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Audi A4 Maintenance and Repair

2367 messages,  Last post on May 16, 2013 at 8:34 AM

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What is this discussion about? Audi A4, Convertible, Sedan, Wagon

    
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Messages Page 69 of 237

#678 of 2367 Strange knocking noise on Audi A4 by mike59

Apr 25, 2005 (3:01 am)

I have a 1996 Audi A4 1.8SE that has developed a strange knocking noise at the front of the car. The knocking occurs above 15mph when turning the steering wheel in either direction. The noise is not noticeably louder in either direction. I’ve tried the usual reversing trick to check the CV joints and it remains quiet. All rubber gaiters are intact.
 
I’ve had it checked by two garages and they don’t know where the noise is coming from.
 
Further Information:
No vibration felt through the steering wheel
Noise doesn’t appear to be louder on one side of the car
Will not knock at lows speeds below 15mph
Recently had one cv joint replaced and it made no difference
No excessive play in the wheel bearings
All ball joints appear to be in good condition
The steering wheel only needs to be tuned slightly – not full lock.

#679 of 2367 Re: Sludge Problem [ad01] by alfab

Apr 25, 2005 (7:51 am)

Replying to: ad01 (Jan 11, 2005 10:56 am)
I had a similar problem, resulting in slipped timing belt, dropped valves, damaged pistons, and total engine replacement at 114,000 km (70,000 m). Dealer did all service, even on their recommended schedule, but won't acknowledge the secret "warranty extension".

#680 of 2367 Re: jack collapsed [lviv35] by rmotwani

Apr 25, 2005 (8:24 am)

Replying to: lviv35 (Apr 12, 2005 11:00 am)
I also had a problem with my Audi Jack. I have had my A4 for 4 years and have changed the tire on it before using the jack. But a few weeks ago when I tried using it (to change my front passenger tire), the jack started to bend and the car was lurching forward. I tried a few times and the same thing kept happening. I took the jack out before any further damage was cauused. In looking at the jack, it looks like it has warped. I also never set the put on the handbrake, and I have changed my tire before without doing that so not sure why that is necessary. And I have used the jack only a few times, so I do not know what happened to it all of a sudden.
 
Did you get a new jack--if so, how much were you charged for it

#681 of 2367 Re: Excessive tire noise 04.5 A4 1.8Q [jplyman] by rmotwani

Apr 25, 2005 (8:47 am)

Replying to: jplyman (Oct 06, 2004 10:54 am)
Check your wheel bearings on the tires --- I was having excessive squeaking noises coming from one of my tires, and it only came when I drove at high speed...it took three trips to the dealer before they finally figured it out, they originally had me change the tire thinking it was bad and I need a new, but the noise still appeared even after replacing with a new tire.

#682 of 2367 Re: A4 Problem [nvert] by oschun26

Apr 25, 2005 (9:55 am)

Replying to: nvert (Apr 15, 2005 9:52 pm)
Its the turbo! Believe it or not, mine just went out Friday. I have an 02 A4 1.8T and I heard this whining noise Friday morning that go progressively louder throughout the day, and finally my car wouldn't drive over 40mph. Took it to the dealership Friday afternoon and they say its the Turbo. They called me this morning to let me know the price... $2700!!! Parts and labor! Good luck.

#683 of 2367 Re: Strange knocking noise on Audi A4 [mike59] by spey

Apr 26, 2005 (2:31 am)

Replying to: mike59 (Apr 25, 2005 3:01 am)
Mike59
 
You are suffering, almost without doubt, from worn ball joints on your front control arms. There are eight of these, four each side, which locate your front wheels and provide the correct camber angles etc. Although a fairly novel idea when the car was introduced, they have proven to be a weak point on the car. The ball joint cannot be separated from the arm therefore the complete assembly has to be replaced at significant cost. You may be able to identifly which joint is worn by elevating the car on a ramp and levering each joint in turn; they are quite accessible. Your local Audi franchise will do this for you, or use a good independant garage.
In my experience, it would be sensible to replace all eight of these arms at the same time as you will always have one or more joints on the verge of unacceptable wear on a car of the age of yours.
The good news is that these arms are available as a kit from Audi at a cost in Britain of approximately £400 - about $750. Sounds a lot? - consider that each individual arm will cost up to $200 dependant on which arm you require and it starts to sound more sensible. Alternatively, it is feasible to inject a good quality lithium based grease through the ball joint gaiter (there are no grease nipples) using a syringe. These will prolong the life of the existing joints considerably. You do, of course, reduce the integrity of your gaiter and water may find its way into the joint.
Finally, the premature wear of these joints is commonly the subject of a safety recall; I'm reasonably sure this is the case in the US - approach your Audi franchise and ask, I'm sure the least they will do is check them for you. If you have a full service history with Audi then you qualify for free defective arm replacement in a significant number of countries. If continuously ignored it is not unknown for the joints to snap - not good for your ability to steer.
I am aware of most of this due to owning a 1996 A4 1.8 Avant myself. I would best describe the car as rather fragile. The engine is a credible performer and is fairly long lasting as is the interior. The perceived 'quality' is used as a focus to elevate forecourt and list prices way above the level they should be - not a trend restricted to Audi of course. What is atrocious however are the labour rates and parts pricing, which have escalated as new car profit margins decrease. Avoid Audi franchises at all costs and use a good independant garage.
My final words of wisdom? Buy a sensibly priced, reliable car. Don't be sufficiently vain to succumb to 'badge engineering' and pricing. Most japanese cars fit the bill but are of course perceived as being a tad dull. I can certainly vouch for Subaru - my Legacy has covered over 200,000 miles and has been subject to awful treatment in an attempt to break it as justification to buy a new one! The problem is it just keeps going.
 
