Hello everyone. I'm in a jam. The alternator needs replaced on my wife's 98 A4 Quattro. I have been searching all morning on a guide to do this but I've had NO luck. I have seen mention of taking the front of the car off???? Please tell this isn't true. I've done prob a hundred alternators but this one has got me by the b*&^s. You have NO idea how much your help is appreciated.

 

Looks to me like it can be done by removing the intake manifold instead, but it'll be a pain... will it save time? probably

 

Which engine?

 

Whoops, sorry. 2.8L 30v

 

Oh, dunno then

 

I looked in the ebahn repair manuel
you need to put the car into the service position (removing the bumper and all that goodstuff) after that, its pretty much a straight forward alternator replacement.

 

the service position isn't that hard, though. You shouldn't need to disconnect the RADIATOR*. You should be fine leaving it connected and just pulling the radiator support out as far as you can. It looks more daunting the first time than it actually is.

 

Ok, I've been looking for "how to put in service position" and I've hit a wall, is there instructions somewhere? I hate to be such a noob, but, if you guys help I'll share my experience with some helpful photos that may help someone else.

 

bump.....

 

look at a timing belt DIY, just stop where appropriate. www.audidiy.com. Note that the service position is the same for both engines so the 1.8T guide will work for that part. You can skip the removing the radiator and draining the coolant parts. Just remove the AC condensor brackets and swing it off to the side, then swing the radiator support out as far as you can with the radiator still connected.

While you're in there, check out some other stuff while it's easy - vacuum line condition, timing belt condition, etc.