RedRacer

I've had my 2000 A8 for since 2002 when I got it from a friend. I use it solely as a winter car, which isn't great since old cars that sit suffer problems from sitting....

I have three issues that won't go away and, if they did, my car would be perfect. (I love the car, no electronic traction/stability is PERFECT for me, a race car driver since I like to get the back end out, etc. in the snow)

Problems:
1) thunk/pull in front end - replace tie rod ends, still pulls, still thunks overs pot holes and a wheel is "fluttering" under braking at highway speeds - seems obvious its a bushing in the front end - but which one? there are a hundred under there (I've never seen a more complicated suspension) With the car on a hoist you can't find any obvious play....anyone had the same problem?

2) Oil pressure/level sensor. Once engine is warm, and in stop and go traffic, or sometimes even just stopping, the oil pressure idiot light goes off - oil level is good, both sensors replaced....

3) Click, Click Click coming from the dash - I've seen a bunch of folks in a few forums saying "live with it" since they can't find it - I'd love to find it

4) Bonus question: I put a Symphony II stereo in place of my Symphony ! - works great BUT face/buttons don't light up when the lights are turned on and steering wheel controls don't work - any thoughts?

I'm going to stop by my mechanic tomorrow am to see if we can get a pry bar on the suspension and find #1, but I thought I'd post all of this since #2 is likely not unique to me and #3 is well known. #4 is a great upgrade IF it can work properly (I have a spare Symphony !! for A6 I got along the way of the upgrade...if anyone needs one)

ok2000A8

4. my 2000 A8 had a Symphony II and all worked, so check wiring. There's a specific lead for steering wheel controls. I thionk face buttons are lit whenever dash lights are activated (headlights or darkness) Check internal fuse on unit or bulbs/leds if not wiring. Sounds like a wiring problem most likely.

3. Click click click is flaps on HVAC system hittng end of run, like motor is still trying to move flap in one direction, but there's no more travel left. Click is slippage of control arm and flap, I think. Flap problem is common in these beasties and one that I also have now. Sometimes requires removing entire front dash and even stereo to find/solve problem.

2. Must check oil when engine is cold and warm just to be certain fluid level is good and well above minimum. Check also seal oil filler cap on block (try new cap) and also fit on oil dipstick. I've seen all of these give "faulty" low oil pressure lights.

1. Check subframe bolts. They can come loose and they would not show any physical signs of being loose until you try them to see how tight they are. Nuts are hidden way up inside. Could also be CV joint on one side of front. As far as bushings, your guess and a sledge hammer are best bet

RedRacer

Awesome answers! Thanks!
I'd love to see how your stereo is wired in - do you know if you did something with the "ground" line - I didn't have a place to connect it on the back of the II - there was an obvious place to hook it up to on the "I" - I THINK you connect it to the screw showing up on the back, but I'm not 100%

Are you an Audi tech? I'd love someone who KNOWS the car well to look at it - problem is the stealers will charge me a fortune and replace stuff thats fine....I have a new A4 and I've felt it now that the Audicare is reduced....

ok2000A8

nope. no tech here, just formerly deep but now empty pockets after tuning

I've had Audis for more than 21 years now so have lots of experience watching various mechanics tool around. Symphony II was removed and replaced with Kenwood DNX7160. Stereo was installed at Kromer Radio. Number One Sound on College is also good and there are other good shops around. There's a good one in Oakville too; and I'm certain several others around. I watched Kromer installer take apart system and rewire because I had a problem with traffic function on new Kenwood system. Kenwood agreed unit was faulty and replace it, so I watched carefully. No one can get my steering whel controls to work, no matter what they say on this website. Some people blow hot air, but don't really know. I spent over 100 hours of my time with Kromer, Kenwood Canada, consulted with Kenwood Japan and with UK's top car audio retailer/installer, bought some supposed fixes, and I still don't have a solution to my steering wheel controls, buts that only problem. My car is old and uses old BUS system and new units aren't backwards compatable. If anyone reading this can solve that problem, I'd gladly pay for your time at going rates plus a real nice lunch!

RedRacer

What did you/they use to fill-in the gap in the dash where the old radio (trapezoid shaped) wasn't covered by the new radio (rectangular) can you post a pict of your install?

ok2000A8

pics posted already; but not with a closeup of new system. Resolution should be high enough for you to zoom in and see fit. 2 Trim pieces came with unit, one, a perfect rectangle and one, a trapezoid, which was used. Not sure if installer did a minor modification to bezel or not, but fit is very good.

ok2000A8

here's link to stereo/nav pic.

https://www.audiforum.ca/members/ok2...-interior.html

RedRacer

What brand and model stereo did you install?
I need to do something, my dash clock isn't working....

ok2000A8

as indicated in my signature line, a Kenwood DNX7160 with 2 CMOS300 cameras. I also added an IPOD Nano with about 177 cds loaded. Unit has GPS, Bluetooth, Tuner, IPOD, front and rear cameras. Just lost my steering wheel controls. The GPS section has nice full screen world clock function that you can have showing. Also can have clock showing on field in GPS use mode.