URGENT HELP PLEASE

[A4Ultra]

Dear Forum, I am new so please bare with me.

I am enquiring regarding obtaining some help, advice and a possible quote.
(2016 Audi A4 S line ultra)

Situation: I was driving on a busy inner city dual carriageway and heard scraping suddenly. I thought for a minute something was jammed in my wheel and was being dragged as when I turned the noise increased. I stopped at the nearest junction and saw a large metal object hanging out from underneath the car.
There seems to be no external damage to visible bodywork i.e the front of the car or the drivers door area etc. Looking closer it seemed that the metal object must have been on the road and got lodged in the car. I pulled it out with difficulty as it was really lodged in and it has obviously left a sizeable tear in the undercarriage.
I am asking to see what should be done and if any likely damage has been done? Can something be done about the hole in the undercarriage as I have had problems scraping it before also at my old property due to the gradient of the driveway. Should it be filled or could it have caused damage to the items underneath?

I frequently make daily 600+ mile motorway journeys so also don’t want any possibility of the vehicle being exposed to damage sooner than is necessary from the environment as I tend to keep the vehicle for as long as is possible.

I tried attaching pics however says it's too large even individually

What do you suggest?
Should this be filled/inspected for damage to other components? Is this common and unlikely to cause any problems? Should the undercarriage be replaced if possible etc etc

Any help would be greatly appreciated and if applicable please provide an estimated quote however only if necessary.

I have in the meantime contacted dealers etc

 

[HMG1K]

Welcome along! I'd advise you leave it to the expert eyes of the main dealer mechanics to assess the damage.

As long as you are not losing any fluids, then the sign is positive. If the car is driveable, no noises or clunks, no dash warning lights AND you are not losing fluids, you will be okay.

But rely on the dealer examination first

 

[Sandra]

@A4Ultra welcome to Audi-sport.net. If you want to add pics to your post use the link below

https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/how-to-upload-pictures-to-the-forum.322378/

 

[CornishB9]

Probably hit and then pulled down the undertray. A fairly common B9 trait; unseen deep puddles in the dark are a prime way of dislodging this.

 

[A4Ultra]

Hey guys,

Thanks so much for the input. I've managed to attach the pictures with the help of the mod above.

My current plan is dealer examination and independent specialist second opinion. I'm beginning to get really annoyed with this B9 though. I feel it's a lot lower than the old B8 and I had that in a black edition as well. This car has been scraping in my driveways and now this!!! Urrrrrrghhhhh

 

[CornishB9]

Doesn't look anything major and the under engine tray is intact so all good. A4B9 Ultra's do run low, I think they sit at least 25mm lower than a standard 'sporty' setup to aid with aerodynamics.

 

[monkeyhanger]

Just looks like a minor tear on the underbody flexible cowling and a nick in the underseal on that painted edge.

If it's your own money being spent because its not a company car, i'd probably get the cowling removed, patched from the inside with similar material (that plastic/recycled tyre blend they use in wheel arch linings for pretty much all cars and seal the crack with some black/grey external silicone sealant before refitting.

Then I'd see to that gouge in the red paint on what looks to be the jacking pint ridge.

It doesn't have to be pretty or neat - no-one will ever see it.

 

[A4Ultra]

Just looks like a minor tear on the underbody flexible cowling and a nick in the underseal on that painted edge.

If it's your own money being spent because its not a company car, i'd probably get the cowling removed, patched from the inside with similar material (that plastic/recycled tyre blend they use in wheel arch linings for pretty much all cars and seal the crack with some black/grey external silicone sealant before refitting.

Then I'd see to that gouge in the red paint on what looks to be the jacking pint ridge.

It doesn't have to be pretty or neat - no-one will ever see it.

Thanks so much! V.V. Useful!!!
Yeah it's my own car not a company unfortunately
Do you reckon the main dealer would be able to do this? Definitely sounds sensible to patch the underside with that material. Will look into that.

As for the jacking point this was my concern also, is that actually repairable? Just don't want the car to fall off per se if someone puts it in the air without seeing the underneath damage

 

[A4Ultra]

Doesn't look anything major and the under engine tray is intact so all good. A4B9 Ultra's do run low, I think they sit at least 25mm lower than a standard 'sporty' setup to aid with aerodynamics.

All good signs so far.
In the process of getting it booked in now.

I thought this would've been higher as the old black edition had 19" alloys and this has 18" but the clearance is shocking. Got a property in Devon and it scrapes there, travelled 600 miles to Scotland and it does here too now

 

[monkeyhanger]

The dealer will want the old cowling off and a new one on. If you had the time and jack stands or access to an inspection pit you could have this fixed for the cost of some impact adhesive, a tube of black silicone and a trip down to the scrapyard to cut a piece of wheel arch liner for your patch.

