FIXING MY AUDI Q7 FOR FREE!! AUDI WANTED £10,000!!!

[@Nite-owl]

50 years ago a good mechanic would have happily diagnosed the issue correctly and charged you a few hours labour to do what you just did. Today, being a mechanic generally means (obviously not all) learning how to use a diagnostic machine to tell you what parts you need to order and then just swap. Far too much of a throw-away society today IMO. Good job well don pal !!

[@davec1942]

Can't remember the last time I plugged in a diagnostic, only for it to tell me a sensor has broken...now you mention it, what is the point, it can save time and effort, but personally I've found the system just reports back on itself making the entire thing redundant.

[@PandzaMan]

💯 agree. We’re very lucky to have a polish mechanic who very old school. Doesn’t sell you anything you don’t need and pretty much refurbs stuff that can be. TBF only really bible as he charges a ‘fair’ hourly rate and works for himself at home, so very few overheads 👍🏻

[@R2D2trashcan]

To be fair 50 years ago Audi would never have dreamt of designing this garbage to begin with so mechanics then didn’t have to deal with poorly engineered over complicated rubbish.

[@James__bond007]

The early 2000’s were a happy medium where good mechanical knowledge + modern diagnostic tools good get you very far with with diy. With the most recent vehicles you’re useless u have to seek mechanic or dealership because vehicles are way too complicated now

[@agt155]

If you took this to a mechanic 50 years ago it'd take him an hour to figure out how to open the door.

[@chrismonty69]

Never install o-rings dry, always use oil or assembly fluid to prevent drying out and leaking.

[@G4RY1159]

Agree Chris

[@tipptop9]

Molykote 55 O-ring grease is your only man!

[@BlackLines]

My wife's Q7 does this over the course of a week ... you've cheered me right up! NO way would I drop £10k on a £5k 2008 car but she loves it ... now I can get brownie points for the price of a spritz bottle and an afternoon of my time.

[@user-mg9he3qj3n]

You’ll get a pass for a night out for that son👍

[@homeofthelazygamer6173]

she might even let you have the world..

[@finai2381]

@@homeofthelazygamer6173 🤣

[@andrewgrimshaw5180]

Don’t you get a great sense of satisfaction when you fix something for free and it works. Brilliant job.

[@richardsheil5289]

Great result. O rings are easily found in seal and gasket suppliers. Also a light smear of grease can help the o ring work

[@TomDavies86]

As a gas emergency engineer that finds and fixes gas leaks on a daily basis I found this video hugely satisfying…. Fingers crossed that’s the end of the matter! She will make a good car to keep Dean. Nice work bud.

[@markplenty2631]

Amazing fix! The stealerships will always rob you blind when it comes to their “oh you want a simple circle of rubber? Oh wait that’s £10k! Honestly you’re right about that being theft.

[@davidg2073]

Dean you will not be a favourite down at the Audi centre but will however be a star with many Q7 owners. You definitely have my vote and exemplify the difference between a mechanic and a "fitter".

[@SavingSalvage]

It won’t make a difference because no one with an 8 year old and older Q7 will spend 10k on suspension anyway.

[@davidg2073]

My comment was actually referring to your "theft" remarks when you were describing the cost of the suspension units. Hope their lawyers don't watch your channel Dean.

[@SavingSalvage]

@@davidg2073 not selling a simple O-Ring and instead forcing you to spend £2800 for a complete unit which isn’t required is basically theft 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@davidg2073]

I agree completely and admire you for having the guts to say so publicly. I on the other hand have had my own costly brushes with corporate lawyers that has instilled a more cautious approach regardless of any apparent injustice.

[@neildean7515]

Top job. I was recently told by Dealership that my EGR valve needed replacing. I studied about it, the system and took it off, dismantled it, cleaned the soot off the part and reassembled.. Car milage back to normal and saved me the estimated 550euros for a new one which i did not need. These “ stealerships” are criminal money making machines.. shocking.. great job Mister!!!!

[@colinclark8132]

Fair Play Dean just shows you what you can save in this throw away society. Proper Mechanic great video keep them coming

[@michaelhill7632]

From Germany. Bought my daughter a 15 year old Audi A2. Spent countless hours saving limitless 1000's of Euros by DIY and not going to AUDI. So your videos were priceless for me. Great work. Keep sending. Regards.

[@stu9641]

This is incredible! So many issues with cars at actually due to cheap small parts yet most garages replace whole units/kits because they don’t know what the problem is.

