

I don’t blame you. That seems like an odd place to develop a leak. I’m very curious as to what you find.


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Right? I was 100% expecting to have to seal it with some silicone caulk or something.

One thing I did notice is that the sunroof gasket (on the roof) has about a 4cm gap in it about midway on the back end. Like the seal doesn't make it all the way around the sunroof. But it doesn't look broken. It might just be overflowing I guess?

[Audibot]

That's a large gap in the seal. I've seen like 1-2 mm before but not that large. Since sunroofs are controlled leaks, not surprising if that's the culprit. If you have to store it outside for some reason before this is fixed, a tarp could help (I've used this on the Allroad I'm fixing since it's sunroof would leak as well)

[R490]

That's a large gap in the seal. I've seen like 1-2 mm before but not that large. Since sunroofs are controlled leaks, not surprising if that's the culprit. If you have to store it outside for some reason before this is fixed, a tarp could help (I've used this on the Allroad I'm fixing since it's sunroof would leak as well)

Yeah, looking at the Erwin manual, it looks almost flush. Its pretty big, maybe it's just overworking the drain? I lost my garage when I moved, so yeah. I cover it anyways, but not with a waterproof cover.

[R490]

...

[R490]

So this is what was going on. The sunroof rear drain was draining, up until this plastic "splitter" piece under the headliner. This piece is essentially an open pool where water collects before flowing out through the hose to the drain, which on Avants is on the top of the rear fender liner. The water does not have a long way to travel since this piece is above the rear seat and travels down the c-pillar to drain.

My issue was that the lower drain was blocked, since the nipple was obstructed. This was causing the water in the "pool" to overflow, and trickle down the back of the headliner (assisted by gravity, since I park on a slope).

[Audibot]

That's the part (nipple) I suggested slitting open with a blade to help it drain easier and avoid this. If you can blow compressed air down that or use something physical like a cable or weed whacker line, it will also go long way to keeping it open.

[R490]

That's the part (nipple) I suggested slitting open with a blade to help it drain easier and avoid this. If you can blow compressed air down that or use something physical like a cable or weed whacker line, it will also go long way to keeping it open.

I shoved a straw brush and a weed whacker cable in there, thanks for the advice!

The straw brush thing opened it up just enough to have it drain properly.

[R490]

Almost done fixing up the interior. I need to fix the ashtray, console cupholder and get the drivers bolster re-sewn.



Goodbye horrible subwoofer adjustment knob.



Has anyone successfully repaired one of these center console cupholders? The one in the car won't stay shut, neither will the one I picked up.



I fabricated a metal rod where the piece that holds the cupholder in the "closed position" would go. But that doesn't seem to have worked.



Oh well. I'll keep trying.



Also, does anyone have a good source for floormats? I used to use German eBay for custom fit mats with nicer materials, but I can't find any good ones.

Now, time for the exterior and mechanical work.

Still trying to figure out my power steering whine. It only happens when the car is cold, then it goes away. I think there's air getting in the lines maybe?

[ShelbyM3]

Almost done fixing up the interior. I need to fix the ashtray, console cupholder and get the drivers bolster re-sewn.



Goodbye horrible subwoofer adjustment knob.



Has anyone successfully repaired one of these center console cupholders? The one in the car won't stay shut, neither will the one I picked up.



I fabricated a metal rod where the piece that holds the cupholder in the "closed position" would go. But that doesn't seem to have worked.



Oh well. I'll keep trying.



Also, does anyone have a good source for floormats? I used to use German eBay for custom fit mats with nicer materials, but I can't find any good ones.

Now, time for the exterior and mechanical work.

Still trying to figure out my power steering whine. It only happens when the car is cold, then it goes away. I think there's air getting in the lines maybe?

It’s the little things that make the difference. Looking good!

I’m also curious if there’s a way to keep the cup holder down. My 2.7’s is in the open position always. My 4.2 doesn’t have one, but I know there is a 3D printed cup holder on Etsy. I must not be alone in never trusting the dash cup holder!

You’ve also peaked my interest with your cold start whine. My 4.2 Allroad does the same. I too think it’s power steering, but why does it quiet down? If it was air in the system it’d be constant not just when cold. I know our engines are different, but they’re close enough. I’ve watched other videos and hear the same cold start, but some are much better than mine and others are just as loud or worse.


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[R490]

It’s the little things that make the difference. Looking good!

