Jetdriver69

Do you have to remove the hood to replace the HVAC blower motor or can it be done in place? Looking for the easiest install, not necessarily the quickest.

Thanks

gbarron

On my '89 S4 there was not enough clearance to remove the motor with the hood on. Removing the hood is not bad, just need an extra set of hands. Make sure to mark the hood to hinges so it is easier to align when re-installing.

M. Requin

It can be done on earlier cars, at least- a search should turn up some info. I've done it a couple of times on mine by removing the three bolts on the passenger side hinge-to-body joint (that way you don't have to realign the hood position). It is a tight fit!

ammonman

No need to remove the hood if you pull the entire blower box out the bottom through the foot well. You will need to remove the CE panel to gain clearance to remove the blower box. By now it probably needs re-sealed anyway to keep water from dripping down onto the CE panel. Use some 3M strip caulk or other body panel sealer. This is also a good time to replace the recirculation flap actuator diaphragm.

Mike

syoo8

IMHO the 'easiest' install is done by removing the hood. Taking the blower box out is a big production.

M. Requin

I took MrMerlin's advice and used 3M 8578 strip caulk. A box cost about $15 IIRC, and I used maybe >1 foot of it. What I'll do with the remaining 59' is a good question, but it's worth it. Whatever you do, do NOT use a sealant (like RTV) which is adhesive, or you will have a heck of a time getting that blower out again if you ever have to.

Tom in Austin

Agree on all counts ... can take blower out from top by removing hinge-to-body bolts and getting a helper to lift up the hood on that side. Pulling the entire air box from underneath is doable also, but quite a bit more work. My vac actuator was buggered, so getting the box out was a good investment of time since I could clean out all the junk up in there and also take out and throw away the alarm horn. Then by resealing everything I knew I wouldn't have any future worries about water leaks into the electrics.