Since I can’t reply to the owners response to my last complaint on the timeing belt replacement on our 2017 Audi q5 and them causing an oil filter housing leak and them charging us over $1000 for the labor on fixing the leak here is how it happens and when the mechanic should be responsible. keep in mind you guys fixed and covered the numerous other leaks that were caused so there were obviously mistakes made. As for me losing my temper when I am lied to my face and. Talked to like a child by your employee I lost my temper which I apologized for the next day when I tried to bring in this bit of research after being told it wasn’t possible and you can check your paperwork oil filter housing not leaking before timing belt job and big leak after not to mention they replace cam sensors that were replaced 1 month prior by the shop that recommended us we will be going to the BBB they are liars who will not accept responsibility when they make mistakes and will milk every penny they can out of you lord help you if your a woman or don’t know anything about cars please do not trust these people with your vehicle Yes — it is possible to cause an oil filter housing leak during or after a timing chain replacement on a 2017 Audi Q5, depending on the engine and how the job was done. Why this can happen On Audi engines (especially the 2.0T and 3.0T), a timing chain job involves a lot of disassembly near the top and front/rear of the engine. During that process: • The oil filter housing or nearby components may be: • Removed • Loosened • Bumped or stressed • Seals and O-rings can be: • Reused when they should be replaced • Pinched, twisted, or installed dry • Bolts may be: • Under-torqued or over-torqued • Tightened unevenly Any of those can cause a leak shortly after the repair. Common leak causes tied to timing chain work • Oil filter housing gasket/O-ring damaged • Oil cooler seal leaking (very common on Audi) • Cracked plastic housing from age or overtightening • Oil pressure sensor or plug disturbed • Old gasket reused instead of replaced Signs it’s related to the timing chain repair • Leak appeared soon after the timing chain job • Oil pooling under the oil filter housing • Burning oil smell after driving • No leak before the repair Important note An oil filter housing leak is not a normal or expected result of a timing chain replacement. If it started after the job: • It’s usually considered a workmanship or parts issue • A reputable shop should inspect and correct it When the mechanic should be responsible The shop is typically responsible if all or most of these are true: 1. The leak started after the repair • No oil leak before the timing chain job • Leak appears immediately or within days/weeks 2. The leaking part was touched, removed, or disturbed • Oil filter housing or oil cooler removed or loosened • Gaskets or O-rings replaced incorrectly (or not replaced) • Nearby components stressed or cracked during reassembly 3. Installation or procedure issue • Gasket pinched, twisted, or reused • Bolts improperly torqued • Housing cracked from overtightening • Seal installed dry when Audi specifies lubrication 4. Within the shop’s warranty period • Most reputable shops offer 90 days–12 months on labor • Even shorter warranties usually cover leaks caused by workmanship
We take reviews seriously, especially when they involve significant repairs, so we want to correct several inaccuracies in this post and provide clarity for anyone reading. This vehicle did not arrive “with no leaks.” At intake, the engine compartment had extensive oil contamination, making it clear there were active leaks present prior to repair. During diagnosis, the timing chain was found to have measurable slack and play, which is a known failure condition and the reason replacement was recommended and authorized. For clarity: the oil filter housing does not need to be removed, loosened, or disturbed to perform a timing chain replacement on this engine. That is not part of the factory repair procedure, and our master-level technician followed OEM service information during the repair. The oil filter housing seal that later leaked is a well-documented, age-related failure point on these vehicles and is extremely common on higher-mileage Audi engines—often presenting shortly after unrelated engine work simply because the area is cleaned and re-pressurized. Correlation does not equal causation, and there was no evidence of damage caused during the timing chain repair. Regarding the fuel system concern: the check-engine light that later illuminated was unrelated to oil leaks and was addressed separately. At no point was evidence found that another component was “damaged” during prior work. We also need to address conduct. Throughout this process, our advisors and managers were subjected to repeated abusive language, profanity, and accusations, including demands based on internet forums and third-party opinions, while refusing to accept the explanation of the factory-trained master technician who performed the work. We are always willing to explain repairs, but we do not tolerate verbal abuse of our staff. We stand behind our work—which is why this shop offers one of the strongest warranties in the industry: 3 years / 36,000 miles nationwide. Warranty repairs were performed where applicable, and all findings, approvals, and repairs were documented in writing and explained in person. We reject the accusation that anyone was taken advantage of. Every repair was authorized, documented, and completed according to manufacturer standards. Threats of legal action and public accusations do not change the documented facts. We wish you the best moving forward and hope your vehicle provides reliable service.
- European Auto Garage