I’m also curious if there’s a way to keep the cup holder down. My 2.7’s is in the open position always. My 4.2 doesn’t have one, but I know there is a 3D printed cup holder on Etsy. I must not be alone in never trusting the dash cup holder!

You’ve also peaked my interest with your cold start whine. My 4.2 Allroad does the same. I too think it’s power steering, but why does it quiet down? If it was air in the system it’d be constant not just when cold. I know our engines are different, but they’re close enough. I’ve watched other videos and hear the same cold start, but some are much better than mine and others are just as loud or worse.


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Thanks! While I have bigger things to fix, I like having at least the interior looking the way I want.

I've ALMOST got the cup holder figured out. It's a ridiculously over-engineered design. The pin slides into a groove on a thin plastic piece that's on a lever connected on one side, which has a J shaped groove on it. When the metal arm slides down the bottom of the J, moving the lever to reach the top of the "J", it's supposed to lock into place. But I've only been able to get as far as fixing the pin, which is the common failure point. I wish I had factory navigation, so I didn't have to deal with it.

For the power steering- so mine does whine when I turn the wheel, like a bandsaw. But it does make a little noise at idle, but a different noise, I know exactly what you're talking about. I might change the fluid/clean the resevoir and see if that does anything. My only thought for the air was that I thought maybe it's sucking the air that's leaked in, back out? Just a theory though.

[R490]

So I started a new job and my office is about eight minutes from my house, so I've been driving the S6 here and there.

One day I took it, the weather was below freezing and the power steering? made a whining noise as I accelerated. Any thoughts?

[ShelbyM3]

Congrats, hopefully, on the new job. That commute sounds pleasant.
My theory is that the pump is showing signs of wear and you may want to start thinking about a replacement. As the temperature decreases the viscosity of the power steering fluid increases so your pump has a harder time doing its thing. Once the fluid warms up the pump is ok and quiets down. I fear my Allroad is in the same boat. Another thought in your scenario is there may be some water in the system and if that freezes it will create some noise as it breaks up and melts. Power steering fluid likes to attract in water and who knows if that was ever serviced on your S6.
My plan in the future is to do a fluid exchange as best as I can and then add a conditioner like this Liqui Moly product: https://www.liqui-moly.com/en/us/pow...011.html#20284 I’ll give this a go before I replace the pump. Can’t hurt.


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[Audibot]

Congrats, hopefully, on the new job. That commute sounds pleasant.
My theory is that the pump is showing signs of wear and you may want to start thinking about a replacement. As the temperature decreases the viscosity of the power steering fluid increases so your pump has a harder time doing its thing. Once the fluid warms up the pump is ok and quiets down. I fear my Allroad is in the same boat. Another thought in your scenario is there may be some water in the system and if that freezes it will create some noise as it breaks up and melts. Power steering fluid likes to attract in water and who knows if that was ever serviced on your S6.
My plan in the future is to do a fluid exchange as best as I can and then add a conditioner like this Liqui Moly product: https://www.liqui-moly.com/en/us/pow...011.html#20284 I’ll give this a go before I replace the pump. Can’t hurt.


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OP, if you do pick up the Liqui Moly power steering leak sealant, get it elsewhere--idk if $15 is actual MSRP but you can get for less than half at FCP Euro (and I'm sure elsewhere).

With how infrequently or for long you're driving it, I don't know if it's really an issue. Take it out for a long, harder drive to get that engine bay up to temp and see if it drives off any moisture.

Hopefully you're not in my shoes and replacing power steering lines like I am on my RS

[justinotha]

Almost done fixing up the interior. I need to fix the ashtray, console cupholder and get the drivers bolster re-sewn.



Goodbye horrible subwoofer adjustment knob.



Has anyone successfully repaired one of these center console cupholders? The one in the car won't stay shut, neither will the one I picked up.



I fabricated a metal rod where the piece that holds the cupholder in the "closed position" would go. But that doesn't seem to have worked.


Oh well. I'll keep trying.


Also, does anyone have a good source for floormats? I used to use German eBay for custom fit mats with nicer materials, but I can't find any good ones.

Now, time for the exterior and mechanical work.

Still trying to figure out my power steering whine. It only happens when the car is cold, then it goes away. I think there's air getting in the lines maybe?

4.2 mats are pretty hard to find, especially oem rubber ones. I found my set sort of locally. I do have a posting for allroad branded rubber 4.2 mats in my FB marketplace saved, which if you don't mind the incorrect text would fit your car. I'll PM you the link now.

If you're looking for carpet, i have my original mats still, but they're not pristine or anything.

