Oil cooler hose dangerously close to AC compressor
 

As in the pictures... I reckon it lost its shape due to age or something, surely audi wouldn't design it like this.

Am I right in thinking that 078 121 058 AH is the replacement (luckily still available) hose

Hope that's right.. exactly the same issue on my A8. Neat little trick by a 'mechanic' was to keep it away from the pulley by using a zip tie!

I think I'll be doing the same until i can get them from audi tradition in germany, i can let you know and order one for you too?

When I did Big Red this hose was soaked in oil from leaking cam cover gaskets, so it was swollen and distorted. I couldn't get one at the time (Tradition wasn't an option then) so I made my own which fits rather better.

Maybe you can rotate it around the top fitting so it has a bit more clearance?

If you can get one then I will take one too.. just PM the value and I will send.+++

The hose on mine is pretty fragile, there are witness marks where the pulley has eaten slightly into the side. I must admit I only noticed this when working on another item underside and wondering what the zip tie was doing there. :rolleyes: I would prefer to leave it alone until a replacement can be sourced. Assume then will have to follow your video on venting the cooling system afterwards?

Yeah it'll need the vacuum filling method. Happy to lend out the tool to forum members :) You'll need an air compressor to run it.