Good Luck

#684 of 2367 60K mile service for my 1999 A4 2.8 quattro - PLEASE ADVISE! by watziznehm

Apr 26, 2005 (6:10 pm)

My 1999 A4 2.8 quattro is due for its 60,000 mile service. I live in Chicago, IL and the two dealers I contacted in the area quoted $775 and $600 for the service which would include replacing spark plugs, replacing air and pollen filters, checking brakes, coolant, etc., and a so-called 50-point inspection.
 
The amount struck me as very high and I'm sure I can get it done for a much lower cost if I were to take it elsewhere. What concerns me is what the risks are of doing so. Can anyone advise me on the advantages/disadvantages of getting my car serviced by an Audi dealer compared to some place like Pepboys or Firestone? I'd be interested in knowing about the following areas:
   - Quality of the job undertaken
   - Looking out for other things that might need to be fixed so they don't result in greater losses down the road
   - Not messing around with the rest of the car (like switching parts, etc.)
 
This is my first car and I've had it for only a year, so I'm pretty confused. If a non-Audi dealer would be acceptable, could anyone also recommend a service chain or a specific store in the Chicago area? Any input is greatly appreciated.
 
Thank you all.

#685 of 2367 Re: 60K mile service for my 1999 A4 2.8 quattro - PLEASE ADVISE! [watzizneh by rowlandj

Apr 27, 2005 (3:21 am)

Replying to: watziznehm (Apr 26, 2005 6:10 pm)
Find a good independent shop in your area that specializes in Audi (and possibly other German makes). Then have them do the items that are called for in the manual for that service only, they can also give the car a 'look over' for potential problems. Depending on where you live there should be several shops like this. There are also Audi tuner shops throughout the country that all do regular maintenance work as well.
 
The independents can do a fine job if you find the right one and they don't load you up with a pretty high-priced series of inspections and check-this-and-that's. Your car likely only needs fluid changes, a few filters and a look at the brakes and suspension. It should not be as much as what that dealer quoted.
 
JR

#686 of 2367 Bacteria build up in my 03' A4 by stinkya4

Apr 27, 2005 (8:26 am)

I have a 2003 A4 1.8T sport/Quattro with 25k on it. The car is always parked in a large shared parking garage. When I start the car with the AC or ventilation on, there is a bad smell that comes from the vents. After about 3-5 minutes the smell is mostly gone. I have taken it to the dealer twice. They reported "bacteria" build up in the AC system and sanitized it. The smell returned in a couple of days.
 
At the second dealer "repair" I suggested they check to make sure the drain for AC condensation was clear, as I have never seen any water dripping from my car after using the AC. The dealer reported all drains were clear and basically said to "run my heater on high" periodically to prevent the smell. The smell continues and I am wondering if anyone else has had this problem? The dealer mentioned they have encountered this before, but they don't really have a fix for it..

#687 of 2367 Re: 60K mile service for my 1999 A4 2.8 quattro - PLEASE ADVISE! [watziznehm] by hydrocarbon

Apr 27, 2005 (8:52 am)

Replying to: watziznehm (Apr 26, 2005 6:10 pm)
I take my A4 to Hessen Auto and I highly recommend them. They're out by O'hare airport. Just Google them. They are not the cheapest place you will find, but they are exceptionally professional and do not do any unnecessary work. Oil changes run around $30. The air and pollen filters are pretty easy to replace and I would suggest doing it yourself by getting the filters at Wal-mart( A lot cheaper than the Audi filters)
 
A copule of examples: I knew that my brake rotors and pads were getting low, so I took them to Hessen instead of the stealership. From past experience, the stealership would have recommended complete pad and rotor replacement, and sugested a few thousand dollars worth of other things. These guys let me know I had 20% wear left, and suggested I come back in 6 months. Also, they always gave me the straight dope, and if they were wary about fixing something(airbag), they let me know. They gave me accurate quotes. They don't have a big fancy showroom with donuts and coffee, but i don't care about that. Also, they are not in a convenient area for shopping.
By the way, I don't work for them, nor do I have any financial interest in them. I do want to make sure they stick around, because good, honest mechanics are hard to find.

Messages Page 69 of 237

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