Fuel filter replacement interval?

[JJDubya]

I searched through the archives and didn't find a reliable recommendation on when to replace the fuel filter as part of a preventive maintenance schedule. After reading about some recent fuel pump failures, I thought I would consider replacing the fuel filter on my B6 with 40K miles.

Thanks,
JW

[NvrFllw]

If its not making noise and buzzing I wouldnt worry about it. I just did mine at 70k miles. But as cheap as they are it wouldnt hurt to do it.

[JJDubya]

If its not making noise and buzzing I wouldnt worry about it. I just did mine at 70k miles. But as cheap as they are it wouldnt hurt to do it.

Thanks for the quick reply, Joe. Are you saying if the fuel pump isn't making noise and buzzing, don't replace? I'm asking about the filter -- as I understand, replacing the filter helps prolong the life of the pump by ensuring no crap is going through the pump. I just don't know if 40K miles is enough time for a fuel filter to pick up enough crap.

[NvrFllw]

No im talking about the filter. There is a little like one way valve or diaphragm inside of the filter - that is how an Audi tech explained it- and over time it breaks down and this causes the hum or the buzz sound. My filter was buzzing so loud i couldnt even think. So I bought a new one and it is a quick DIY

[JJDubya]

Ah, good to know! I wonder if that valve also functions as a bypass if the filter gets plugged...

[Chekm8]

there could be some buildup still and milage starts to suffer. 40k might be a good time to replace it. i remember replacing this on my old car every 20k. thanks for reminding me cuz i keep forgetting to replace mine. replaced it at 50k when it started to make a whinning noise. figured it's cheap enough to replace once in a while

[PDX04a4]

i just replaced mine at 41k, i heard its good to change the filter every 40k. cant really hurt it and its a super easy job, takes like 30 minutes max.

[lookaught]

I just changed the original filter in my car with 95,000 miles. No whirring or whining noises. I'll probably change it again at the next TB at 150,000.

[Papachristou]

factory interval is 50k, i ran my car low on gas for awhile at my fuel pump died @ 60k. I had never changed the filter so i would do it every 40-50k.. filter is cheaper than a couple hundred dollar pump and the fun of the install

[JJDubya]

Thanks all... you've convinced me to head over to ECS and buy a new fuel filter.

[lookaught]

My dealer was cheaper than ECS and had it in stock, no shipping but a 7% tax. Still a better deal.

[akaEsCo01]

Change it every 50-60K. The fuel filter will get clogged enough to lower your gas mileage long before it makes the fuel pump start buzzing