Hello Gang. I am a new person here. I hope I'll get my audi end of this week.

I am buying 98 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro Manual.

I live Columbus, OH

What else do I need to know first about this car or what I really carefull about it ?
I am a good car care person, do I need to know something special other than usuall care ?

I heard that interior electronics might have big issue for Audi's... is it true ?

Last question... I was looking for Hein SS but could not find it, I made search over the forum and people use H&R coil overs. Any ride problems with H&R ?

Thanks a lot guys.. Happy to be here...

 

hey aRif - welcome to the forum! And congrats on a new Audi.

The 98 does not have many problem with the interior electronics (maybe airbag connectors). You will want to look for squeaking while driving (dying control arms) and wheel bearing noise... Also, find out if the timing belt and water pump have been changed. This is an extremely important item to have replaced by 65-70K miles, since we have an interference engine.


H&R is a very respected aftermarket suspension product for our cars. Koni is also a very good name in coilovers.

 

thanks brrman.

2 quick questions....

1-What does interference engine means? is it something different than a normal honda/acura engines ?
2- car has about 124k. is there easy way to understand about timing belt need to be replaced or not ?

 

An interference engine means the valves and pistons will hit each other if they are not in perfect timing. There is not enough clearance in the head for the exhaust valves and the intake valves to be open at the same time. If the belt snaps or slips the valves will hit each other and bend. And you may also see valves slapping piston heads. This means an engine rebuild of at least $2500.

There is no real way to tell except to look at the timing belt tensioner (you need to replace this too - as this is a part that breaks.) The 98 has the old style tensioner which is defective. It has a ball and socket type of connection to the pully guide. The socket breaks and the ball rod will slip out causing the belt to lose tension. If you have this style tensioner I would get it replaced ASAP.

The ball/socket tensioner was updated with a new tensioner style that has a simple rod pushing on a tension plate which is attached to the pully guide. If your car has this style, then it has most likely been replaced.

However, with 125K, I would look to replace the timing components again by 150K. The timing belt job is about 800 at a good euro shop. You can do this job by yourself if you have the time and a little mechanical knowledge. There are several good writeups on how to do it.

 

Hey welcome to the forum. I live in Columbus too, so If you need some help just let me know.

 

Thanks a lot Jestnomen. This car is my first audi so I'll have lots of questions

 

aRif you came to the right place..and yes ask those guys for help they KNOW EVERYTHING!!!

 

I have h&r coilovers and have no problems, I love em! Also an interference motor means that if the timing belt brakes the valves will hit the pistons and most likely damage the head and many valves.

Also I would recoommend doing you timing belt asap, unless you know when it was done previously. Many people recommend every 60k mi and if it was done at 60k mi then your due again.

Welcome buy the way and congrats on your new car!

 

That's what we're all here for!

 

Welcome to the forum man and enjoy your Audi!