A4 1.8T buying advice please
#1
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Posts: n/a
A4 1.8T buying advice please
Hi all,
I'm interested in buying an A4 1.8T Avant and was wondering what to check
for. I've heard there is something like a timing belt to be changed around
100k, is this right? I'm in the uk and looking at spending 4000-5000, so
proabably a 1996 model.
Was there anything specific to watch for on the early ones?
Anything about them greatly appreciated.
Many TIA
Jon E
I'm interested in buying an A4 1.8T Avant and was wondering what to check
for. I've heard there is something like a timing belt to be changed around
100k, is this right? I'm in the uk and looking at spending 4000-5000, so
proabably a 1996 model.
Was there anything specific to watch for on the early ones?
Anything about them greatly appreciated.
Many TIA
Jon E
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: A4 1.8T buying advice please
"Jon E" <jonelielSPAMMENOTHAHAHAYOUERS@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1OWdnS8wX8-YQ5PcRVn-vA@brightview.com...
> Hi all,
>
> I'm interested in buying an A4 1.8T Avant and was wondering what to check
> for. I've heard there is something like a timing belt to be changed
around
> 100k, is this right? I'm in the uk and looking at spending 4000-5000, so
> proabably a 1996 model.
>
> Was there anything specific to watch for on the early ones?
>
> Anything about them greatly appreciated.
>
> Many TIA
>
> Jon E
>
Hi Jon. Timing belt change is advised no later that 80K miles. Just look for
the usual service history, that all the electrics and climate work and that
the front suspension moves smoothly and with NO noise when you bounce it.
Sounds expensive for a '96 ! Have a look on eBay.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...486162133&rd=1
Rgds
Alec
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news:1OWdnS8wX8-YQ5PcRVn-vA@brightview.com...
> Hi all,
>
> I'm interested in buying an A4 1.8T Avant and was wondering what to check
> for. I've heard there is something like a timing belt to be changed
around
> 100k, is this right? I'm in the uk and looking at spending 4000-5000, so
> proabably a 1996 model.
>
> Was there anything specific to watch for on the early ones?
>
> Anything about them greatly appreciated.
>
> Many TIA
>
> Jon E
>
Hi Jon. Timing belt change is advised no later that 80K miles. Just look for
the usual service history, that all the electrics and climate work and that
the front suspension moves smoothly and with NO noise when you bounce it.
Sounds expensive for a '96 ! Have a look on eBay.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...486162133&rd=1
Rgds
Alec
---
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#3
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Posts: n/a
Re: A4 1.8T buying advice please
"Jon E" <jonelielSPAMMENOTHAHAHAYOUERS@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1OWdnS8wX8-YQ5PcRVn-vA@brightview.com...
> Hi all,
>
> I'm interested in buying an A4 1.8T Avant and was wondering what to check
> for. I've heard there is something like a timing belt to be changed
around
> 100k, is this right? I'm in the uk and looking at spending 4000-5000, so
> proabably a 1996 model.
>
> Was there anything specific to watch for on the early ones?
>
> Anything about them greatly appreciated.
>
> Many TIA
>
> Jon E
>
Hi Jon. Timing belt change is advised no later that 80K miles. Just look for
the usual service history, that all the electrics and climate work and that
the front suspension moves smoothly and with NO noise when you bounce it.
Sounds expensive for a '96 ! Have a look on eBay.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...486162133&rd=1
Rgds
Alec
---
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news:1OWdnS8wX8-YQ5PcRVn-vA@brightview.com...
> Hi all,
>
> I'm interested in buying an A4 1.8T Avant and was wondering what to check
> for. I've heard there is something like a timing belt to be changed
around
> 100k, is this right? I'm in the uk and looking at spending 4000-5000, so
> proabably a 1996 model.
>
> Was there anything specific to watch for on the early ones?
>
> Anything about them greatly appreciated.
>
> Many TIA
>
> Jon E
>
Hi Jon. Timing belt change is advised no later that 80K miles. Just look for
the usual service history, that all the electrics and climate work and that
the front suspension moves smoothly and with NO noise when you bounce it.
Sounds expensive for a '96 ! Have a look on eBay.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...486162133&rd=1
Rgds
Alec
---
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Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
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#4
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Posts: n/a
Re: A4 1.8T buying advice please
"Alec" <alec@mascotte.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:410f723d$0$6447$cc9e4d1f@news-text.dial.pipex.com...
> "Jon E" <jonelielSPAMMENOTHAHAHAYOUERS@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1OWdnS8wX8-YQ5PcRVn-vA@brightview.com...
>> Hi all,
>>
>> I'm interested in buying an A4 1.8T Avant and was wondering what to check
>> for. I've heard there is something like a timing belt to be changed
> around
>> 100k, is this right? I'm in the uk and looking at spending 4000-5000, so
>> proabably a 1996 model.
