New to Forum and A2

D

Davos1983

Member
Hi there, i have just purhcased an 03 plate 1.4TDI Sport - am due to pick it up next weekend. After much searching and recommendations, this car seems to be an awesome choice. I have a few questions though which would be good to get the answers to:

1) When should the cam belt be replaced? Currently on 67k - car has a full service history - seem to remember it last being done at around 59k at Audi -would it have been done then? If not what is a typical price for the cam belt?

2) Is the 1.4TDI engine a "safe" engine? Ie if the cambelt were to snap, would the valves smash into the pistons and cost me lots of money to fix or is there a mechanism in place to stop this - as far as i know most of the other TDI engines are "safe".

3) Probably a stupid question - but how does one take off the bonnet? Read a few rumours that it cant be removed and would be good to get round this!

Cheers in advance,

Dave
 
Hi,

For Q.3. You pull the bonnet release inside the car and the front flap (black one with four rings on) comes down and you can turn the two knobs and lift off the bonnet. No tools required
 
sorry can't really answer the tech tdi queries, but i thought a cambelt was 4 years regardless of mileage? i think cost may be 250ish, on my petrol version it is anyway. regarding bonnet, pull the lever by the pedals under steering wheel, then open the flap/grille that is between the headlights, inside there are two knobs twist each one and the bonnet slides forwards and lifts off, easy.
 
Hi Dave
Cambelt replacement is normally at 60,000 miles or 4 years, whichever comes first, in your TDi. It's advisable to change the water pump at the same time.
I'm not aware of any modern diesel engines being 'safe' so don't assume you may get off lightly if the cambelt fails.

Cheers Spike
 
Replacing the bonnet and protecting the car paint work

richard- said:
Hi,

For Q.3. You pull the bonnet release inside the car and the front flap (black one with four rings on) comes down and you can turn the two knobs and lift off the bonnet. No tools required
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I would add that if you want to protect your paint work then always get help to remove and replace the bonnet, especially the latter. When replacing, each person should put one of their hands over the lug that protrudes below the bonnet and guide the lug into the slot.

When I last went to have my car serviced I took my wife and we removed the bonnet and carried it into the reception area and place it against the wall wrapped in a cloth!!

That's because last time the garage put a small dent in the paint work near the rain channel. That almost certainly happened when replacing the bonnet. Besides, placing the bonnet down on a ground in the workshop can end up scratching the edges of the bonnet. It is also asking for trouble in the hussle and bustle of the workshop.

See
http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosacorp/rep...rch/xml.txt?&pr=CORP&order=r&cq=&id=47ca474a6

VOSA says one person can do it. From a weight point of view yes, but I'd like to see one person put it back, especially if it is a bit windy, without scratching the body. VOSA do say take care not to scratch the paintwork - just in case any garage was thinking of suing them!

Personally I think Audi slipped up in not making he bonnet hinged. OK they saved a little weight and they gained a talking point but I think the risk of damage out weighs that.
 
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Alan, if you're over 6 foot tall, as I am, then one person replacement of the bonnet is no problem. I'll do a masterclass at Castle Combe;)

Cheers,

Mike
 
Skipton01 said:
Alan, if you're over 6 foot tall, as I am, then one person replacement of the bonnet is no problem. I'll do a masterclass at Castle Combe;)
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I'm over 6ft and I'm sure I've done it by myself but why take the risk if help is available.

Scratch in haste, repent in leisure ;-)
 
Alan_uk said:
I'm over 6ft and I'm sure I've done it by myself but why take the risk if help is available.

Scratch in haste, repent in leisure ;-)
Click to expand...

Agreed, but it is SO easy that help isn't needed (and so you are not beholden to the better half for all eternity!!).

Cheers,

Mike
 
I'm new to A2 ownership, and am now dreading removing my bonnet for the first time (I'm 6' 2" by the way!). Would someone mind describing a full "idiots guide" to removing and replacing the bonnet? Thanks
 
Follow my earlier post, it's an easy job to do, my wife can do it and she is not tall and i have done it in the rain and wind, be carefull when replacing it but that's just common sense.
 
GrahamR said:
I'm new to A2 ownership, and am now dreading removing my bonnet for the first time (I'm 6' 2" by the way!). Would someone mind describing a full "idiots guide" to removing and replacing the bonnet? Thanks
Click to expand...


Graham,
There's nothing to dread, just needs a little bit of care and patience to avoid scratching the paint. See the VOSA link in my earlier posting. It's links to a PDF document and the 2nd page is all about the A2 and removing and fitting the bonnet, complete with photos. What ever Mike says ;-) get some help the first time (one either side of the wings) so that you can concentrate on the lugs going back in the right place rather than the paintwork. It's easy and takes seconds!

You rarely have to take it off. If a garage does a service then the only other user situation I can think of is to change a bulb. I also take it off when I wax the car so that I can clean and wax the edges and the side gutters.
 
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Cool many thanks for all your replies - it seems the bonnet is quite easy to remove! I have also booked it in with a local audi/vw specialist to get the cambelt, waterpump, tensioner etc replaced. Cant wait to pick it up!
 
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