manifold flaps

[murran]

new rs4's... anyone had any problems with the variable inlet manifold tract flaps?
had an '07 plate rs4 in at work the flaps weren't working properly on the n/s bank.
had to have a new inlet manifold costing well over a grand! only 40000 miles on it.

[PetrolDave]

Over on rs246.com there's a few owners have had this problem. Audi have to replace the inlet manifold since the parts are not available separately, but a decent mechanic may be able to sort it without going that far.

[murran]

thats what we/i had to do, change the whole manifold.
the plastic arm that moves the flap pivot shaft (via the vac unit) was worn where its splined on to the shaft itself.
the position sensor for the flaps were picking up on the slop in it putting up a fault.
crappy plastic parts again.

as you said cant buy the little bits separatly.