[@xXturbo86Xx]

They know what the problem is, but company policy is to not repair, just replace. It's one of the BIG issues of the automobile industry.

[@eamonkelly2792]

Great fix Dean, I think I was like a few others ducking when you drove the Q7 in the workshop, it's nice when something goes right for you 👍👍😷😷

[@daveblack5109]

As I don't have my own workshop / garage you just explained the precise reason I don't own an Audi. The sales team behave like they're doing you a favour and the cost of parts (beyond the basket they used for fleet sales quotes) just leaves me incredulous... Nice Job. I'm sure if you had the time, you could have identified and sourced that 'O' ring. Great channel, thanks for posting.

[@charlesdale1462]

I worked delivering parts for VAG group. Saw the invoices. Legalized bank robbery.......

[@zubeystinzen540]

The best tip given to me by an old spanner regarding any rubber seals is to soak them in transmission oil over night & it reconstitutes the rubber to make a better seal👍

[@PetesWorkshop]

Good work Dean. Nice to see someone else actually trying to fix things rather than just replace. I literally save thousands every year by doing this.

[@RideBikes_Walkplaces]

Alloy oxidisation just pushing it apart! Happens on lots of stuff. Abs sensors on peugeot spring to mind. Remove, clean, thin layer of grease to stop or slow it down in future and refit! Nice work, mate! I'll remember this for the future.

[@Mikeb4ugo]

Hi Dean, O rings of the size you have on your air suspension are readily on line, or local engineering suppliers. O rings can take a set so are not as effective when reusing, and yes always use a suitable grease to help with resealing as per Snoppy. Nice fix as usual.

[@robp8218]

Wow, what a result for free! I wonder how many Q7's have been written off because of the fear about how much this issue is to fix? Brilliant video, looking forward to the next video on the Q7.

[@sweetfreedomGB]

Changed rear air bellows on a 5 series touring, good quality parts off Ebay for £80 a pair. Work took just three hours, fiddly but relatively straightforward. BMW wanted £2k for the same job! Eighteen months on and no issues....Lesson learnt.

[@Moncs70]

Was there a final video for this? I need to know the final part of the story!

[@Kevmac332]

Great fix Dean, I always use silicone grease to help prolong the life of o rings.. Wishing you well 👍

[@familieverhoeve7127]

I am looking forward to seeing the Q7 fixed ! Great fix on the car. This must inspire Q7 owners to also fix the air suspension them selves. No money for the stealership, daylight robbery ! I have stopped calling the Audi stealer, better for my heart and blood pressure. Prices are absolutely criminal. Love your videos. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@GraveUypo]

first sponsor ever to interest me for real. i'd look into it if i could buy locally, but i'm not going to go as far as importing it. but yeah, nice product

[@31144]

Any engineering supplies place could get those new O rings Dean, worth smearing them with silicon grease upon re assembly, great fix though 👍 Imagine how many Q7's are going to the scrapman once these bags start leaking but folks not realising it's such an easy fix

[@jasonlewry3307]

Top work! I dread to think how many have either scrapped or ditched the air for springs over the years….. Audi, bmw, and of course JLR….. a lesson to all. Just take it apart and have a go. We live in a throw away society sadly. Huge respect.😊

[@julianlangdon3456]

Excessive Cranking Cold: my DERV used to crank 5 seconds + cold. An 85mph run (2500rpm) for 100miles fixed it. Now starts immediately as it should. Uncovered other faults too, (failing Water Pump Bearings and DMF), well worthwhile

[@northb271]

I watch a lot of car guys and I love how you explain things and explain what research you need to do and it’s good Bevause I’m starting mechanics it’s really a passsion but I have no knowledge on it what do ever tbh just went back to college I wish I did it younger I like it when I see people genuine like you leavening new things all the time

[@derekstocker6661]

The last few words you spoke are absolutely frightening. I love Audi's and have considered getting one as I am informed they rust less than many other makes, but this is absolutely frightening for many owners. Great work, now you should start your own workshop repairing Audi vehicles and probably make a fortune. Excellent video and keep them coming!

[@enigma7791]

Some lads are just born great engineers. Really enjoy watching how easy you make it all look, pretty sure I would struggle with most of what you do.

