Today I had the radiator replaced on my 1998.5 A4Q 2.8, and the dealer
told me I need a new water pump because mine is leaking. I had that
thing replaced in December 2002 (and at that time, the original one
was not leaking) along with the timing belt, etc. Is this normal?
I'm just incredulous that this part would fail so soon and would
appreciate insights.

The dealer also told me that both rear differential seals need
replacement ($350): is this also normal for a car this age?

KLS in Rochester, NY

 

xymergy@suds.com wrote:
> Today I had the radiator replaced on my 1998.5 A4Q 2.8, and the dealer
> told me I need a new water pump because mine is leaking. I had that
> thing replaced in December 2002 (and at that time, the original one
> was not leaking) along with the timing belt, etc. Is this normal?
> I'm just incredulous that this part would fail so soon and would
> appreciate insights.
>
> The dealer also told me that both rear differential seals need
> replacement ($350): is this also normal for a car this age?
>
> KLS in Rochester, NY

Sadly, yes, this is all pretty normal. The A4 and the 2.8 are nice
performers, but they are not very reliable. All this has also been
replaced on my '99 A4 along with a few other things (like cam oil seals)
at 74K.

I know, a bunch of you probably have 1xxK miles and no problems, but
lets face it, Audi/Porsche/VW is definitely NOT Toyota/Honda when it
comes to quality. Of course it doesn't drive like one either.

 

<xymergy@suds.com> wrote...
> Today I had the radiator replaced on my 1998.5 A4Q 2.8, and the dealer
> told me I need a new water pump because mine is leaking. I had that
> thing replaced in December 2002 (and at that time, the original one
> was not leaking) along with the timing belt, etc. Is this normal?

I've read of leaky water pumps. Too bad yours is not under warranty
any more (they usually give you 12 months after installation).

> I'm just incredulous that this part would fail so soon and would
> appreciate insights.

What I read said something about new water pumps being a crap shoot,
you won't know it's bad until it leaks. Something about weak design
or manufacturing (no, I am not trolling, I am facing probably the
same trouble -- mine just got replaced a couple of weeks ago).

> The dealer also told me that both rear differential seals need
> replacement ($350): is this also normal for a car this age?

I certainly hope not. I have exactly the same 1998 2.8Q and just got
its timing belt and whistles replaced. It leaked from the engine (and
that's what prompted a visit to the dealer), but I was told it probably
was due to improper installation of the gaskets (by some careless
technician). No other leaks.

V

 

<xymergy@suds.com> a écrit dans le message de
news:rl7e7050q5m5kq4vplhtgi7li646rt048v@4ax.com...
> Today I had the radiator replaced on my 1998.5 A4Q 2.8, and the dealer
> told me I need a new water pump because mine is leaking. I had that
> thing replaced in December 2002 (and at that time, the original one
> was not leaking) along with the timing belt, etc. Is this normal?
> I'm just incredulous that this part would fail so soon and would
> appreciate insights.
>
> The dealer also told me that both rear differential seals need
> replacement ($350): is this also normal for a car this age?
>
> KLS in Rochester, NY

I had to change the water pump the first time at 199,500 km (not miles). The
radiator and the quattro system has never caused any problem, especially no
leak. I had to change the front shock absorbers at 210,000 km. Up to now,
this Audi has been the most reliable car I ever had.

--
Best regards.
Giovanni Tarantino
Bevaix (NE)
Switzerland
1997 Audi A4 2.8 Q 219,000 km (134,000 miles)
1997 BMW 535i 216,000 km (132,000 miles)