 

[CornishB9]

I thought this would've been higher as the old black edition had 19" alloys and this has 18" but the clearance is shocking. Got a property in Devon and it scrapes there, travelled 600 miles to Scotland and it does here too now

Ride height is independent of wheel size. My 'Ultra' sits on the standard 17" wheels and rarely scrapes anything.

 

[monkeyhanger]

^ As above. Smaller wheels will have a bigger tyre wall. Your 17" wheels on a 45 profile tyre wall, 18" wheels on a 40 tyre wall and 19" wheels on a 35 profile tyre wall all have approximately the same overall rolling diameter.

 

[jds_sg]

By far the majority of A4s I see are on sports suspension which is 23mm lower than the comfort suspension - all Slines and BE (unless it was deleted), all Ultra models (lower ride height=lower drag).

Personally I think it looks a bit odd when you see one with the comfort dynamic suspension with the big arch gaps. And its nothing to do with wheel size as pointed out above.

 

[HMG1K]

Dont worry about it!

Before I get my 2018 A5 Sportback S-Line I read lots about it riding lower and large gaps in the wheel arches. I also factory spec'd it without the suspension having read all about it. At the last moment I left the factory sport suspension on the order. I'm glad I did!

There are no large gaps. It looks ping perfect wheels vs gap ratio and the ride is superb.

Trust the manufacturer not forums is my advice on this

 

[A4Ultra]

UPDATE:

Dear all, firstly many thanks for everybody's input. It has been SUPER helpful and I genuinely really appreciate it.

Took it to an indy today just to get it on a ramp and see (no cost). To be honest, it actually doesn't look bad at all, the hole is tiny and doesn't look like the tyres or anything has actually been damaged.

Moving forward, I think everyone agrees if I take it to main dealer as planned, they will want to change the whole part. Ideally I would still like to get the small hole patched up however the indy said to me he would agree but doesn't know who would actually do that? I don't do any diy stuff or have access because of career and work hours unfortunately.

As for the metal that was taken off (jacking point), I'm not sure who or how would repair that either, but upon closer inspection again you really can't see a huge difference and doesn't look like (Hopefully) that it will cause any problems.

Any suggestions how to proceed from here and who may be able to do this work. Audi want to charge £100 before actually carrying out any work, absolute joke

 

[MOA4B9]

I would just patch it up with epoxy resin even the epoxy glue you get from B&Q. It doesn't look like there is a piece missing, just bent out of position. I would pull edges back in position and place the epoxy glue over it. If there is exposed metal then slap on the epoxy on that to stop it rusting. Giving the metalwork a bit of a clean first from the grime and greace so the epoxy sticks well. No need to clean the undertray. This is how I would do it.

 

[monkeyhanger]

I would personally get 3 or 4 coats of a light coloured rust inhibiting paint like hammerite onto the bare metal on the jacking point seam and then top coat it with a touch up pen matching your car. As said befor - it doesn't have to be neat, no-one will ever see it.

Why won't the indy quote for the work?

That's a really simple job to get the patchwork done from the inside of the cowling once it is off the car. There's probably less than a dozen torx screws or clips holding it on. Glue patch on the inside, bit of exterior silicone on the outside yo fill the gash and refit.

 

[HMG1K]

That hole looks too perfect to be caused by damage. Make sure it's not a drainage or ventilation hole before you block it

 

[A4Ultra]

I would just patch it up with epoxy resin even the epoxy glue you get from B&Q. It doesn't look like there is a piece missing, just bent out of position. I would pull edges back in position and place the epoxy glue over it. If there is exposed metal then slap on the epoxy on that to stop it rusting. Giving the metalwork a bit of a clean first from the grime and greace so the epoxy sticks well. No need to clean the undertray. This is how I would do it.

Good idea. Who would you suggest to carry this out? Unfortunately I don't get much time because of work and wouldn't paying someone to do it as long as I know the job is done sufficiently.

I would personally get 3 or 4 coats of a light coloured rust inhibiting paint like hammerite onto the bare metal on the jacking point seam and then top coat it with a touch up pen matching your car. As said befor - it doesn't have to be neat, no-one will ever see it.

Why won't the indy quote for the work?

That's a really simple job to get the patchwork done from the inside of the cowling once it is off the car. There's probably less than a dozen torx screws or clips holding it on. Glue patch on the inside, bit of exterior silicone on the outside yo fill the gash and refit.

Great suggestion

Any idea what kind of place would do this? I've ruled out main dealer and am thinking bodyshops now? Most independents I have spoken to have said they could provide an opinion on whether further damage has been caused but wouldn't be able to repair it themselves????

Anywho. I am less stressed today. However you both make a good point about the rusting.

 

[monkeyhanger]

Yep, I wouldn't repair the hole, just the adjacent gash. The fact there's a hole there indicates to me that the cowling is not there to weatherproof, it's there to stop the peppering of the underside metal with stones from a sound and corrosion protection perspective. That hole will be access to a screw/bolt or fixing point of some kind. Maybe those plastic jacking pads that Audi used yo fit as stsndard?

