What is the best way to fix Audi Q5 oil leaks?

Question

I've been wrenching on my own cars for over a decade now and had a B7 A4 that leaked like a sieve so I thought I knew what I was getting into with this 2018 Q5. I recently noticed some spots on the garage floor and when I pulled the belly pan it was just soaked. I already checked the usual suspects like the drain plug and the filter housing but everything there looks dry as a bone. It seems to be weeping from somewhere behind the cylinder head or maybe the upper timing cover? honestly it is so cramped back there I can barely get a mirror in to see.

I am trying to get this sorted before a ski trip to Copper Mountain next weekend so I am on a bit of a time crunch here. I have about $400 or $500 set aside for parts if I have to buy a whole new PCV assembly or something but I really want to do it right the first time. I usually get my stuff from FCP Euro but I dont want to order the wrong seals and be stuck mid-job.

looking for a long term fix not a temporary sealant

do i need any weird triple square bits or low profile torx for the back of the engine?

should i just bite the bullet and do the valve cover gasket too even if it looks okay?

I am mostly worried about the labor time since the space is so tight and my garage isnt heated. Anyone else dealt with a high-up leak on the EA888 Gen 3 that wasnt just the oil cap? It is driving me crazy trying to trace it...

Raymondbok · Accepted Answer

Grab the Hengst PCV Valve Assembly now! It fixed my leak instantly and saved me cash.easy installamazing quality Love it!

xdghihvnjf · Answer

Like someone mentioned, that back area is a nightmare. In my experience, if it's trailing down the block, check the cam bridge.

Elring Valve Cover Gasket Set 06K103483L: Best for a full head refresh.

Victor Reinz Camshaft Bridge Seal 06H103483C: Ideal if it's just the inner O-ring. Grab a VIM Tools V382 1/4 Inch Drive XZN Triple Square Bit Set for the firewall clearance. I've wasted hours with standard bits back there...

ywprqziqhx · Answer

Since you are seeing oil behind the head, it is probably the vacuum pump or the upper timing cover. Those plastic covers on the EA888 love to warp over time, so just swapping the gasket often isnt enough for a long-term fix. I would grab the VAICO Upper Timing Cover Assembly since it comes with a new seal and wont be warped like your current one. Few things to keep in mind:

Check the vacuum pump seal. It is a common leak point that drips right onto the transmission bell housing. The Elring Vacuum Pump Gasket is a cheap part to have on hand just in case.

You will definitely need a low-profile T30 bit or a small bit-driver ratchet because that firewall clearance is tiny back there.

Since you are already in there, doing the valve cover is probably smart insurance even if it looks okay now. It is a tight squeeze in a cold garage but you can definitely get it done before your trip next week.