I got the top one in this list, the $58.29 one

http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B6_A4-...h/Fuel_Filter/

 

This link you attached is for a 1.8T, does it make a difference if it's a 3.0 or a 1.8T My car is a 3.0. Also in the link it says "split is in the 2005 model year" - not sure if that means the 2 pipe connections. My car is a 2004. I don't know...I just put my year and model and it only came up with the ones with one connection at Autohauz

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...@Fuel%20Filter

Hmm...when i change the model of the car to a 1.8T Quattro, it comes up with the 2 pipe connection filter. So I gather your car is a 1.8T and not a 3.0?

 

Yes, I have a 1.8t...

The term "split" is regarding the year model. I changed the engine type and got a little different list from the ECS Tuning site although the one I used is still the first one. As far as what you need, you need crawl under the car and look at the filter which is what the Autohaus website tells you to do. I suspect you will find a 2 inlet and 2 outlet filter and unless you mod your car (and no, I have no idea how to mod), you will have to install Audi part.

 

Oh, I probably ordered the wrong part then. Not sure why there would be two different types of filters for the same year car.

Does anyone have a link to a DIY to change the fuel filter in a 2004 A4 Quattro 3.0L Avant?

Thanks.

 

Yeah, not sure why any of the sites return anything but the 2 in / 2 out filter. I guess I was lucky becuase I tend to go for OEM equipment / fluids becuase of several issues I have had with non-OEM parts / fluids in the past. Anyway, quick search and I found this on AZ which oh by the way discusses the filters as well. I 've done it and the only tricky part is the connectors. You will have to play with where to press for a while to figure it out; just be patient and don't force. I can't believe your Avant would be any different than the Sedan.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ght=filter+diy

 

Ok, so I had the fuel filter replaced today at a mechanic. He only charged me $50 for the labor so figured it was worth it rather than getting all dirty and fiddling with the clips and all myself. I wanted him to check the window regulator as well, which he replaced for free under warranty, so was going there anyway.

Anyway, i just picked up the car and he said there was nothing wrong with the old fuel filter and nothing clogged. Man, not sure why he didn't call me to tell me that because he replaced it anyway and charged me $62 for the part and then tossed the part her replaced even though it was good. I would've kept it. I hope he really replaced the part and not just put the old part back and charge me $62 for the part!!

He said that the whining would come from the fuel pump, not the filter (Audi Tek below said he's 100% sure the noise is from the filter), so I'm confused. The mechanic said if the pump is making noise it doesn't necessarily mean it's bad, he said if the whining noise changes from what it's doing now, then something might be going bad, otherwise I probably just have a noisy pump (it was replaced at the dealer just 2 years ago). Said nothing mechanically is wrong or harmful with that noise, and I would only notice a difference if the pump started failing as it woudln't pump sufficient fuel (so loss of power i guess), but if i don't notice anything different, then just leave it.

I won't know if it even still makes noise until i run the car down on gas, it's 3/4 full still.

Any thoughts or other experiences from you all?

 

The advice you recieved below is still valid. The filter is a cheap shot at correcting the noise which can be attributed to the electric motor struggling with the restricted flow caused by a clogged filter. If this is let go for a long time, it will eventually fail the pump due to poor maintenance on the filter. Apparently that is the case with your car. I would drive it for a while before committing to the pump to see if there really is any change. A pump is much more expensive than a filter. WHo knows, the filter may have been changed just before you bought the car which is why it appeared to be fine to your mechanic.

 

Yes, I've had the pump fail two times; first time no warning, second time about one minute of decreasing power, then zero. I would be uneasy with a noisy pump.

 

Actually, I have all the service records from the previous owner. First time this happened (i.e., whining noise), March 2009, filter was changed. Then he went back in June 2009 and changed the filter and the pump (perhaps the filter change in March was not the prob and thus he changed the pump). So 2.5 years and 27000 miles later, the problem is back i guess.

I don't think the mechanic just visually looked at it to 'appear' fine, he said he blew through it and there was no restriction in flow. I sure hope the noise doesn't come back with this new filter (assuming he even changed it, since he said there was nothing wrong with the old one - yep, i'm not a very trusting person, esp with car repair shops

So what will happen if the pump fails and you're driving?

 

Maybe you didn't read my previous post. The engine quits running. The dash lights come on. The tach is at zero. If you are moving, the car will begin to slow down. You may not have any warning, so know where your emergency blinker button is. While you have momentum, coast to as safe a spot as you can out of traffic.

Also, being skeptical of your mechanic is a good thing. Have him prove that the filter is making a noise, such as lifting the car and letting you listen. I suspect that was BS.