 

[A4Ultra]

Yep, I wouldn't repair the hole, just the adjacent gash. The fact there's a hole there indicates to me that the cowling is not there to weatherproof, it's there to stop the peppering of the underside metal with stones from a sound and corrosion protection perspective. That hole will be access to a screw/bolt or fixing point of some kind. Maybe those plastic jacking pads that Audi used yo fit as stsndard?

I am beginning to think that the circular hole may have had a bolt/nut type of thing in it as can be seen a few cm forward from this hole in the picture. I am now thinking that maybe the metal took this out when it hit.

If this is the case I am thinking I should probably get this put back on? Because if I fix the tear but not that I don't see the benefit as it's still pretty much 'open'.

Definitely on the rust proofing and fixing the metal now. Fix the tear as well? Just trying to decide if there was a bolt or whatever it's called there. I think Audi would be good to say if there was but they will no doubt charge a fee just to say hello so would prefer if someone else knew... unless you think bodyshops would know tis kind of thing?

 

[monkeyhanger]

The other side of the car should be the mirror image - is there a hole there on the other side or something filling that hole?

 

[A4Ultra]

The other side of the car should be the mirror image - is there a hole there on the other side or something filling that hole?

Good idea. Never thought of this surprisingly. Will check either at home or after a second opinion from an indy.

Tried contacting bodyshops but nobody answers, saying it's a holiday or something? Wasn't aware of this but hope I can get this sorted asap so no rust.

 

[MOA4B9]

I'm sure the hole was there before. It's only the tear you would need to fix. I wouldn't take any panels off. Just use a screwdriver to push the edges of the tear together and paint on some epoxy. On the metal any water resistant sticky stuff will do, even something lime bitumen paint. Didn't they use this stuff in the past to paint the underside of cars to stop the salt rusting away the car?

 

[Deleted member 133011]

Just leave it, that damage is minimal, a bit of an over reaction if I’m honest. Absolutely nothing will happen to the underneath of the car. What do you expect to happen?


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[Deleted member 133011]

Just leave it, that damage is minimal, a bit of an over reaction if I’m honest. Absolutely nothing will happen to the underneath of the car. What do you expect to happen?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Deleted member 133011]

Just leave it, that damage is minimal, a bit of an over reaction if I’m honest. Absolutely nothing will happen to the underneath of the car. What do you expect to happen?


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[Deleted member 133011]

Wow posted it 3 times!


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[Mr Olympik]

The tear looks superficial but I would patch it. I would be more interested to see if the metal debris penetrated any metal behind the cowling!?

You definitely need to rustproof any exposed metal to avoid future rust. Like monkeyhanger suggested, a few coats of paint red will do the trick.

 

[A4Ultra]

Hey guys, thanks for all the input!

Speaking to a few bodyshops to get it fixed, nothing major or expensive because it's not the kind of thing unfortunately I'm able to do myself. Maybe I'm just a bit too cautious but I drive 2000 miles a week often so just want to be extra sure the car is safe and healthy.

Speaking to the indy and others the general consensus is it doesn't seem the metal has caused any damage inside, however will get second opinions on this next week at authorised body shops.

Definitely looking to get a small patch done on the undercarriage (peace of mind) and definitely rust proof and a small pain touch up on the metal.

Side note: A quick look from indy did say he doesn't think it has penetrated any metal behind the cowling but should I get this looked at from Audi to be sure or is that too far you guys think? Car drives fine, no warning lights or fluid loss that I can see etc. Even the tyres look fine (I imagine I must have driven over the debris). Don't mind spending £65 for them to investigate to see damage if it's worth it but definitely won't get the repair there, they already try to sell me too many things

 

[Mr Olympik]

It depends on your Audi dealerships technicians, some are good and some (mine) are crap...

You don't need to pay Audi prices for a few squirts of rattle paint. Just make sure there is no other hidden damage.

 

[HMG1K]

Agreet. I think you are over-thinking this now.

No fluid leaks, no physical or mechaical damage. Car drives, no rattles, no warning lights. You're fine. It's a 10 minute job with some underseal paint

A dealer technician will tell you anything for your money. If you have money burn go for it. For piece of mind, the car will tell you with warning lights, a dodgy drive, fluid leaks.

I'd say your fine. If there's a problem it will come in mile one, two, three and four. If it hasn't, youre fine.

 

[A4Ultra]

Just thought I'd put a final update in to close this off.

Thanks again for the advice everyone!

Contacted a friend with a bodyshop who has done work on other cars previously for me. Agreed to touch up the metal part with rust proofing and some paint touch up for a mere 20 quid. I'm happy with that

Said there's not much point in patching the under carriage and it's sound deadening that was damaged but the hole is miniscule. Might get him to just epoxy it up when I go in next week anyway though.

Thanks again everyone

 

[Mr Olympik]

Good shout, thanks for the update