How do I fix a leaking water pump on an Audi A4?

Honestly, dont just do the gasket. I tried the cheap route once on my B8 when I was short on cash and used a Elring Gasket 06H121119L. It lasted maybe four days before the puddle came back. These plastic housings are notorious for warping from the heat cycles, so the new seal won't even sit flush once the plastic has gone out of shape. I ended up having to tear the whole front end apart again, which sucked. My advice is to get a metal housing unit and be done with it.

• Pick up the GEBA Water Pump with Metal Housing 06H121026DD since its way more reliable than the stock plastic one.
• Also grab a Rein Water Pump Union 06H121131A because the old one will likely snap when you remove it.
• Clean the engine block surface perfectly or itll leak again no matter what pump you use. Going metal saved me so much headache even if it costs a bit more upfront.

Is the leak definitely from the pump body or is it dripping from the union above it? In my experience, these plastic housings fail because oil-soaked gaskets swell and crack the plastic.

• Use the Pierburg Water Pump Assembly 06H121026DD for a complete fix.
• Check your Continental 06H121605E Water Pump Toothed Belt for coolant damage. Cheap gaskets fail because the plastic is already brittle... better to do it right.

I totally agree, gotta watch out for cheap fixes. My buddy had a nightmare:

• He dropped a bolt into the bay
• It took hours just to find it Be careful tho...