>>
>> Was there anything specific to watch for on the early ones?
>>
>> Anything about them greatly appreciated.
>>
>> Many TIA
>>
>> Jon E
>>
> Hi Jon. Timing belt change is advised no later that 80K miles. Just look
> for
> the usual service history, that all the electrics and climate work and
> that
> the front suspension moves smoothly and with NO noise when you bounce it.
Also, have a look in the cabin vents for telltale signs of coolant (pink
flakes). A heater core replacement is not fun or inexpensive.
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: A4 1.8T buying advice please
"Alec" <alec@mascotte.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:410f723d$0$6447$cc9e4d1f@news-text.dial.pipex.com...
> "Jon E" <jonelielSPAMMENOTHAHAHAYOUERS@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1OWdnS8wX8-YQ5PcRVn-vA@brightview.com...
>> Hi all,
>>
>> I'm interested in buying an A4 1.8T Avant and was wondering what to check
>> for. I've heard there is something like a timing belt to be changed
> around
>> 100k, is this right? I'm in the uk and looking at spending 4000-5000, so
>> proabably a 1996 model.
>>
>> Was there anything specific to watch for on the early ones?
>>
>> Anything about them greatly appreciated.
>>
>> Many TIA
>>
>> Jon E
>>
> Hi Jon. Timing belt change is advised no later that 80K miles. Just look
> for
> the usual service history, that all the electrics and climate work and
> that
> the front suspension moves smoothly and with NO noise when you bounce it.
Also, have a look in the cabin vents for telltale signs of coolant (pink
flakes). A heater core replacement is not fun or inexpensive.
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: A4 1.8T buying advice please
Alec said the following on 03/08/2004 12:08:
> Hi Jon. Timing belt change is advised no later that 80K miles. Just look for
> the usual service history, that all the electrics and climate work and that
> the front suspension moves smoothly and with NO noise when you bounce it.
<snip>
Could you be more specific about the front suspension noise?
Paul.
> Hi Jon. Timing belt change is advised no later that 80K miles. Just look for
> the usual service history, that all the electrics and climate work and that
> the front suspension moves smoothly and with NO noise when you bounce it.
<snip>
Could you be more specific about the front suspension noise?
Paul.
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: A4 1.8T buying advice please
Alec said the following on 03/08/2004 12:08:
> Hi Jon. Timing belt change is advised no later that 80K miles. Just look for
> the usual service history, that all the electrics and climate work and that
> the front suspension moves smoothly and with NO noise when you bounce it.
<snip>
Could you be more specific about the front suspension noise?
Paul.
> Hi Jon. Timing belt change is advised no later that 80K miles. Just look for
> the usual service history, that all the electrics and climate work and that
> the front suspension moves smoothly and with NO noise when you bounce it.
<snip>
Could you be more specific about the front suspension noise?
Paul.
#8
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Posts: n/a
Re: A4 1.8T buying advice please
"Paul Anderson" <paulandersonNOSPAM@saddleworth.net> wrote in message
news:41123d31$0$41792$65c69314@mercury.nildram.net ...
> Alec said the following on 03/08/2004 12:08:
>
>
> > Hi Jon. Timing belt change is advised no later that 80K miles. Just look
for
> > the usual service history, that all the electrics and climate work and
that
> > the front suspension moves smoothly and with NO noise when you bounce
it.
> <snip>
>
> Could you be more specific about the front suspension noise?
>
> Paul.
The wishbone front suspension on the A4, A6, A8 and Passat is prone to
failure of one or more of the seven ball-joints per side.
This shows as a creaking or groaning as you manoeuvre at low speed or very
gently bounce the front by hand. Cure is to replace the arm carrying the
ball-joint as they are not repairable. Until the symptoms get quite
pronounced it is hard to workout which joint is bad unless there is visible
damage.
Rgds
Alec
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news:41123d31$0$41792$65c69314@mercury.nildram.net ...
> Alec said the following on 03/08/2004 12:08:
>
>
> > Hi Jon. Timing belt change is advised no later that 80K miles. Just look
for
> > the usual service history, that all the electrics and climate work and
that
> > the front suspension moves smoothly and with NO noise when you bounce
it.
> <snip>
>
> Could you be more specific about the front suspension noise?
>
> Paul.
The wishbone front suspension on the A4, A6, A8 and Passat is prone to
failure of one or more of the seven ball-joints per side.
This shows as a creaking or groaning as you manoeuvre at low speed or very
gently bounce the front by hand. Cure is to replace the arm carrying the
ball-joint as they are not repairable. Until the symptoms get quite
pronounced it is hard to workout which joint is bad unless there is visible
damage.
