What else besides the dealer for a tip-to-tail checkup?
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What else besides the dealer for a tip-to-tail checkup?
As I've mentioned in earlier posts, I'm becoming quite frustrated by a number of mechanical issues with my '97 A8q and my growing recognition that my local indy shop -- nice guys that they are -- know FAR less about my Audi than they themselves believe.
With the return of one problem (vibration) and the growth of another (oil leak), I really want a second opinion instead of just going with the indy shop's "control arm bushings" (they fixed the discs before) and "total head rebuild" diagnoses. The latter is because they put some UV gunk in the oil and they swear it is leaking from some corner of a head gasket or something.
University Audi in Seattle has treated me very well when I had some things done there before. In fact, they noticed a serpentine belt problem (originally done by indy shop) and fixed it at no charge when the car was in there for something else. IIRC, the full inspection would be something like $250, but if I can possibly avoid a $2,500 head rebuild AND get some other answers from people with factory knowledge...
Thoughts? Input?
<i>[Please note that while I have VAG-COM, the problems are generally mechanical and I am much better fixing computers than cars. Also, I have NO intention of giving up on my baby -- problems and all!]</i>
With the return of one problem (vibration) and the growth of another (oil leak), I really want a second opinion instead of just going with the indy shop's "control arm bushings" (they fixed the discs before) and "total head rebuild" diagnoses. The latter is because they put some UV gunk in the oil and they swear it is leaking from some corner of a head gasket or something.
University Audi in Seattle has treated me very well when I had some things done there before. In fact, they noticed a serpentine belt problem (originally done by indy shop) and fixed it at no charge when the car was in there for something else. IIRC, the full inspection would be something like $250, but if I can possibly avoid a $2,500 head rebuild AND get some other answers from people with factory knowledge...
Thoughts? Input?
<i>[Please note that while I have VAG-COM, the problems are generally mechanical and I am much better fixing computers than cars. Also, I have NO intention of giving up on my baby -- problems and all!]</i>
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Re: What else besides the dealer for a tip-to-tail checkup?
I'm also an owner of a 97 A8Q. Are you talking about the vibration/noise you feel when you max out your steering (e.g. during U-turn or making stiff turn parking)? If so, I have the same problem. It is the outer CV boot cracked therefore the CV joint and even the axle got worn out.
I personally have taken it to an Audi mechanic that has been fixing Audi for years including his family line of Audi's. Well, I only changed the CV boot as it already costed about $500 for both front outer CV boot. Thinking that the noise or vibration will go away, but it still remains as the axle or CV joint has been damaged.
One thing I know is that no more dirty or gease will build up or further damage my axle and joint. In other words, I'm just putting a bandage on the real problem. The real cure is to replaced the worn out axle or CV joint (which would cost like $2k easily). I'm in no position doing that as it's just too much $$.
For now I'm just sucking up those annoying vibration/noise till I have more $$ for a newer model. Good luck!
I personally have taken it to an Audi mechanic that has been fixing Audi for years including his family line of Audi's. Well, I only changed the CV boot as it already costed about $500 for both front outer CV boot. Thinking that the noise or vibration will go away, but it still remains as the axle or CV joint has been damaged.
One thing I know is that no more dirty or gease will build up or further damage my axle and joint. In other words, I'm just putting a bandage on the real problem. The real cure is to replaced the worn out axle or CV joint (which would cost like $2k easily). I'm in no position doing that as it's just too much $$.
For now I'm just sucking up those annoying vibration/noise till I have more $$ for a newer model. Good luck!
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Are the seats vibrating too?
let's say when you brake to stop at a red light, look to the passenger seat, can you literally see it vibrating/jumping very slightly? if so, i had that before I flush n fill my brake fluid. the brake fluid is perhaps too dirty/acidic (more than 2 yrs old).
on a side note, my brake is so soft and quiet that i sometimes feel like it's too excessively comfortable while lacking real braking power.
on a side note, my brake is so soft and quiet that i sometimes feel like it's too excessively comfortable while lacking real braking power.
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Never noticed the seats, but...
... I also have a rougher ride than I'd like. WAYYY too sensitive. Funny thing is that the shop's first answer was a bad shock, but then (and I don't remember why) it became a disc issue and they fixed that (which DID make the problem a bit better at first). Now, when I went back in, they're saying bad upper control arm bushing. Where the heck is the bad shock problem?? Did it just fix itself?? And was the disc job even needed? Could the disc job have temporarily masked the real problem, only to have it come back later?
That's why I'm thinking of taking it to the Audi dealer. Have them run the "recertification" inspection and give me answers. The only thing I'll tell them is that I have an oil leak (for which they will clearly see a bit of pooling and/or burn smell if they gun the engine) and that there is vibration. The latter will be clear on a road test anyway.
That's why I'm thinking of taking it to the Audi dealer. Have them run the "recertification" inspection and give me answers. The only thing I'll tell them is that I have an oil leak (for which they will clearly see a bit of pooling and/or burn smell if they gun the engine) and that there is vibration. The latter will be clear on a road test anyway.
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Dealer has stopped doing 300-point inspections...
Just called the dealer to make the appointment for a full inspection (300-point for $300) and they said they'd stopped doing them. Now they just do an 18-point "safety inspection" with road test (and possibly pulling codes) for $110 -- which is useless to me in this case.
They're saying that I should just bring the car in for the two main problems I'm having -- oil leak & vibration -- and that they'll diagnose for that. I'm hoping that some of the diag cost can be applied toward the repair if done with them.
They're saying that I should just bring the car in for the two main problems I'm having -- oil leak & vibration -- and that they'll diagnose for that. I'm hoping that some of the diag cost can be applied toward the repair if done with them.
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Re: Dealer has stopped doing 300-point inspections...
1) Based on the little oil leak issue that your A8 has, sounds like you need to replace your head gasket.
2) Depends if the A8 has ever had its upper control arm replaced or adjusted. Many bad repair jobs (like what had been done previously to mines) would cut off the original lug nuts and replaced them with similar size. That itself creates inappropriate tension.
3) It could also be a worn out Axle and CV boot/joint... which causes vibration at times.
Either way, I think the dealer can identify the problem for you. The only thing left is really how much are you willing to pay and best is choose the cheapest thing to get done there. Know the problem and quote the parts' price, then get it done elsewhere. Gd luck!
2) Depends if the A8 has ever had its upper control arm replaced or adjusted. Many bad repair jobs (like what had been done previously to mines) would cut off the original lug nuts and replaced them with similar size. That itself creates inappropriate tension.
3) It could also be a worn out Axle and CV boot/joint... which causes vibration at times.
Either way, I think the dealer can identify the problem for you. The only thing left is really how much are you willing to pay and best is choose the cheapest thing to get done there. Know the problem and quote the parts' price, then get it done elsewhere. Gd luck!
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