Asa new novice owner, (88 S4) I was going thru the investigations of the thrust plate problems and ran across a past thread on checking the rear coupling bolt, that apparently has a tendency to stretch. So I took it to my mechanic and he stated he could not check it, because the heat shield was in the way and it had corroded badly - he felt he would strip off the supporting bolt(s) and not be able to replace the heat shield because the bolt was atttached to the frame and he would have to tap in a new bolt or weld one in. He didn't want to attempt that. Is there another solution or way to solve this problem so we can get to the rear coupling bolt?

 

Nope. That's the only way.

 

Better to risk the issue with the heat shield bolt than leave the rear coupler potentially loose. If you don't ensure the rear is correctly torqued with a new bolt, it's pointless getting the front right.

Get your mechanic to take a brave pill and do it ... it's important to get crank end play checked and TT shaft set up with correctly torqued bolts.

 

I would find another mechanic,
the one you have clearly doesnt want to work on this machine and will possibly cause more damage to it

 

True.
The bolt costs about $11, but shop labor @ 98/hr to check and or replace would be near $200.
If you know anyone with connections to access to a shop with a lift, it would be in your favor.

 

thanks guys...a new mechanic it is....