Chard

I have to change my timing belt soon and wanted to put the car into service mode instead of taking the whole front end apart because I heard it's a whole lot easier. Is there a write-up out there that says how to do this? TIA.

Silver Streakin'

as difficult as it is to get a TB on, just pull the bumper cover and lock carrier, etc.

SilverA4Fun

you can make certain it is correct install and and all your nuts/bolts are torqued correctly the first time. And you have to still drain you wp to install it

Chard

Aside from exhaust, I've never really had to work around my engine compartment. What's the lock carrier?

Kris Hansen

Well, not all the way off. You remove the bumper, and 16 bolts or so, and slide the lock carrier forward on long metal rods that get threaded into one of the bolt holes for the bumper shocks. You don't even have to disconnet any of the radiator hoses.

Chard

So that I can slide the front end on it? Also, does anyone have a Bentley that shows the bolts I have to take off?

Kris Hansen

What I do is use a stool or something to support the lock carrier at the bottom, and tie down straps to support it at the top.

Chard

Or would I easily be able to see which 16 screws I have to take out?

Kris Hansen

It's in the tech article in the tech section of AudiWorld...

Chard

I was looking at got_root's EFK install directions and he's pretty clear about how to take off the AC condesor and the radiator. I guess it's not that much work after that, right? Or is it necessary to do this when you're putting it into service mode anyway? It doesn't seem TOO hard to get through those 2 steps at least.