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Re: Revised estimate was $1400. Used Graf Water Pump. Posted by Bill Homer [Email]  (#3427) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Bill Homer) on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:46:07
In Reply to: Re: Revised estimate was $1400. Used Graf Water Pump., Brian, Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:02:38 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
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...
, Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:50:10, Tue, 29 Nov 2011 07:03:41, Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:58:47, Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:46:07 <-- Viewing This Message, Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:51:06
, Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:14:20, Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:08:16
, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:21:12, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 09:25:28, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 09:24:15, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:28:43, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:33:32
, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 08:40:53, Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:48:42, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 09:53:31, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 14:32:46, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 13:07:54, Thu, 1 Dec 2011 05:07:27, Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:41:06, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:11:59, Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:36:17
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