Audi A4 Front Bumper Removal Service Position Instructions for 1997-2001 B5 Chassis

As we know the engine bay area of the 1997-2001 Audi A4 B5 chassis is very tight and challenging to perform any repairs. This article will discuss how to remove the front bumper cover and put your Audi A4 into the service position. This will allow more space surrounding the engine. Typically, this service position is necessary in order to perform the timing belt replacement and other in-depth part replacements on the front side of the engine.

How To Put An Audi A4 Into Service Position

DISCLAIMER: Blauparts recommends that an Audi VW Factory Trained ASE Certified Technician perform repair.

Always read the factory service manual safety instructions and guidelines. Always wear safety glasses and other safety items when performing the following repair.

NOTE: Images used are from a 1997 Audi A4 1.8T. However, the instructions are also applicable to Audi A4 models with 2.8L 30 valve engines.

All information and images © copyright of Blaufergnugen Inc.

How To Step 1

Elevate vehicle on an automotive lift or jack stands, using proper lift points as outlined in the owner’s manual. Remove the lower splash pan.

How To Step 2

If your car is equipped with fog lights, you must unplug the lower fog lights. Remove the lower bumper grilles to access the electrical plugs through the openings. If your vehicle does not have fog lights, just remove the lower bumper grilles.

How To Step 3

Pinch off the vehicle side of the headlamp washer hose and push down on the plastic latch clip to separate the connector. This hose is located on the driver side of the vehicle just behind the bumper cover. (Be careful not to break or destroy the clip as it will need to be reused)

How to remove the bumper - Audi A4 service position - Step 3

How To Step 4

Locate and remove the (2) fasteners from inner fender liner in front of each tire (one fastener on each side of vehicle).

How to remove the bumper - Audi A4 service position - Step 4

How To Step 5

Locate and remove (2) fasteners located in the top of each bumper grille opening (one fastener on each side of vehicle).

How to remove the bumper - Audi A4 service position - Step 5

How To Step 6

To slide the bumper cover out and off, push straight down on the bumper cover between the fender and bumper cover seam just behind the headlight. At the same time while pushing down, place your second hand near the wheel well area, pull out. The top of the bumper cover should pop out of the bracket. Then grab the lower side of the bumper and pull upward and out to pop the bumper cover out of the lower side of the bracket. Apply this step on both sides of the bumper cover.

How to remove the bumper - Audi A4 service position - Step 6

How To Step 7

Locate and remove the (2) fasteners that hold the air box intake to the radiator valance. Pull upward on the duct closest to the air box and then remove the duct.

How to remove the bumper - Audi A4 service position - Step 7

How To Step 8

Remove the engine bay seal that runs across vehicle from fender to fender along the front side of the engine bay.

How To Step 9

Remove the upper and outermost fasteners located near the bumper shock brackets and then thread tool 3369 into those same threaded holes. When tool 3369 is in place on each side of the vehicle, remove the remaining fasteners from brackets.

How to remove the bumper - Audi A4 service position - Step 9

How To Step 10

Locate and remove the (4) upper radiator valance fasteners located at the forward fender edge on each side of vehicle.

How to remove the bumper - Audi A4 service position - Step 10

How To Step 11

Locate and remove the (2) fasteners holding the lower front edge of fender to the radiator valance. These fasteners are located just under the headlamp on each side of the vehicle.

How to remove the bumper - Audi A4 service position - Step 11

How To Step 12

Locate and remove the (2) fasteners that hold the power steering cooler tube in place. This cooler is located directly in front of the radiator, A/C condenser. Let cooler tube hang free, ensuring it does not get damaged.

How to remove the bumper - Audi A4 service position - Step 12

How To Step 13

Locate the radiator drain screw at the lower front driver side of the radiator. Drain the coolant from the system into a suitable drain pan.

How to remove the bumper - Audi A4 service position - Step 13

How To Step 14

Please Note: Be careful here. Don't get too rough during hose removal. The radiator end caps and nipples are made from plastic and can be fragile.

Remove both the upper and lower radiator hoses by gently prying with a screwdriver on the removal clip found integrated into the hose. Then, gently pull the hose outward, away from the radiator, allowing the internal o-ring / seal and hose to detach from the radiator. Do not pry or pull in a vertical direction, as this will break or crack the plastic caps or nipples of the radiator.

How to remove the bumper - Audi A4 service position - Step 14

How To Step 15

If the vehicle has a 1.8L turbocharged 4 cylinder engine, you will need to remove the lower intercooler hoses that connect to the crossover pipe. If the vehicle has the 2.8L 6 cylinder engine skip this step.

How To Step 16

Slide the entire front radiator and support assembly forward along the previously installed special tool 3369.

All information and images © copyright of Blaufergnugen Inc.