All posts by myaudis4

Engine Removal Checklist

This is a copy of the Excel file that I print out and then check steps off from as I proceed through when removing and then reinstalling the engine.

It’s not necessary to follow each step in the order given, but I have tried to group and sequence the steps so that movement about the car is reduced.

It may not be complete depending upon the hardware on your car, but it should probably be a 90% solution for most B5 S4’s.

Engine Pull Checklists

engine_pull_deja_vu

Taking care of the mirrors

The interior rear view mirror was missing from the car.  A curious item to be absent, the wire to the Auto-Dimming mirror looked to have been disconnected and the entire mirror assembly had simply been removed.  I wasn’t aware of how to remove the mirror so I thought it interesting that a potential car thief would know how to remove the mirror, if that was what happened.

I found a DIY on adding a Compass equipped mirror to the S4, a feature absent from the factory, and that guide detailed the proper method for removing the rear view mirror.  The process is pretty easy, simply use a wrench to turn the base of the mirror that attaches to the windshield counter clockwise 90 degrees to remove the mirror.  Putting a towel between the wrench and the mirror is a good thing to keep from marring the base.  Installing the mirror is simply the reverse.  I removed the mirror from my Santorin car and installed it in the Silver car.

Rear view mirror

I also worked on replacing the driver’s side outside mirror which had begun to peel.  I assume the early demise of the mirror was partly due to the auto-dimming feature, something which I did not have on my Santorin car.  I replaced the mirror with the good mirror from the Santorin car and also replaced the plastic Silver colored housing with the Aluminum housing from the Santorin car.  I’m undecided if I like the look better, but the housing is metal and much more solid which I do like.

Driver's side mirror

Ignition lock success

I was a bit worried about how I was going to remove the lock cylinder with the section that holds the key punched out.  The proper technique for removing the lock cylinder involves putting the key in and then turning the cylinder so that the correct tool (or large paper clip) can be inserted in the hole near the key to retract the metal bar that holds the lock cylinder in place.

column

Fortunately with a few tools like a flat blade screwdriver, needle nose pliers, and the large paper clip I was able to remove the damaged part.

Audi S4 lock clylinder

Inserting the new part that I had found in the glove box was an easy process and I was glad to find that it was keyed properly, the key that was supplied with the vehicle (there were two) worked in the new lock cylinder and the car started with the key.

New lock cylinder

Since I had the camera inside the car I snapped a few other shots of the current condition of the car.

Interior console picture

Instrument cluster

Passenger side

Front seats

Rear seats

And a picture of the engine compartment.

Engine compartment