[@EnglishTurbines]

I'm a retired Design Engineer. You can get ANY size O ring you desire if you approach the suppliers. They are easy to measure and you could also upgrade from a basic Nitrile type ring if you wanted to. I'd also add that the aluminium corrosion has migrated causing the leak in the first place. Some O ring lubricant could mitigate the same problem from reappearing....🤔🤔😏😏😏😏😀🇬🇧

[@lhoanii]

They sell a kit to make your own o rings. Comes with several different diameters of "cord" which you measure, cut, and glue to make any size o ring. It's used by heavy equipment mechanics repairing in the field. It's a bit pricey at around $250 roughly I believe. I haven't purchased the kit myself but mechanics swear by it. Just a thought for you to consider. Keep up the great videos.

[@kevinnye5132]

Now that’s what I call a fantastic save and well executed diagnosis and amazing that those ring seals still worked, I bet Audi just love ❤️ you Dean 😂👍🏻, good video mate.

[@matthewhoar2685]

I have been to a bearing & seal suppliers and matched o-ring sizes in the past and repaired things for next to nothing. They are only standard sizes in round seals it’s only ones with curves and turns that you wouldn’t get from a suppliers

[@robincook3367]

I love fixes like this. About 11 years ago I owned a Volvo S80 T6. Dashboard messages about brake and steering faults, and to stop immediately. A bit of research told me it was likely to be an ABS electronic module under the bonnet, for which my Volvo dealer would relieve me of something like £1400+VAT. Further research revealed it was likely a cracked/dry solder joint on the power inlet to the module. Half an hour to remove it. Another 20 minutes to dab each solder joint. Half an hour to refit it. Problem solved. Only cost was £15 for a set of sockets for the Torx head bolts that I needed to undo.

[@robincook3367]

Also, I have a Volvo XC70, the interior door handles are prone to breaking. Volvo want £450+VAT for a complete new door card (the clips on the back of the card break), and you would have to wait weeks for one from Sweden. I fixed it for under £10, £4.50 of which was new door card retaining clips, £4.50 was a set of small drill bits for an electric screwdriver, and 89p was for a pack of hooks for net curtain springs.

[@nikgeld5484]

I had a similar thing on my volvo s40,stop car brake failure,abs and the like,dealer said module £1000 went to the volvo forums turned out my battery was on its way out

[@derekgibson3223]

Well done ! Great to see a wonderful car being saved rather than being scrapped due to the high prices quoted by Main dealer to repair car. Congratulations

[@fastcomechanical7449]

Use the grease used for swimming pool orings and it will make it seal so good

[@imonlytellingthetruth6562]

What a superb vid, love the fact you found a solution, this is so helpful for any q7 owner, I had same issue with with Mercedes R class . Brilliant free fix

[@Jon.O]

These are the best videos Dean, just love your approach to fixing stuff. 👍🏻

[@michelod.i.y.5202]

I've repaired leaking o'rings in a similar way to you on other things in the past, the only difference is when refitting the o'ring, I've coated it with silicon greece. Great vid.

[@Biffo1262]

You can make or get made your own O rings. You can buy O ring kits online. If the existing one isn't compromised you can soak it in power steering fluid and it will swell back to its original shape. When refitting make sure it is lightly coated with silicone grease.

[@mikeyBIA]

If I was to do this I would treat the rubber with a hydrater to restore the elasticity of the rubber to just help it even more. Fantastic work as always though and just shows you can save so much money by just being a bit of investigation instead of firing parts at it

[@normanstephens5391]

Great fix, Dean. I would have done the same as you did. (always looking for the cheap & cheerful alternative) 😊. Great result. Replacement parts in stock, for similar project. With not a so easy fix. 👍👍

[@teamemusrcreviews3225]

Oh a good wire brushing and a squirt with waxoyl underneath would be just the dogs on those arms and rusty bits👍👍👍

[@tommytee8387]

Great repair ..we live in a throwaway society where main dealer so called mechanics just replace parts until the issue is fixed..unlike years ago when we used to fault find diagnose and repair items..they charge Thousands for a repair that costs pennies but they don’t care those glass showrooms need to be paid for…

[@graemeoliver179]

I hope as many people as possible see this, great work Dean and great video keep the content coming

[@brianpender7872]

Oxidation problems causing the problems! Brilliant results mt good video

[@dh7277]

as my dealer says-"we don't fix things we replace parts". Audi have just shown you why people don't want to buy VWAG air suspension vehicles used despite that fact they provide superior performance. i love my air suspension Touareg however you are best to diagnose and fix it yourself or find a good independent shop. there is a UK firm that supplies a repair kit for the compressor. my Touareg has 280K kms on it and i have replaced a compressor(direct from a German supplier approximately $465 versus $2,547 from VW), a sensor (from a US dealer-several hundred dollars less than my Cdn dealer) , and 2 valves (from an independent shop) during that time. Keep up the good work- you are educating people and saving us money !

