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Car Forum / Audi Cars / June 20082001 A4 2.8Q Bottom Engine shield.
While driving in heavy snow the bottom shield came loose when all the quick release plastic screws gave out. The front of the shield dropped and acted like a large snow scoop. What is the purpose of this part, other than to keep dirt out? Can I leave it off? It sure would make changing oil easier. Is there a more secure way to fasten it back on? TIA. > While driving in heavy snow the bottom shield came loose when all the > quick release plastic screws gave out. The front of the shield dropped > and acted like a large snow scoop. What is the purpose of this part, > other than to keep dirt out? Can I leave it off? It sure would make > changing oil easier. Is there a more secure way to fasten it back on? TIA. For a company that prides itself on its engineering acumen, the design of this component ought to be an embarrassment. It not only uses far too many fasteners but they are not even all the same type! And the good engine design that placed the oil filter and oil drain plug next to each other is compromised. I only have about half of the original fasteners remaining on my '98 A4 2.8qms. I suppose it streamlines airflow through the radiator and under the vehicle. It also serves to catch the inevitable oil leaks from the various seals on this engine. You could try leaving it off and monitor the oil and coolant temperature for changes. A better way to fasten it back on? I don't know, hell, maybe Velcro. Hmmmm. > > While driving in heavy snow the bottom shield came loose when all the > > quick release plastic screws gave out. The front of the shield dropped [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > oil and coolant temperature for changes. A better way to fasten it back on? > I don't know, hell, maybe Velcro. Hmmmm. There was a recall on many A4/A4 2.8's about a year or so ago to correct some of the problems with this shield. Check with your dealer. -- Jay. (remove dashes for legal email address) >While driving in heavy snow the bottom shield came loose when all the >quick release plastic screws gave out. The front of the shield dropped >and acted like a large snow scoop. What is the purpose of this part, >other than to keep dirt out? Can I leave it off? It sure would make >changing oil easier. Is there a more secure way to fasten it back on? TIA. The purpose of that shield are multi-fold. It reduces road noise from intruding into the cockpit, cleans up the under-car aerodynamics, and protects engine compartment components from debris, water and random road crud. It's worth keeping - and worth taking the most modest of preventive measures to make sure all fasteners are in place... /daytripper '00 s4 6spd, original shield w/original fasteners, all still intact > While driving in heavy snow the bottom shield came loose when all the > quick release plastic screws gave out. The front of the shield dropped and > acted like a large snow scoop. What is the purpose of this part, other > than to keep dirt out? Can I leave it off? It sure would make changing oil > easier. Is there a more secure way to fasten it back on? TIA. The fasteners arn't the best for sure. Some people use cable ties to keep the thing on - especially where it joins to the inner wheel arch liner. There have been a number of reports of people leaving them off & then finding that the inner arch liner flaps about & then gets worn through by the tyre. I. It was there for a purpose, car manufacturers don't just tack on stuff especially mid end German cars. Install it back, properly. BTW, there are noise on the AW board about leaving it off causing overheating, etc  Signature_________________________________ http://austinmini.ositech.net Looking for cheap Austin Mini, Wagon, Clubman, Mokes and other variants for sale in the USA. > While driving in heavy snow the bottom shield came loose when all the > quick release plastic screws gave out. The front of the shield dropped and > acted like a large snow scoop. What is the purpose of this part, other > than to keep dirt out? Can I leave it off? It sure would make changing oil > easier. Is there a more secure way to fasten it back on? TIA. I keep having problem with the Engine Shield since with oil changes mechanic "forgot" top properly replace or redo all the screws. Have t replace them...costly!! Last two oil changes...the shield partly came away after driving fo 2-3 weeks. Now need to replace with another one as it is severely damaged from th dangled position for the past 10 days on the road! Costly @ 250$ plus screws $5 each! Thinking of leaving it off completely. What to do? Any advice? 98 A6 Quattro -- Le > I keep having problem with the Engine Shield since with oil changes - > mechanic "forgot" top properly replace or redo all the screws. Have to [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > What to do? Any advice? > 98 A6 Quattro. there are thousands of cars rumbling the roads that do not have lower covers........... its there to keep out water and sh1t off the road and maybe the odd bolt jumping up into the belts..........fitting belts and all those other bits could be way more expensive than that cover. would I replace.............yes I think so. dj 1998 A4 2.4 V6 30v > I keep having problem with the Engine Shield since with oil changes - > mechanic "forgot" top properly replace or redo all the screws. Have to [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > What to do? Any advice? > 98 A6 Quattro. I removed mine from my 98 A4 2.8 quattro - no ill effect so far. I am running without mine on it right now. Mine is even in good enough shape to reinstall. <g> I will reinstall mine one day! lol There might be a metal one out there that should be much stronger than the original plastic one, and not that expensive too. But here is a plastic one for $98 http://tinyurl.com/4sgzgz or the larger link http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/pagebuild_v2.cgi?searchstring=belly+pan&sear chqt=byvehicle&make=Audi&model=B5+A4&submodel=Quattro&engine=V6+12v Signaturelater, dave (One out of many daves) 1997 Red A4 1.8tq auto >> I keep having problem with the Engine Shield since with oil changes - >> mechanic "forgot" top properly replace or redo all the screws. Have to [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >> > I removed mine from my 98 A4 2.8 quattro - no ill effect so far. >> I keep having problem with the Engine Shield since with oil changes - >> mechanic "forgot" top properly replace or redo all the screws. Have to [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >> >I removed mine from my 98 A4 2.8 quattro - no ill effect so far. I guess it is for AUDI as for most cars with this shield below engine, it is weak, doesnt protect from anything, not even dust. Its only function is to reduce wind turbulence which causes noise inside the car. /Alf > I guess it is for AUDI as for most cars with this shield below engine, > it is weak, doesnt protect from anything, not even dust. Its only > function is to reduce wind turbulence which causes noise inside the > car. Its function is to force a certain air flow pattern to help reduce engine temps. Pete |
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