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I thought that the tech would convince you and he did. My bad experience with Graf pumps is based on a sample of one, but is apparently not unique according to what I see on the internet. Note that my Graf pump was installed by a professional SAAB/BMW dealer mechanic (side job), not a VW/Audi specialist, but I think that it was done correctly - the only tension on the timing belt is from the spring-loaded tensioner, so it's hard to mess it up, and it lasted 30,000 miles. I'm just about ready to do the timing belt job on my A6, which apparently needs a thermostat, and I'm pretty sure that I will use an OEM pump.
So, enjoy your car for the next two years. Here are my recommendations:
1. Change all vacuum hoses immediately, use HoseTechniques 3.5mm ID hose, your choice of color - you will need less than 5 feet, be careful removing the old pieces by slitting along their length at the ends. The braided fabric-covered OEM hoses get brittle and hide vacuum leaks under the fabric, which will cause all sorts of headaches and Diagnostic Trouble Codes for no apparent (and often incorrect) reason(s). Trust me on this.
2. At 95,000+ miles, you are probably due for outer tie rod ends if not already done - new ones will greatly improve your driving experience. The OEM parts have rubber isolators; I recommend Meyle's part with the larger ball-and-socket. This is generally regarded as the ONLY Meyle part that anyone should even remotely consider using; they are the Scantech of the VW/Audi world, sell lots of junk. Start soaking the connection to the tie rod in penetrating oil days before attempting.
3. The front suspension is a bear only because of the upper pinch bolt, which gets firmly rusted into the suspension upright. If you have access to an oxyacetylene torch, it makes the job relatively easy. You will know when it needs doing as the suspension will start clunking and squeaking some time before 120,000 miles.
posted by 108.71.134...
Posts in this Thread:
- Volkswagen/Audi timing belt change? $1200? Crazy!, Brian, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 07:12:38
- Removing front end is often very easy., dmz789qqq, Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:55:21
- Not that bad..., Larry West
, Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:50:10 - Re: Volkswagen/Audi timing belt change? $1200? Crazy!, William, Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:38:05
- Crazy?! How 'bout 1400-1800 per for a PT-Cruiser? Or..., Acubra, Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:16:59
- So, what did you get done and what parts used?, Bill Homer
, Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:58:47 - The death of DIY?, No Snaab, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:32:54
- try this question the next time you'll look 4 a new car, Siegfried, Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:57:58
- 2 types of buyers., James, Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:16:00
- third type, DE
, Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:51:06 - And..., Noel, Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:48:51
- Re: try this question the next time you'll look 4 a new car, Justin VanAbrahams
, Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:14:20
- not dead, just more sophisticated..., James, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:49:22
- Re: The death of DIY?, TML
, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:21:12
- Re: Volkswagen/Audi timing belt change? $1200? Crazy!, SWEDECAR
, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 09:25:28 - Re: Volkswagen/Audi thermostat change = $1200!, Bill Homer
, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 09:24:15 - Yup, unfortunately $1200 sounds competitive., nateh89spg
, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 08:40:53- Re: Yup, unfortunately $1200 sounds competitive., Son of Saab, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:38:40
- Honda, jeff in MD, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 17:30:06
- Re:VW/Audi plastic water pump impellar?, Brian, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 09:15:29
- Re: Crazy!, Noel, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 07:17:02
- Re: VW/Audi dealer in CT $2500 + for T-Belt., Brian, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 07:36:34
- ehh... So what's wrong with it?, Siegfried, Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:11:48
- What's wrong is bad design, Noel, Tue, 29 Nov 2011 07:31:51
- really bad?, Siegfried, Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:06:11
- Well, OK, but my point is more that, Noel, Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:11:15
- will you believe me if..., Siegfried, Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:14:17
- Re: will you believe me if..., TML
, Thu, 1 Dec 2011 05:07:27 - Unfortunately, my VAG thermostat is dead at 56,000 mile, Bill Homer
, Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:41:06- Re: sorry, Siegfried, Thu, 1 Dec 2011 03:46:14
- Re: VW/Audi dealer in CT $2500 + for T-Belt., bic, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:18:15
- I was clearly misinformed!, Noel, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:55:32
- That is unfortunate., Mike Johnson, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 10:21:37
- Makes the ng900/9-3 PS line seem like a good idea, nwas, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 10:09:54
- Holy crap!, Skip, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 07:49:53
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