[@markrussell9719]

A great video - thanks for sharing. My son has just bought one of these & now has the same issues. No guesses on who is going to fix it for him (Dad) me & I will definitely be following your repair procedures. Great video & now hooked on your channel 😂

[@V12BHP]

Great diagnosis and repair 👍 but, as others have commented, a helping of Instant Gasket or similar would compensate for any reduction/distortion in the shape of the ring's cross-section and any loss of softness/flexibility due to long term pressure and aging.

[@nepalesejam7505]

Genius. You are the English Car Wizard! Todays top vid on yt!

[@klausfrede6085]

You can go to Caterpillar, there have every o ring size and material you need. The aluminum will corrod and push the parts in part. Painting of parts after cleaning helps. Nice car

[@felizegberink7850]

great repair, I just had one of my suspensions done by an audi dealer in Prtugal. Did cost me 800 euro for one new suspension. Now understand this was cheap (repair was no option - it was really destroyed). 👍

[@ploughable]

TB6000 is actually an useful tool, I use it also to restore the old battery like desulfation, not always work but it renews 2 batteries already, for my car and motorcycle

[@robertsmall1715]

Cheap fix👍. I've got an O ring kit so I can make any size. All you do is cut to length the size of O ring you need and glue the ends together, I use this on hydraulics so pneumatic systems are no problem for pressure.

[@herridge819]

I've seen this same repair on another Q7 on KZbin, I would have used some silicone grease on those O rings, but great work. Can't imagine any dealer doing that it would be unit only!

[@stevebootman7435]

Yes totally agree with the silicone grease on o rings also it will help with the alloy corrosion which is what caused the air leak.

[@MartinosIav]

I´m about to do the the exact same thing next tuesday. Hope it will fix the leak and new bags will not be necessary ;) Thank you for this video!

[@demon1954]

Nice to watch a mechanic at work rather than a fitter.

[@mwh2412]

Please rebuild the air suspension pump. For £50 or so for a full rebuild kit and new drying balls it will make sure it survives much longer.

[@soonyeawee3008]

Haunted with this suspension issue and pricey repairs. Thanks for this great videos - I may change my mind to keep my 2008 Q7.

[@marklewin541]

Excellent find, were you not tempted to clean up the front as precaution, or use silicon grease on the o ring?

[@SavingSalvage]

The front assembly was slightly different, so it was a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”

[@kfrdubber]

Wondering if the hat wasn't torqued down enough from factory or if the o ring wasn't tall enough when originally assembled. Or maybe both.

[@brandlee1629]

That's really good investigation and work there. I may be wrong, my thought seal would get some water on it and it would sit on top. Once the water on top has frozen, it would corrode the top of the seal cause it to offset the rubber allowing air to escape. Anything you could add on the top of the strut to stop the water from gathering and or freezing? 🤔

[@dougle03]

You forget to put some silicone grease on the ring before reinstalling. O Rings work by deforming into the grooves when pressure is applied, the grease helps the ring move about and find it's happy place in the housing. Not a lot is needed, just a rub over on the ring before fitting.

[@therealfox]

Great fix! Awesome savings. Hope to see more of the q7 soon! I think there is some moisture in the compressor, maybe the dry filter is too old.

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Great fix!! You're quite right, that's rip off pricing, quick polish and a new o ring from the local seal/bearing store and you're sorted.

[@ianbird6997]

Fantastic fix 👍👍👍 typical Audi would not even sell replacement seal kit, rather charge you 14k. Never take my car to the dealer.

[@davidkirk9187]

Red rubber grease is good for reviving dry o rings and seals etc

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

So satisfying when a job works.

[@nikgeld5484]

Could you not put some gasket seal round the edge of the o ring to stop water ingress

[@fernandobernard1560]

had a q7 with air suspension problems and i change the air suspension for arnott coil over struts and it works perfectly

[@MirceaD28]

That O ring can failure du to the corrosion. Look at the surface! The corrosion goes over the ring and thus the air escapes over, and because of the pressure, cuts the ring. Clean the surface from corrosion, new ring, and use something to protect the metal.

