Guard your grill!

Volkswagen for whatever reason didn't think that a rock could go through the center bumper grill and hit the AC condenser lines. I've read reports of this happening to several people in the VW and Audi forums. Since this wasn't considered a factory defect, owners who had this problem had to pay out of pocket for it in the range of $1000 or use their auto insurance policy claim and pay the deductible. If you look at the coolers in the side bumpers they put a nice plastic grill covering those lines but not anywhere in the large center area.

Damaged AC condenser. Pic courtesy of Bradd K.

Nicely protected side coolers

I swear a 2x4 could get in that area. I purchased a Kerscher carbon fiber front splitter (next blog how to) so I decided to do the grill mod. I went to Lowes and picked up what is called lath. It's galvanized steel mesh sheeting used for stucco applications. I chose galvanized for rust prevention.

TOOLS NEEDED

• T25 torx bit - use a rachet, screwdriver or some sort of handle
• Jack + ramps or jack stands - You could work on it from the ground but you won't have much space underneath
• bucket or clamp - used to capture liquid from headlight washers or pinch it off.  
• zip ties - I used long ones. easier to run them through existing openings. You can use short ones and extend them but more work.
• wire cutter, heavy duty scissors, tin snips, or dremel to cut through your choice of mesh.
• spray paint - I used Plastidip because I had leftover and it's great adhesion ability. P

TIME TO ALLOT - 1 to 2 hours depending how fast you can unscrew and screw everything.


To remove the bumper you will need a T25 torx bit. It's best to get the car on ramps or jack stands in the front. If you use jack stands you'll also have more room to get to the bolts in the fender well or you can turn the wheels on the ramps (BE CAREFUL DOING THAT).

There are 2 on top of the grill then you will pull the grill off.

2 screws on top edges

yanks straight up!

3 screws on each side under the fender. 2 on top and 1 on bottom

you can see the middle and bottom bolt here

this shows the top and middle bolt hole. top holds bumper to fender

7 screws on the bottom to remove the undercover (not pictured)


You need to pry off the bumpers from the side with some force. The front part of the bumper are held by clips that you simply slide it forward. Once you do you will see the headlight washer lines. Either pinch them with something or have a bucket ready because once you remove the hose, ALL the fluids will come rushing out. Ask me how I know this? The hose is easily removed by squeezing the blue buttons. Very easy.

headlight washer hose. you simply remove it.

pop the bumper off. you'll need to put a good amount of force

squeeze the blue bottons to remove from headlight washers. 

have a container ready or pinch off the line!

Going back to the mesh it cost $6 plus tax. It's a large sheet 26x97 inches I believe. I cut out a 44x9 inch rectangle. I'd suggest wearing thick gloves when cutting. I didn't and cut up my fingers. I painted it using my leftover Plastidip in black. I like that product since it doesn't need any form of primer to hold on too.  You can use whichever paint you like. You can also buy other types of grills if you prefer a different look.

Trim to fit then start zipping up. zip ties are very strong and used even to hold up bumpers. I love zip ties!


I used only long zip ties around the plastic area to hold down the grill. Some spots closes to the bottom corner of the grill I used openings that were 3-4 inches apart so I slid it down one side then used a pick to grab it out the other hole. You can see in the pic I just covered all the corners just to hold it down.

Trimmed mesh and ready to cut the zip ties

Install everything in reverse order...

You can see the final product and the oem grill in the side opening which VAG should have put there in the first place.

So for a Total of under $10 I have somewhat good protection. I'd guestimate my odds of getting through and damaging my condenser is are way way lower than without!!!!