Audi Breather Hoses - VW Breather Hoses

In this article, we will discuss some of the top reasons for Audi VW crankcase breather hose problems. Also, you will find several pictured examples of failed Audi VW crankcase breather hose systems. These pictures can help you diagnose and check the condition of your crankcase breather hose system. If you are experiencing oil leaks and they did not subside or stop after repairing your Audi VW crankcase breather hose system what should you do? We will also highlight how to prevent oil sludge buildup in your Audi or Volkswagen’s crankcase breather hose system?

Audi VW Crankcase Breather Hoses - Engine SludgeCommon Audi VW Crankcase Breather Hose and Ventilation Issues

We've noticed in our own service repair facility that the Audi VW engines can develop oil leaks as the car gets older and advanced in miles. Repeated attempts are made to stop the leaking by replacing multiple gaskets and seals. Before you go through the repair costs of having these seals and gaskets replaced, Blauparts would like to bring to your attention a prominent issue with the Audi VW crankcase breather hose system.

Many Audi VW models have a rough service history. We consider 'rough' to be irregular oil changes, extreme hot or cold climates, a lot of short driving distances where full engine temperature is never reached, and excessive low RPM city driving. This produces a great deal of condensation and moisture to form within the engine, causing a buildup of sludge. Many owners have bought an Audi VW without knowing the oil change and driving history. If you own or have just bought an Audi VW models with over 100,000 miles that has oil leaks, the crankcase breather system should be treated as suspect. If you remove the valve cover and see a lot of resinous accumulation in the valve train area, this indicates that the vehicle already has heavy amounts of oil sludge build up throughout the engine. Suspect number one is the Audi Volkswagen crankcase breather system.

Years of rough service history as mentioned above, cause contamination to take place inside the engine which clogs the Audi VW crankcase breather hose system. Due to this blockage, the air flow generated within the engine crankcase is restricted and will not allow the system to breath properly. When the engine is running, pressure builds up in the crankcase and causes oil to push out and leak from the weakest parts of the engine.

How to Check Your Audi VW Crankcase Breather Hose System

Clogged Audi VW Crankcase Breather HoseTo check the condition of your Audi VW crankcase breather hose system follow the steps below. This will help you determine whether your oil leak(s) could be caused by a plugged or restricted Audi VW crankcase breather hose system.

  1. Remove the fasteners that hold the coolant expansion tank in place. Unplug the level sensor on the bottom and place the tank off to the side leaving the coolant hoses connected.
  2. Remove the center and driver side decorative engine covers.
  3. Locate the Audi VW crankcase breather hose on the backside of the driver side valve cover. To slide the Audi VW breather hoses off, compress the two pressure finger clips and gently pull out. Be careful! As the car gets older and advanced in miles, the years of high engine temperatures (under the hood) can cause the crankcase breather hoses to become brittle and easily breakable. (See images below)

If the inside of your Audi VW crankcase breather hose system looks to be restricted with oil sludge deposits, it's likely that the pressure control valve, check valve and suction pump are also plugged. You can remove the valves and lightly blow through them to check if they're restricted or clogged.

Blocked Audi VW 2.8L 30V crankcase hose system example

Audi Volkswagen Crankcase Breather Hose Kit Example

Broken Audi VW Crankcase Breather HosesDue to these common issues with high mileage 1998-2001 Audi VW 2.8 liter V6 30 valve engines, Blauparts has designed some complete rebuild kit to bring your vehicle's crankcase breather system back into peak working order. The following crankcase breather hose replacement kit gives you an idea of what is included in our crankcase breather hose systems.

Audi VW 2.8 Liter V6 30 Valve Crankcase Breather Hose Kit Includes:

  • PCV Audi VW Crankcase Breather Hose
  • S Type Audi VW Crankcase Breather Hose
  • Updated Audi VW Check Valve
  • Updated Audi VW Suction Pump Valve
  • All Necessary Hose Clamps
  • Detailed 'We Care!' Step-By-Step Instructions

Audi VW Crankcase Breather Hose Kit

The above kit applies to the following vehicle make and models:

  • 1998-2001 Audi A4 2.8L V6 30 Valve Crankcase Breather Hose Kit
  • 1998-2001 Audi A6 2.8L V6 30 Valve Crankcase Breather Hose Kit
  • 1998-2001 VW Passat 2.8L V6 30 Valve Crankcase Breather Hose Kit

Please Note: The information and pictures above refers to a V6 30 valve engine. However, this information can also be applied to most Audi and VW models and engine configurations. For example, many VW Passat models with 4 cylinder 1.8L turbo, VW Jetta, Golf, or Beetle models with 4 cylinder 2.0L, or 5 cylinder 2.5L gasoline or diesel engines, have been subjected to rough service history. All VW Jetta, Golf, and Beetle engines and configurations have crankcase ventilation breather hose systems. If your Audi or VW has oil leaks from the front or rear crankshaft seal areas, there is a strong possibility that the vehicle has experienced a rough service life. Technicians should inspect the crankcase breather hose system for restriction caused by a buildup of oil varnish and sludge. A previous rough service life doesn't have to mean the end of your car's engine. Take action and immediately start using the recommended Audi VW oil specification in your car.

How to Prevent Oil Sludge Buildup

To prevent this buildup, Blauparts recommends using Ravenol CleanSynto technology motor oil in your Audi VW. Made in Germany, Ravenol is an advanced higher quality synthetic motor oil that is specifically engineered to meet Audi VW oil specifications, extending oil change intervals, while fighting against sludge build up in the valve train area. Varnish and sludge build up eventually leads to crankcase breather hose restriction, excessive crankcase pressure, and subsequent Audi VW oil leaks. Ravenol's unique oil formulation has the ability to substantially reduce internal engine friction, resulting in increased fuel mileage, reduced emissions, extended engine life and a cleaner running engine at an affordable price.

If Your Oil Leaks Do Not Stop or Subside After Repairing Your Audi VW Crankcase Breather Hose System, What Should You Do?

After repairing the Audi VW crankcase breather hose system, it is common for engine oil leaks to subside and/or stop. If the leaks do not stop, check these common Audi VW oil leak points:

  1. The cam chain tensioner gaskets and seals
  2. The valve cover gaskets
  3. The camshaft seals and plugs
  4. The front and rear crankshaft seals

If your vehicle is experiencing oil leaks or related conditions, Blauparts recommends bringing this information to your technician's attention for proper diagnosis.