Does anyone have pictures/instructions on removing the fuel tanks on a 1997 coupe/A4 ? Dealer tells me they have to remove the entire rear end to get to the tanks.....and after all is said and done they want to charge me 2800.00 to do the repair. I remember reading a post a while back on how to to the fix without all the dissassambly.

Thanks

Retired SF SGM

 

10 Pictures, if you want all of them, PM email address, ok?
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Fuel Tank Replacement Left w/Auto Trans
Removal Procedure

Caution
Provide additional support when a vehicle is on a hoist in the following ways:

Before removing parts, support the opposite end. This helps prevent the vehicle from slipping off.
Before removing major components, chain the vehicle frame to the hoist pads at the same end as the removal. This helps avoid a tip-off.
Failure to follow these precautions could cause vehicle damage, serious personal injury, or death.






Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Relieve the fuel system pressure. Refer to the Fuel Pressure Relief Procedure .
Drain the fuel tanks. Refer to Draining Fuel Tanks .
Remove the mufflers. Refer to Muffler in Engine Exhaust.
Remove the left rear wheelhouse panel. Refer to Rear Wheelhouse Liner Panel in Body Rear End.
Disconnect the fuel fill hose (3) and the vent hose (4).



Disconnect the fuel system ground strap.



Disconnect the fuel sender electrical connector.
Mark or identify each fuel pipe in order to aid in installing the pipes in their original positions.
Disconnect the fuel sender fuel feed pipe (1) (jet pump to left tank), the fuel return rear pipe (2), and the fuel feed rear pipe (3) at the fuel sender. Refer to Servicing Quick Connect Fittings .
Cap the fuel pipes in order to prevent possible fuel system contamination.



Remove the tank crossover hose (3).

Important
Do not disconnect the EVAP hose at the roll over valve.


Carefully disconnect the EVAP hose at the T-connector (1).



Remove the fuel tank strap/shield.
Remove the fuel tank.
Installation Procedure

Important
Always replace the fuel system hose clamps with the original equipment or parts that meet the GM specifications for those parts when replacing the clamps.






Install the fuel tank.
Install the fuel tank strap/shield. Refer to the

Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.


in Cautions and Notices.
Install the fuel tank strap/shield bolts.
Install the net hole location bolt (3).
Install the slot location bolt (1).
Install the remaining bolts (2 and 5). Tighten
Tighten the fuel tank strap/shield bolts to 25.5 N·m (19 lb ft).





Connect the EVAP hose at the T-connector (1).
Install the tank crossover hose (3).
Push the clamps outboard against each fuel tank keeping the clamps parallel with the white stripes on the tank crossover hose. Tighten
Tighten the tank crossover hose clamps to 4 N·m (35 lb in).





Remove the caps from the fuel pipes.
Connect the fuel sender fuel feed pipe (1) (jet pump to left tank), the fuel return rear pipe (2), and the fuel feed rear pipe (3). Refer to Servicing Quick Connect Fittings .
Connect the fuel sender electrical connector.



Connect the fuel system ground strap. Tighten
Tighten the fuel system ground strap to 8 N·m (71 lb in).





Connect the fuel fill hose (3) and the vent hose (4). Tighten
Tighten the fuel fill hose clamp and the vent hose clamp to 4 N·m (35 lb in).

Install the left rear wheelhouse liner panel. Refer to Rear Wheelhouse Liner Panel in the Body Rear End section.
Install the mufflers. Refer to Muffler in the Engine Exhaust section.
Refill the fuel system.
Connect the negative battery cable.
Inspect for leaks.
Turn the ignition switch ON for 2 seconds.
Turn the ignition switch OFF for 10 seconds.
Turn the ignition switch ON.
Check for fuel leaks.

 

Right!!!!!!!!!!
Also, you might want to state why you need to pull the tanks.