Hole in EGR?

[bbridgerb]

Hi, starter in my 1996 VW Passat broke and I had to call AAA to get it towed home. I worked on the starter today and noticed there was a big hole in a plastic cover right next to the front wheel on driver’s side. I didn’t pay much attention to it first but when I took the car for a ride it sounded horrible. I looked under the car with engine running and there was air blowing through the hole and something oily dripping. Could anyone tell me what that part is for? It looks like some part of EGR system but I am not sure. Also, should I go after AAA to get a repair paid for? I am sure that it happened when my car was towed. Thanks.

 

[oilhammer]

Sounds like the towing company ripped your intercooler ducting off, and may have damaged the intercooler itself. They should have insurance for this, happens quite a bit.

 

[jck66]

Those black plastic pipes are your engine's air intake. They need to be airtight to avoid that horrible whooshing sound that you no doubt are describing.

As Oilhammer wrote, you'll need to get these pieces buttoned back up.

 

[bbridgerb]

Thanks to everyone who replied. I checked on Sunday and it is the intercooler. I had no idea that it was located there. Anyway, I called the towing company and they agreed to pay for the repair. I called the Raleigh VW dealer and they quoted me $325+Tax for the intercooler and $300 for labor to replace it. They said that it would take them 2-3 hours to complete the procedure. It seems like a lot to me! It doesn't look like such a complicated thing to do. Does anyone know what exactly is involved? Is it possible that it could take the dealer 3 hours? Thanks.

 

[jck66]

If the towing company is paying the bill, why worry about the labor?

 

[bbridgerb]

Well, I am just courious if something like that could take 2-3 hours to do.