ricoblanco

Well, I found zee prahblem. I turns out the damper is frozen in place (of course this is the one part I didn't order).

<b>Exhibit A</b>
<img src="http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh156/ricoblanco/Damper2.jpg">

<b>Exhibit B</b>
<img src="http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh156/ricoblanco/Damper1.jpg">
Bad part is, the metal plate with the 13mm nut on it has to be ordered from Germany, so it'll be a while. I have to give props to Schaumburg Audi for having reasonable prices. I tried McGrath in Glenview, IL - $360(!) for the metal plate, The Audi Exchange in Highland Park - $309, and $270 at Schaumburg. Back to the dealer tomorrow to get the damper! Good times. :-)
Special thank you to "skiracer" and "PaulW" for the Audipages write-up for removing the front end and the timing belt procedure! Thank you "Angus Rindfleisch" as well for your input!

ricoblanco

Yes sir! :-)

audikillsbmw

Nice. I've had excellent service from Schaumburg Audi as well.

skiracer

is aluminum! Glad you have it sorted out, and I'd take a close look at anything else on the car made of steel (exhaust system etc.)

ricoblanco

Will do, thanks! :-)