Exhaust valve mod - alternative

[GregC]

I was looking through this thread:
https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/s5-exhaust-valve-mod.327005/

I gave the mod a go and it works great (no more single black pipe and better sound - did seem to get better over time too which was odd).

When I scanned the car (ODBEleven) I saw the error codes and thought I'd see what I could do to remove them. I noticed the actuator was connected to the exhaust by three nuts, see picture, only one nut shown, they are all the same 8mm.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/WSgM8fYbpj8yymqU6

I undid the nuts and was able to lift the actuator up, one was quite hard, the other just lifted right up.

Underneath the actuator is a removable spring:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/w1eLKk2tC89pGZaF9

I removed the spring:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/KZVwhV4oxcnV6haU9

Reinstalled the actuator and plugged everything back in - result, no error codes, no loose cable and always open exhaust valves!

You obviously need to ensure the valves are in the open position before putting the actuator back on, the valve turns by hand once the actuator is off if necessary - start the car to check gasses flow from all the pipes.

Hope this is helpful and apologies if it has been posted before!

Greg

 

[GregC]

Apologies - some photo related challenges.

Top of actuator

Spring 'fitted'.

Spring removed.

 

[Gavo]

I was looking through this thread:
https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/s5-exhaust-valve-mod.327005/

I gave the mod a go and it works great (no more single black pipe and better sound - did seem to get better over time too which was odd).

When I scanned the car (ODBEleven) I saw the error codes and thought I'd see what I could do to remove them. I noticed the actuator was connected to the exhaust by three nuts, see picture, only one nut shown, they are all the same 8mm.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/WSgM8fYbpj8yymqU6

I undid the nuts and was able to lift the actuator up, one was quite hard, the other just lifted right up.

Underneath the actuator is a removable spring:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/w1eLKk2tC89pGZaF9

I removed the spring:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/KZVwhV4oxcnV6haU9

Reinstalled the actuator and plugged everything back in - result, no error codes, no loose cable and always open exhaust valves!

You obviously need to ensure the valves are in the open position before putting the actuator back on, the valve turns by hand once the actuator is off if necessary - start the car to check gasses flow from all the pipes.

Hope this is helpful and apologies if it has been posted before!

Greg

Hi, how did you get to these 3 screws? did you lower the exhaust?

 

[GregC]

Hi, how did you get to these 3 screws? did you lower the exhaust?

I put the car up on my old stool drive up ramps (lifted the back up about a foot) and from there I was able to get a small socket onto them). Be careful when pulling the actuator off - it obviously needs to come off 'straight up' to come clear of the bolts and it's made of plastic

 

[Gavo]

I put the car up on my old stool drive up ramps (lifted the back up about a foot) and from there I was able to get a small socket onto them). Be careful when pulling the actuator off - it obviously needs to come off 'straight up' to come clear of the bolts and it's made of plastic

Great thanks for your reply, will try this

 

[UtesFanRy]

Looking to do the mod the way you did it... Seems to make more sense then leaving plugs out, and having error codes floating around.
Are you still happy with this mod?
I have a B9.5 S5 (2020), assuming the mod will be similar....

Thanks!