These cars (the early ones, at least) came with a rubber crankcase breather hose. The hose comes out of the lower engine block on the driver's side, then runs toward the firewall a few inches, then turns to the passenger side to enter a metal tube. In time, the hose becomes very soft and mushy, and may collapse or rupture. The replacement is a metal tube with two short lengths of rubber hose clamped to each end. The P/N for the metal tube is 054 103 227 A, but make sure you ask for the kit that has all the necessary pieces with it. Replacement is straightforward, but frustrating because of limited access and the rigidity of the metal replacement compared to the original rubber hose.
- For easier access to the lower clamp, unbolt the metal support wire that holds the two hydraulic hoses that run from the pump toward the firewall.
- Look just below/behind distributor, to the back of the engine (a light helps here), and you'll see where a long metal breather tube (runs transverse across engine bay and behind engine) connects to the rubber breather hose. To disconnect the two, first loosen the mounting bolt that holds the metal tube behind the engine block. This will allow you to maneuver that tube (helpful during reassembly, too). A medium sized screwdriver will get in there, from the top. If you still have difficulty getting to the clamp, consider removing the battery for easier access
- The bottom of the hose mounts on the driver's side of the block, just below the bracket that holds the plugs for the 02 sensor. Loosen the hose clamp here.
- Take note of the placement of the hose--you'll need to re-route the new one in the same place.
- The hose will probably be in such horrible shape that when you pull it off the lower mount it will break apart, causing a bunch of debris to fall into the crankcase. To avoid this, be very careful as you remove it.
- The new hose is metal, with two rubber ends. The hoses are tight enough so that they fit over the metal piece without the need for clamps, and Audi doesn't provide any for this purpose. Use the old clamps just to tighten the hose ends down over the mounts, not onto the metal replacement. For extra security you can buy a medium and a small sized hose clamp to clamp the rubber ends onto the metal center section.
- Replacement is opposite of removal. Getting everything lined up can be difficult, so be patient. You can connect either end first, depending on which way you find to be easier.