[R490]

Power steering today was a-okay in 50 degree weather. Hate cars. I'd be willing to try the Liqui Moly thing though, thanks for the suggestion.

Re: floormats, I don't need a set, I just want a new set to spruce it up a bit. I didn't realize the 4.2 had a slightly different interior until I tried to swap a climate faceplate from an A6 and it didn't fit.

[R490]

Did half of the wheels, I hated the dark grey that they were painted before.



They were rough.



I painted the centercaps too.







They look good from ten feet. The entire car looks good from ten feet, just don't get any closer than that.

[ShelbyM3]

I always thought ?Ohio is for Lovers?? She looks nice. If 10? is good then on my phone it?s like infinity nice, so there?s that?What?s up next for the S6?

[R490]

I always thought ?Ohio is for Lovers?? She looks nice. If 10? is good then on my phone it?s like infinity nice, so there?s that?What?s up next for the S6?

Up next, I have to finish the other side. Since it's getting warmer, the power steering will have to wait. I'm going to service the transmission next and maybe plan timing again, even though it was done 10,000 miles ago.

[danspach]

I had a similar power steering whine in my car and have replaced the pump with a new unit from a C4 (credit to @Rollerton for figuring out that it was the same dimensionally).

I hope to start mine this weekend for the first time in 2 years and and will let you know if it cured the whining/groaning...immediately after I see if I got the timing right.

Thank you also for answering the question: "Should I just paint my wheels myself?" They look great!

Love all the little things you're doing on the car to make it right again. Makes me feel less weird about doing the same kind of stuff myself!

[R490]

I had a similar power steering whine in my car and have replaced the pump with a new unit from a C4 (credit to @Rollerton for figuring out that it was the same dimensionally).

I hope to start mine this weekend for the first time in 2 years and and will let you know if it cured the whining/groaning...immediately after I see if I got the timing right.

Thank you also for answering the question: "Should I just paint my wheels myself?" They look great!

Love all the little things you're doing on the car to make it right again. Makes me feel less weird about doing the same kind of stuff myself!

Hmmm, let me know if it works for you!

The wheels look much nicer than they did, but not perfect. I don't think colors other than silver suit these.

For me, small things add up haha. My wallet also prefers them.

[danspach]

Hmmm, let me know if it works for you!

The wheels look much nicer than they did, but not perfect. I don't think colors other than silver suit these.

For me, small things add up haha. My wallet also prefers them.

What shade is that and did you use a specialized wheel paint?

[R490]

What shade is that and did you use a specialized wheel paint?

I used VHT "Ford Argent Silver" wheel paint. The centercap ring, middle piece, I just used whatever grey/black I had sitting around. I've used the same paint on a B5 I used to have and it held up pretty well.

[R490]

Well, it turns out the previous owner was not honest about the transmission having been serviced.





February, 2004 stamped on the filter. The backside of the gasket appears to have been leaking onto the driveshaft too. The car drank 6.5 liters of ATF. Drives better than it did before.

Assuming the transmission fluid was changed in 2005, that would have been 150,000 miles ago. So I don't think it's been that long. But not recent either. Lots of sludge, but no pieces of transmission.

[NWS6]

Great decision to get this done. It's really worth it to get the exact spec for the fluid level, and at the right temperature.

It's a pain, but rechecking it after it's been driven around a while is important. These transmissions are very sensitive to fluid level, and this way you'll know you got it right.

A dipstick would be a simple solution. Filling it until it runs out seems like a simple solution also, but not for these transmissions.

[danspach]

Well, it turns out the previous owner was not honest about the transmission having been serviced.





February, 2004 stamped on the filter. The backside of the gasket appears to have been leaking onto the driveshaft too. The car drank 6.5 liters of ATF. Drives better than it did before.

Assuming the transmission fluid was changed in 2005, that would have been 150,000 miles ago. So I don't think it's been that long. But not recent either. Lots of sludge, but no pieces of transmission.

This is next on my list. When you dropped the trans oil pan, did any of the bolts give you a hard time?

I have the kit from Blauparts which includes a few extra bolts in anticipation of “I don’t want to leave my home after 20 years”.

Thanks for the deets on the wheel paint. You’ve inspired me. I’m putting that on the list too.

[R490]

They were very annoying to deal with. The kit I got had all 28 or so of them, unfortunately a couple got stripped when I was tightening them back up because the torx bit I was using wasn’t fitting correctly, despite being the right size. The biggest issue is keeping pressure on the inside of the bolt, while holding the torque wrench.

