Hello all, 

As it's highly likely it's the crankshaft that's wrecked on my 2.5tdi engine could this just be replaced? I appreciate it'd need new bearings and crank seals etc. 

How easy is this to do and does anyone know the process? 

I know the sump (both parts) and the subframe has to be lowered (unless engine removed). 

But what's the process to remove the actual crankshaft? 

Would you recommend this? 

Thank you for any advice. 

 

Steve.

It's been years, well decades actually, since I took a crankshaft out so I have no idea about the specific tasks involved in yours. However the major obstacle I found was disconnecting the engine from the transmission. In my case, involving an in line engine and rear wheel drive, that entailed removing the propshaft, the gearbox, the clutch, and the flywheel. The lesser obstacles were at the front of the engine and entailed removing the crankshaft pulley & belt, the timing cover, and the timing chain, all of which necessitated removal of the radiator first.

Even though the layout of your engine bay will be greatly different from my old Fords and Austins, the same principles will apply. It was a lot of work, much of it under the car.

I suggest you hire an engine crane to make the work easier and quicker. I could not afford such things in my early years of motoring.

Thanks Cliff. I think the plan would be to lift the engine out instead of dropping the subframe. I'm just thinking, changing just the crankshaft is the cheaper option. And hopefully gets the A6 back on the road.  We'll be able to diagnose it as that once the sump is removed and we can inspect it. 

With the engine out it will be so much easier to work on than doing it all under the bonnet.

While it is out it would be worth taking the head off and checking the valves, maybe regrinding them if such a thing is done nowadays. You can then also measure the bores for wear.

At the bottom of the engine look at the main and big end shells, and check the journals.

That data should give you an indication of how much work is needed, and hence how much it is likely to cost.

Thanks Cliff 🙂