Hi to all....I'm a newbie.
I have just bought a 2001 A4 with 30v V6 and 5 speed with 102K and naturally I have some questions.
I've already fixed a few items as I have VCDS. My other car is a Tdi Golf.
ABS had been repaired and windshield is new.

I believe the timing belt needs changing. Someone told me 105k but there is a sticker under the hood that says 70k and its blank. Either way I will do it asap.
Looking at it it looks in order (no cracks) but not new
I have seen ads for Blauparts and ECS. I want to rent tools also and avoid parts made in questionable places. Any words of wisdom ??

Its says symphony on the radio,with cassette and CD but I would like to use AUX input and Bluetooth phone. Can I plug things into the factory radio for this or is there a way to fit aftermarket radios in this strange shape panel ??

VCDS scans look OK but I cant get cats to check out. O2 sensors show OK.

I want to use synthetic oil, either Mobil 1 or Rotella T. Any consensus??
I have no idea what is in there now but it was clean but close to a quart low.

I get some chatter from the PS pump, especially when cold. Will a fluid flush help that or is it well on the way ??

Anything I should specially check out?

I have some slight driveline droning/vibration when cruising so I shall investigate that.

Thanks, Steve (top of NC)

 

First off, welcome to AF

As you said, I would change the timing belt ASAP. I recommend the kit from blauparts, as they also offer a very reasonably priced tool set when you buy their timing service kits. It requires a pretty substantial deposit (like $350 IIRC) but if you return the tools they give you back all but $30 of that. Its possible to do the job without the tool set but it helps tremendously. Also, Blau carries top quality parts and their instructions are awesome.

You can fit an aftermarket radio if you wish, they make adapter pig tails for the wiring harness so you don't have to hack up the stock one, as well as trim pieces to make for a clean install

I use Mobil1 full syn 0w-40 changed every 3k and have had zero issues

Had this symptom on my 97, check the level of the PS fluid. Mine was low and would chatter and whine, especially in the cold. Mine had a slow leak from one of the lines going to the rack, so it wasn't worth the cost/effort to replace it for a few ounces of fluid a week. If you need to add fluid, make sure to use Audi/VW specific mineral-based fluid, not the $1/bottle auto zone stuff, it'll eat the seals and make things worse.

More info on this would be helpful. Is it worse when turning in a particular direction? Does it go away when you press the brakes? Could be anything from a wheel bearing to warped rotors to a bent wheel.

 

Welcome and good luck. I also just bought an A4 and did my timing belt last weekend. Bought from Blau Parts and rented the tool kit. Did the deluxe kit with the seals and water pump, so the tools were very useful and instructions were good. $350 deposit on the tools. My problem was that I ordered on a Monday and had them the next day with my order and you have 10 days to get them back to them, so don't order the tools too soon, just a couple days in advance of when you want to do the job. Also did the valve cover gasket and tensioner wear blocks, was pretty straightforward. Good Luck.

 

Congrats and welcome change that TB ASAP and you should be golden