Rgds
Alec
---
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#9
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Posts: n/a
Re: A4 1.8T buying advice please
"Paul Anderson" <paulandersonNOSPAM@saddleworth.net> wrote in message
news:41123d31$0$41792$65c69314@mercury.nildram.net ...
> Alec said the following on 03/08/2004 12:08:
>
>
> > Hi Jon. Timing belt change is advised no later that 80K miles. Just look
for
> > the usual service history, that all the electrics and climate work and
that
> > the front suspension moves smoothly and with NO noise when you bounce
it.
> <snip>
>
> Could you be more specific about the front suspension noise?
>
> Paul.
The wishbone front suspension on the A4, A6, A8 and Passat is prone to
failure of one or more of the seven ball-joints per side.
This shows as a creaking or groaning as you manoeuvre at low speed or very
gently bounce the front by hand. Cure is to replace the arm carrying the
ball-joint as they are not repairable. Until the symptoms get quite
pronounced it is hard to workout which joint is bad unless there is visible
damage.
Rgds
Alec
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
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Version: 6.0.734 / Virus Database: 488 - Release Date: 04/08/2004
news:41123d31$0$41792$65c69314@mercury.nildram.net ...
> Alec said the following on 03/08/2004 12:08:
>
>
> > Hi Jon. Timing belt change is advised no later that 80K miles. Just look
for
> > the usual service history, that all the electrics and climate work and
that
> > the front suspension moves smoothly and with NO noise when you bounce
it.
> <snip>
>
> Could you be more specific about the front suspension noise?
>
> Paul.
The wishbone front suspension on the A4, A6, A8 and Passat is prone to
failure of one or more of the seven ball-joints per side.
This shows as a creaking or groaning as you manoeuvre at low speed or very
gently bounce the front by hand. Cure is to replace the arm carrying the
ball-joint as they are not repairable. Until the symptoms get quite
pronounced it is hard to workout which joint is bad unless there is visible
damage.
Rgds
Alec
---
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#10
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Posts: n/a
Re: A4 1.8T buying advice please
Alec said the following on 05/08/2004 16:46:
>
> The wishbone front suspension on the A4, A6, A8 and Passat is prone to
> failure of one or more of the seven ball-joints per side.
> This shows as a creaking or groaning as you manoeuvre at low speed or very
> gently bounce the front by hand. Cure is to replace the arm carrying the
> ball-joint as they are not repairable. Until the symptoms get quite
> pronounced it is hard to workout which joint is bad unless there is visible
> damage.
>
> Rgds
> Alec
Just making sure you were referring to the same problems I have had and not a new one I
didn't know about.
The front suspension problems you mention have so far cost me just under £1,000 (non Audi
garage). At the end of last summer the groaning started but as the weather turned colder
it totally disappeared. This summer it started again as the weather warmed up. I have been
having the arms/joints replaced one by one but each time the noise only reduces rather
than stopping completely. Every time it goes back in for another arm I think 'This will be
the last one' only to find it still creaks. Tomorrow it goes in for the replacement of the
last arm on the O/S (upper front). If it still groans after that I'll do a John Cleese on it!
Anyone reading this should seriously review any intentions they have of buying a 97-99
Audi A4/A6/A8. Don't think the fact that it has been recalled and had the problem joints
replaced gets you out of the woods. My A6 and my wife's A4 were both repaired under the
recall but both cars are now costing us a fortune replacing front suspension parts.
Paul.
>
> The wishbone front suspension on the A4, A6, A8 and Passat is prone to
> failure of one or more of the seven ball-joints per side.
> This shows as a creaking or groaning as you manoeuvre at low speed or very
> gently bounce the front by hand. Cure is to replace the arm carrying the
> ball-joint as they are not repairable. Until the symptoms get quite
> pronounced it is hard to workout which joint is bad unless there is visible
> damage.
>
> Rgds
> Alec
Just making sure you were referring to the same problems I have had and not a new one I
didn't know about.
The front suspension problems you mention have so far cost me just under £1,000 (non Audi
garage). At the end of last summer the groaning started but as the weather turned colder
it totally disappeared. This summer it started again as the weather warmed up. I have been
having the arms/joints replaced one by one but each time the noise only reduces rather
than stopping completely. Every time it goes back in for another arm I think 'This will be
the last one' only to find it still creaks. Tomorrow it goes in for the replacement of the
last arm on the O/S (upper front). If it still groans after that I'll do a John Cleese on it!
Anyone reading this should seriously review any intentions they have of buying a 97-99
Audi A4/A6/A8. Don't think the fact that it has been recalled and had the problem joints
replaced gets you out of the woods. My A6 and my wife's A4 were both repaired under the
recall but both cars are now costing us a fortune replacing front suspension parts.
Paul.