When torquing the pan back down, I suggest using a paint pen to mark the bolts as you tighten them, because it’s so easy to lose track with so many bolts.

[danspach]

They were very annoying to deal with. The kit I got had all 28 or so of them, unfortunately a couple got stripped when I was tightening them back up because the torx bit I was using wasn’t fitting correctly, despite being the right size. The biggest issue is keeping pressure on the inside of the bolt, while holding the torque wrench.

When torquing the pan back down, I suggest using a paint pen to mark the bolts as you tighten them, because it’s so easy to lose track with so many bolts.

Thanks - that's good to know going before getting started. Guess I'll order another 20 of them and be prepared for battle.

I haven't looked at my pan to see if it's in ok shape but replaced my engine oil pan a few years ago - wonder if they have a similar life expectancy.

Was yours ok?

[R490]

Thanks - that's good to know going before getting started. Guess I'll order another 20 of them and be prepared for battle.

I haven't looked at my pan to see if it's in ok shape but replaced my engine oil pan a few years ago - wonder if they have a similar life expectancy.

Was yours ok?

My pan was in good shape, the bolts were 50-50. They don’t look like they’ve been taken out recently. It’s leaking a couple of drops after heat cycles so I’ll have to retorque again. Same thing happened with my old b5 s4, if they aren’t perfect the car will be angry hah

[danspach]

My pan was in good shape, the bolts were 50-50. They don’t look like they’ve been taken out recently. It’s leaking a couple of drops after heat cycles so I’ll have to retorque again. Same thing happened with my old b5 s4, if they aren’t perfect the car will be angry hah

Good to know. Thanks for the color!

You're really going to town on this car. What's next on your list?

[R490]

Good to know. Thanks for the color!

You're really going to town on this car. What's next on your list?

Next up is the power steering gremlin, an oil change and maybe I’ll start thinking about timing. The belt looks good, but the previous owner was dishonest about a few things it seems, so I’ll have to wait and see. Tires, it needs tires badly. I think I’ll do Continental DWS06s.

[danspach]

Next up is the power steering gremlin, an oil change and maybe I’ll start thinking about timing. The belt looks good, but the previous owner was dishonest about a few things it seems, so I’ll have to wait and see. Tires, it needs tires badly. I think I’ll do Continental DWS06s.

Can't comment on any other tire as I've only ever run the DWS and then DWS06's but they work well.

If/when you start timing, in addition to the myriad sources of experience here on AZ, I've just done a LOT of this to my car and have - literally - 1,000 pictures of almost every aspect so if you need any for reference along with data for any parts that are NLA (more than I'd care to discuss), feel free to ping me.

Thought I could give you a data point on the C4 power steering pump in this car but when I went to start it for the first time, I saw a puddle of PS fluid on the ground. The three-piece return hose (from the cooler to the reservoir) was leaking at the unions where the restrictor is inside the hose. Have two options on the way as the original part is - of course - NLA. To be continued.

[R490]

Can't comment on any other tire as I've only ever run the DWS and then DWS06's but they work well.

If/when you start timing, in addition to the myriad sources of experience here on AZ, I've just done a LOT of this to my car and have - literally - 1,000 pictures of almost every aspect so if you need any for reference along with data for any parts that are NLA (more than I'd care to discuss), feel free to ping me.

Thought I could give you a data point on the C4 power steering pump in this car but when I went to start it for the first time, I saw a puddle of PS fluid on the ground. The three-piece return hose (from the cooler to the reservoir) was leaking at the unions where the restrictor is inside the hose. Have two options on the way as the original part is - of course - NLA. To be continued.

My blue B6 had them, great tires.

That's awesome, I'll be sure to take you up on some pictures! It'll be my first 4.2 timing job, I imagine it's pretty similar to the 2.7ts I've done in the past, hopefully....

I think I'm going to go with this kit: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/aud...udiv8tbkit-oem

Interesting about the C4 pump. I think I might go with this one: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/aud...yle-1146310047

[ShelbyM3]

You should look at replacing your cam chain tensioner shoes to supplement the timing kit. Not sure if you want to get that deep, though.


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[R490]

You should look at replacing your cam chain tensioner shoes to supplement the timing kit. Not sure if you want to get that deep, though.


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Hmm, very true. Not sure if they've ever been done, I haven't noticed any cold start rattle beyond what I've considered normal.

[ShelbyM3]

It’s things like this that drive my caution. I had no rattle on my 2.7T at 175,000.


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