[@derekgb3780]

It looked like the powdery corrosion you get on aluminium was disrupting the seal. Great cheap fix.

[@Lemma01]

Superb! Had this madness with a Merc E350 W211 - it's almost a write off when the air susp dies...

[@jasonp2213]

Dean, when you release the next video in the series maybe are you able to tell everyone how / what tools you used to clean up the air suspension, I for one would be very appreciative. Thank you

[@chriswright3062]

Dean, next time use some vacuum grease on the O ring as it will prevent the situation from occurring again.

[@Jahmed5635]

Congratulations on 90k subs. Think I must’ve started watching right at the start at 800 subs or so, the S3 got me hooked😂

[@SavingSalvage]

The S3 is what kickstarted me to my first 1000 subs! 🙌🏼

[@MrIGoCommando]

Me was the Cerbera. I hadnt ever come across Dean's channel before until the Cerbera (I used to work as a parts man for a TVR dealer and workshop) and got hooked!

[@stephendutton3766]

Woot woot. Free the best sort of fix!! Bet you are more than well chuffed!

[@osleezzyy]

Fun fact! I found that o-ring in my swimming pool filter pump o-ring compartment in my work truck! On top of cleaning and lightly sanding everything, i magic lubed the o-ring just like a pool pump motor. Air Tight! Wouldn't have been the case if i had gone to the dealership.. Would've been whistling Dixie!!

[@melwebb8485]

Proper engineering with a correct diagnosis and repair well done👌👌

[@stewartlewis3503]

It's amazing how much energy a little rubber O-ring can handle.

[@stevensurtees8756]

Great fix, we use vaseline on o-rings if we re use, makes them swell slightly

[@alanblenkinsop2775]

Well done dean you saved yourself a fortune mate best thing you done diagnose the problem then fix if possible and then tap yourself on the back for job well done good content dean 👍😆

[@1066gaz]

What a result. Well done dean.

[@Craig_79]

As others have said, I would suggest putting a smear of silicone grease on the seal. It keeps the seal supple, prevents it from distorting and it repels water and will keep the corrosion away for longer.

[@russellmilliesmith6270]

Great video again mate. In the future if you need any O rings you can buy O ring cord very cheaply in loads of different sizes. you simply cut it to the length of the old one and use a drop of superglue to join the ends to make it a ring. you can build up a stock of various standard sizes for not much money, saves a lot of headache some times.

[@Rodders20004]

Great fix, and you saved £14k !! Only one thing I would say and it’s not a criticism I would have put a smear of grease on the rubber seals. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@rjnation5042]

Yet again really well designed, great work mate & you saved a shed load of money, Rj in Oz

[@davidanderson7481]

I can’t believe that they had a quote for 10k and you’ve just had to clean up the O rings for free. What a fix

[@utlm6168]

100k by the end of the year👍 keep up the great content

[@grahamfunnell5590]

Kudos for calling out the manufacturer on their exorbitant parts prices and lack of service components.

[@Frkn910]

but i can see some sort of oil leak in the bottom of the first strut repaired, where does it come from?

[@paultaylor9652]

Clever work Dean, Audi must think if you can afford to own one you can afford the running costs. To think if it went into a independent garage it probably would of been sold for scrapped.

[@kevinmountford4541]

It was, for £1000 to Dean. Well done sir.

[@robertcashman4440]

O ring kit from RS spares possibly a tenner

[@craigmillard5083]

Happy days deano! £1000 and no money to fix. Can't get better then that. Enjoyed this video m8. Good job 👏🏻 👍

[@dwrowley]

Great video and a free fix, it's crazy the cost of replacement parts and no kits available

[@MrLankoss]

Might be worth investing in an O ring splicing kit for future use, they aren't expensive and you can just make your own if you are ever in need of one. Just make a clean cut in the old O ring with a Stanley knife, measure it then cut the same length of the new material and make yourself a new one.

[@chrisramm4486]

Sorry Dean heavy night last night my respect to you didn't read your post properly excellent video today keep them coming 👍

[@Mac_F87]

Can’t beat a cheap and some way easy fix, they are always satisfying. Looks like water/salt ingress causing that aluminium to corrode. Might have been worth putting a bead of RTV or silicone sealant round to stop water getting in again.

[@EnemyDwarf-TTV]

its water in the compressor!