dvs_dave

It's not complicated. Just lube the latch mechanisms and cable entry points, and pop open the splitter box and lube the cables in there too. On mine the force required to pop the hood latches is now a fraction of what it was. Doesn't feel like you're straining anything now.

mishar

And you do not need to be macho macho man.

dvs_dave

Exactly....it's really "Grant" now

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

I'm sure there are many ways to get the inside bolt out, but I got the tip from MP4, I didn't remove the shock fork, pry it down with a screw driver and it worked. This is how I did mine. It should take less time now since I know exactly what to do. Hope this help someone who want to do it. The noise and later vibrations while braking...


Cheers,

Louis

dvs_dave

Good how to video. Looking forward to the Timing belt service one

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

Timing belt service = how to rebuild bent valves due to broken timing belt... :-) I'm determined to see how far my original engine will go before it pops due to timing belt or tensioner... :-) It's been 2.5 years and 33k miles already... 106k miles... let's see if I will have 120k miles service video... then 135k miles... etc...
Next one will be how to fix my dash board LEDS... broken wire under the arm rest? I don't drive much at night, but will fix it anyway.

Cheers,

Louis

Mister Bally

As I've posted years ago, I felt I could get 150,000 miles out of the OEM belt. But, when the $20.00 thermostat stuck closed in the summer with 120,000 miles on the clock, I replaced everything at that time.

dvs_dave

So did this guy....
https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a8-...e-wtf-2616464/

The physical belt itself I also think will last well over 100k miles. I don't however believe the rest of the equally important components that form the overall system will, which is a point many folks seem not to understand. I was planning on doing my timing belt service around 85k, but a stuck thermostat at 76k made the decision for me. Money well spent though. I want to keep the car and for something that fails suddenly and without warning, I'm not prepared to knowingly risk the considerable dangers of me or my family getting stranded and simultaneously putting me seriously out of pocket. All because I made the unwise choice of cheaping out on a bit of scheduled maintenance. Makes zero sense on so many levels that I just don't get some people's seemingly pathological aversion to timing belt services.

Anyway, each to their own and all that.

Mister Bally

Yes, to each their own. I inspected my belt thoroughly at 10,000 mile intervals.

As you 've probably seen , the replacement parts did cause a breakdown 1000 miles from home on the July 4th weekend. We were lucky to repair it on the road in 100℉ heat.

It all boils down to money.

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

Again, if it works, don't fix it. I do watch how you maintain your car MR. Bally... Yes, it's the money but also stubbornness.

Cheers,

Louis