2001 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.

"Dennis W" > wrote in message
. com...
> 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.

On Sun, 30 Jan 2005 18:28:29 GMT, Dennis W > wrote:

>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

"Dennis W" > wrote in message
. com...
> 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.

On Sun, 30 Jan 2005 12:15:16 -0700, "Ian S" > wrote:

> "Dennis W" > wrote in message
> . com...
> > 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.
>

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)

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

--
_________________________________
http://austinmini.ositech.net
Looking for cheap Austin Mini, Wagon, Clubman, Mokes and other variants for
sale in the USA.

"Dennis W" > wrote in message
. com...
> 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 to
replace them...costly!!
Last two oil changes...the shield partly came away after driving for
2-3 weeks.
Now need to replace with another one as it is severely damaged from the
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.


--
Len
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Len's Profile: http://www.audiforum.ca/member.php?userid=4499
View this thread: http://www.audiforum.ca/showthread.php?t=5299

"Len" > wrote in message
...
>
> I keep having problem with the Engine Shield since with oil changes -
> mechanic "forgot" top properly replace or redo all the screws. Have to
> replace them...costly!!
> Last two oil changes...the shield partly came away after driving for
> 2-3 weeks.
> Now need to replace with another one as it is severely damaged from the
> 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.
>
>
> --
> Len
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Len's Profile: http://www.audiforum.ca/member.php?userid=4499
> View this thread: http://www.audiforum.ca/showthread.php?t=5299
>

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

"Len" > wrote in message
...
>
> I keep having problem with the Engine Shield since with oil changes -
> mechanic "forgot" top properly replace or redo all the screws. Have to
> replace them...costly!!
> Last two oil changes...the shield partly came away after driving for
> 2-3 weeks.
> Now need to replace with another one as it is severely damaged from the
> 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.
>
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/...n gine=V6+12v
--
later,
dave
(One out of many daves)
1997 Red A4 1.8tq auto

"iws" > wrote in message
...
> "Len" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> I keep having problem with the Engine Shield since with oil changes -
>> mechanic "forgot" top properly replace or redo all the screws. Have to
>> replace them...costly!!
>> Last two oil changes...the shield partly came away after driving for
>> 2-3 weeks.
>> Now need to replace with another one as it is severely damaged from the
>> 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.
>>
> I removed mine from my 98 A4 2.8 quattro - no ill effect so far.
>