I saw you post in another thread here about how the first sign a turbo is going bad is that it sounds like a dentist drill when spooling. I think I MIGHT be hearing something like that. Will it be really loud or just be something soft and faint that you can sort of hear? How do I know for sure if this noise I hear is the turbo? Also what can I do about it if it is a problem? Someone told me once that you need to keep your turbo lubed or something like that. Is there turbo maintinence that I should be doing? Thanks man, now that you said that I am getting REALLY nervous! []

BTW, I don't know a ton about cars so take it easy on me of you can.

Oh yeah, what is the yellow liquid under the hood, it is like right on top of the engine when you open the hood, mine is nearly under the min. line. Maybe that might be contributing to the problem? Thanks!

 

that would be your coolant...might want to stop by the stealership and get some more

 

I'd suggest going to PEP boys and buying a Haynes manual for the A4. It is about 15 dollars and has a section on basic maintenance and what is located where.

You might want to talk to a friend who is car savvy and can point out what things are.

the big yellow reservoir is for coolant. If it is low, you will need to buy antifreeze. Do not get standard green antifreeze. I'd suggest going to a VW parts shop (or buying it online from a place like getcoolparts.com. Mix it 50/50 with distilled water (not bottled water) and top it up when the engine is cold. If it continues to go lower you will have to find the leak and repair it. Frequent leaks are near the oil filter at the oil cooler on the right side of the engine as you look at the car with the hood up. The hoses there often leak and you will see pink crud around it.

Low coolant wont cause turbo noise. The turbos do make a small amount of noise. There is nothing to do as the turbos wear out eventually. They are lubricated by the engine oil pump so no additional lubrication is needed. to help your turbo last, make sure that if you have been driving hard that you let the turbo cool down. Idle the car for a minute or two before shutting it off.

Make sure that you use only synthetic engine oil the bigger recommended filter, and change the oil every 5K miles.