Hi Everyone,

Ive got a 2004 A4 1.8T (163bhp) with a bit of a coolant leak. The reservoir drops to min about every 3weeks (if left unfilled).

The car was recently at Audi for a service (long story but it was only at the dealer as it was free) but I asked them to look for the leak. They have reported that the "system bleed nipple" and the "thermostat" housing need replacing and have quoted £100 for parts and 4hrs @ £110 per hour labour.

After falling off the floor at their hourly rate, Ive spoken to my brother-in-law who is a very competent mechanic although not particularly familiar with Audi's. He's offered to come up and do the work but we wanted to do some investigation first.

1. Is it feasible to do this work without any "garage facilities"?
2. How tricky are the bleed valve and the thermostat housing to get to? I dont believe the bleed valve can be too bad as this broke last year and hte RAC man taped it up as a temporary measure before it was replaced under warranty.
3. Any idea what an independent garage would charge to do this work?

Many thanks for any suggestions or info.

Tim