just purchased a 98 a4 quattro 2.8 auto, black on black. The car has thus far really impressed me, i was previously set on a bmw. My first question is, the left front wheel makes a pop whenever i drive over a large bump, i'm putting the car up on a lift tomorrow but am wondering if there is anything common that wears out on the front end of these cars.

Also, what is the easiest way to inspect the timing belt? How elaborate of a procedure is replacement? I've replaced a belt on my previous integra, and thought that was a royal PIA. I don't, however, plan to replace it if it looks to be in good repair when i inspect it.

Finally, i need to order the keyless entry remote for this, but am trying to avoid the dealer. How else can you get the ebay keys cut? I deal with car locksmiths on occasion at work and none of them can cut these keys. I also would like to find some factory floor mats, so sources on those would be nice as well.

Thanks,

 

front end noise sounds like a wheel bearing, common in almost any car.

timing belt should be done at 60-70k, you can not tell if it needs replacing by looking at it. if you are over 70k and do not have any record of the belt being done get it done asap. if it breaks your looking at an engine rebuild/new engine, simply not worth chancing. everyone will tell you the same thing.
I did mine, took about 8 hours total. deff not an easy job but if you know the solid basics and can follow directions then you can save yourself about $600 in labor.

blank keys need to be cut at the dealer. i have never heard of getting it done elsewhere, something to do with programing it to the car possibly (not like programing the windows but the starter kill)y, not sure about that though.

 

Thanks for the reply widget. The noise in the front end i'm 99% certain its not a wheel bearing. I know exactly what a wheel bearing going bad sounds like, and it is not that. It is either an upper or lower ball joint, or a sway bar, my guess is lower ball joint. Also, why can you not tell if the belt needs replacing simply by looking at it? This seems odd to me, and i even brought this up with my mechanic and he assured me he could figure out if it had been replaced by looking at it. Where can i get the parts for this belt cheaply? My mechanic is going to put it on for me for 100 bucks, i only plan on doing the belt and the tensioner unless the water pump is corroded or leaking. Thanks,
Ryan