Removing Oil Pan On Audi A4 2.0T: Step-By-Step Guide

Removing the oil pan from an Audi A4 B7 2.0T can be a challenging task, and it is important to follow the correct procedure to avoid damage and ensure a successful outcome. The process typically involves jacking up the car, removing the belly pan, draining the oil, and then accessing and unscrewing the oil pan bolts. However, some have suggested that removing the engine or sub-frame can make the task easier, although this adds significant time and complexity to the job. It is also important to note that different model years of the Audi A4 may have specific requirements or variations in the oil pan removal process.

Jack up the car and remove the belly pan

To remove the belly pan on your Audi A4 2.0T, you'll first need to jack up the car and secure it with jack stands. This will give you safe and stable access to the underbody of the vehicle. Place wheel chocks in front of and behind one of the rear tires to prevent the car from rolling while you're working.

Once the car is securely raised and blocked, you can begin the process of removing the belly pan. The belly pan, also known as the underbody tray or engine tray, is typically secured with a variety of fasteners, including screws, dowel pins, and clamping pins. You'll need to locate and remove these fasteners to detach the belly pan.

The belly pan on the Audi A4 has two main sections: the front tray and the transmission tray. The front tray covers the front of the engine and accessories, while the transmission tray covers part of the engine and the transmission. These trays often share some common fasteners.

For the 2002-2008 Audi A4 B6 model, the removal process for the front tray involves:

• Removing three common fasteners shared with the transmission tray (green arrows in the reference image).
• Removing eight under-tray fasteners (red arrows).
• Removing two fasteners in the wheel well (yellow arrows).
• Carefully lowering the tray down and out from the engine area, being mindful of any fluids that may have accumulated in the tray due to leaks.

For the transmission tray on the B6 model, you'll:

• Remove the three shared fasteners (green arrows).
• Remove two fasteners at the rear (blue arrows).
• Lower and remove the tray.

On the Audi A4 B7 model, the belly pan removal process is similar. You'll need to locate and remove the various fasteners securing the belly pan. This includes screws and retaining clips. The belly pan covers the oil filter housing, so you'll need to remove it to access the oil filter.

• Some of the black plastic fasteners can be tricky to remove. Using a spark plug gapper, a large coin, or a 90-degree screwdriver can help.
• The belly pan may be secured with different types of fasteners, depending on the previous maintenance done on the car. It's common to find a mix of wood screws, sheet metal screws, and zip ties.
• If you're having trouble accessing some of the screws, try using a large fender washer to gain better access in tight spaces.
• When lowering the belly pan, be cautious of any fluids that may have leaked and collected in the tray.

Drain the oil filter housing

To drain the oil filter housing of your Audi A4 B7 2.0T, you'll first need to jack up the front of your car and place jack stands to support it. Ensure the vehicle is secure on the jack stands before crawling underneath. If your car has a belly pan, remove it using a flat-head screwdriver.

Now, locate the oil filter housing. It is on the driver's side of the engine, about halfway back, right above the motor mount. Remove the motor mount sensor plug as it can obstruct your work.

Unscrew the cap at the bottom of the oil filter housing to reveal the drain valve. Position an oil drain pan under the car, right below the filter. Screw the filter housing drain adapter into the bottom of the housing. You'll know it's in place when oil starts to drain out through the hose. Once the initial gush of oil slows down, unscrew the adapter from the housing.

Drain the oil sump

To drain the oil sump, first remove the filler cap to create a good vacuum, which will help the oil drain more quickly. Place the drain pan under the sump plug with the majority of the pan behind the plug. Using a 19mm socket or wrench, loosen the plug. When able to, unscrew the plug the rest of the way using your fingers. When completely unscrewed, pull the plug out quickly to allow the oil to flow. Ensure the drain pan is not only directly under the drain hole, but far enough back so the flow isn't ending up on the floor. Allow the oil to completely drain and replace the sump plug.

Replace the metal plug gasket if the oil filter came with a new one. Torque the sump plug to 22 lb/ft or 264 lb/in (30Nm). Anytime a filter comes with new gaskets or O-rings, use them. You'll never be sorry as long as they are the right ones.

Remove and replace the oil filter

To remove and replace the oil filter on your Audi A4 B7 2.0T, follow these steps:

Step 1: Locate the Engine Oil Filter

The engine oil filter is on the driver's side of the engine, right above the motor mount.

Step 2: Remove the Protective Cap

Unscrew the protective cap on the bottom of the oil filter.

Step 3: Attach the Oil Filter Housing Drain Tube

From underneath the car, screw the head of the oil filter housing drain tube into the bottom of the filter until you feel resistance. Then connect the hose, making sure the line is pinched. Continue to screw until you hear the click of the drain valve.

Step 4: Drain the Oil

Oil will start to drain down the hose. Un-pinch the hose and let it drain into your drain pan. When it’s done, re-pinch the hose and let it catch any remaining drips.

Step 5: Unscrew the Oil Filter

Use the oil filter socket (you may need an extension) and unscrew the oil filter from under the car. Once you break the initial bond, you should be able to unscrew it by hand. Remove the assembly and drain any remaining oil into the drain pan.

Step 6: Prepare the New Filter and Seal

Remove the old seal, then dab the new seal with some of the used engine oil.

Step 7: Install the New Filter

Put the new filter into the housing and screw it back into position. You may need to apply some pressure to help it catch the threads, but once it catches, it should screw on effortlessly.

Step 8: Reinstall the Protective Cap

Tighten the filter to 25 nm (newton meters) and reinstall the protective cap.

Step 9: Refill the Engine Oil

Add engine oil through the hole in the crankcase. The 2.0T has a capacity of 4.5L of oil.

Step 10: Start the Car and Check for Leaks

After refilling the engine oil, start the car and check for leaks. If there are none, reinstall the belly pan. After the car has run for about 10 minutes, check the oil level and adjust as necessary.

Step 11: Dispose of the Old Engine Oil Properly

Dispose of the old engine oil properly. Local laws differ, but most gas stations or places that sell oil will take your old oil.

Refill the engine oil

Now that you've drained the old oil and replaced the oil filter, it's time to refill the engine oil. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Park your car on a level surface and turn off the engine. It's important to park on level ground to get an accurate oil reading.
• Open the hood of your Audi A4 and locate the oil filler cap. It will be marked with the word "oil" or have an outline of an oil can.
• Remove the oil filler cap and set it aside.
• Get your new oil and a funnel. The recommended oil for the Audi A4 2.0T engine is 4.5L to 4.6L of synthetic oil that meets the Audi motor oil quality standard 502 00.
• Place the funnel into the oil filler hole.
• Slowly pour the new oil into the engine through the funnel. Add the oil gradually, checking the level frequently to avoid overfilling.
• Once you've added the recommended amount of oil, replace the oil filler cap securely.
• Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds to allow the new oil to circulate.
• Turn off the engine and check the oil level with the dipstick. Make sure the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick.
• If the oil level is below the minimum mark, add more oil as needed.
• After adding oil, run the engine again and check for any leaks.
• If there are no leaks, reinstall the belly pan and lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
• Dispose of the old oil responsibly by taking it to a certified recycling collection centre.

Remember to consult your Audi A4 owner's manual for specific recommendations regarding oil type and capacity. It's important to use the correct oil and not to overfill the engine.

Frequently asked questions