Magnet

Hello Gary, My late evening maths suggests you are covering around 30k a year, so you must be having this serviced approx. every 5k miles, which might be considered ‘over servicing’. I don’t think anyone would knock the benefits of over servicing when covering such mileage, and I guess this car is probably in better mechanical order at 145K, than many vehicles which have only covered your 30 K annual mileage in say your total 4 years. I don’t think you can do better. The only caveat I would add is the quality of the oil used is as important as the frequency of change - as is with filters. To your original question of longevity- ? I feel you are doing everything you can to ensure this car lasts, and I guess it’s having a comparatively easy life when covering it mileage at optimum operating conditions. Summary:- just keep doing what you are already doing. Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Ashton, As with all ‘modern’ cars, a good serviceable battery is a must, so if you have suspicions that it is passed it’s best, then I would suggest getting it tested, and replaced with a good quality (min. 4 year warranty) one if found to be below par. Never buy batteries on the basis of cheapest will do. Will a new battery completely solve your roof issue? Unlikely, but you have to start with the basics, and supplemented with a little carefully (in caps) applied lubrication at all movement points, you may, just may find the problem has been resolved. If it turns out it hasn’t, then at least you will have eliminated the basics. Kind regards, Gareth.

Registered with Partsfinder etc. Jack? Also worth advertising in Classic Car Weekly, and other classic car publications. Can you take a photo of the part? Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Russell, Welcome and thanks for joining. If it were mine, before guessing a new mirror is necessary, I would first be giving the ‘seating/swivel point a good dosing of WD40 and leave that soak overnight. Following morning:- get an assistant to try to fold the mirror while you press the remote locking button - and repeat. Perhaps you would let us know how you get on. Kind regards, Gareth.

Thanks Jack, Now we understand where you have tried. I guess when you say you have tried all U.K. breakers…. can we take it you have registered your ‘want’ and the on- line breaker link systems - such as Partsfinder? There are more. I sounds to me that it would now be more progressive to search for a repair option. Can you remove the offending part, and post a photo of it? Armed with this, it might well be possible to suggest a repair option. Kind regards, Gareth.

Where have you looked so far Jack - to save us suggesting where you have already tried? Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Adrian, Petrol or diesel? By ‘won’t start’, do you means the engine doesn’t crank over enthusiastically, or it does, but it doesn’t start? Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Zeshan, Welcome, and thanks for joining. I think this will have more to do with finding someone who is prepared to do it, rather than finding someone who will do it at ‘reasonable cost’. It is also important that you have confidence in whoever you choose, rather than finding the cheapest option. Isn’t it possible to renew the hub support casting, rather than spend good money on getting someone to try to successfully drill the remains out and accurately tapping a new thread! Kind regards, Gareth.

Looks like it’s the Chinese take-away in Dunstable Kev! Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Imran, I would certainly go with the cambelt suggestion of every 5 years - but I would think 75k miles would be reasonable if covered within the 5 years. Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Steve (Durham), Wheel bearing associated noises will normally vary on bends, as stresses are thrown onto or off the wheels on each side. My first port of call would be to eliminate all tyres as possible culprits, before moving on to more complex possibilities. Kind regards, Gareth.

No longer available according to the link.

Hello Geri, Thanks for joining and welcome. I guess we are talking the brake fluid level light here-? If so, and the level is acceptable, then suspect the float/level sensor or its connections. Kind regards, Gareth.

Thanks Daryl, Didn’t you put new tubes in then? Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Louise, Have you managed to get any further with this? Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Brian, I wouldn’t renew anything, if you have only just bought it - from a dealer? If so, they have to rectify the issue for you. Kind regards, Gareth.

This is getting tedious, but - again - what does the handbook specify? If Audi cannot give you a change date, then I would treat their reply with caution.

Hello Adam, What price are you looking for, as opposed to offers? Stating that price will save you and potential buyers from being messed about. Can we take it it’s been in your family for 15 years? Obviously you choice/risk to include your phone number on an open forum, but please let us know if you want that amended to:- ‘Please PM me’. Kind regards, Gareth.

Thanks Cheshire Steve, I don’t think you can really criticise National Tyres and Kwik Fit too much in this situation, where I guess they were conducting these inspections free of charge. Sounds you have found a reasonable fitter, and let’s hope and trust that the issue is now resolved and doesn’t return. What brand of discs did he fit as a matter of interest? Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Sam, Despite the fact that you don’t have any codes showing on your equipment, it might be well worthwhile checking all connectors that you may have disturbed while renewing the cambelt. Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Andrew, When re-reading your initial post, I note you say ‘…yet previously it was Castrol ….5w/30 for 24 month service interval’. Who has been servicing this car, and what do the service invoices list as the oil used? What does your handbook list? - sorry to ask again. Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Ken, RH6580 - believed fitted to rear of A4 Avant between 2001 and 2008 - fitted with Sports suspension. I’ll amend your post to include this detail. Kind regards, Gareth.

Handbook Andrew?

Thanks Terry, Yes, I did understand the use of ‘upgraded’ in your context - hence the reference to the overriding affect of 21 inch wheels ( with very low profile tyres?). Although I understand that you have to replace the shock absorbers, I doubt if ‘softer’ ones would be available, and indeed if they were, they are unlikely to counter the comfort reducing issues resulting from low profile tyres ( and sports suspension?). Still…. worth having a word with Bilstein. Kind regards, Gareth.

Many thanks Rit, This topic has been well aired on another post. Kind regards, Gareth.