High mileage maintenance

[Outaline]

Well I was about to sell my car this week, had a buyer lined up, but I couldn't afford the car I wanted to get (B8 S4) so I'll be keeping it awhile longer and saving for the new car. That in mind I would like to do some maintenance on the car and keep it in top shape. Car has 95K on it. I did the carbon cleaning myself a little over a year ago, which probably needs to be done again. I do synthetic oil changes about every 8K. Would like to do as much of the maintenance myself as possible. I bought the car used and I don't believe the 75K service was done; what does this entail? What other things should I do to avoid any issues down the road? I was thinking fuel filter and spark plugs are probably due for a change; by the way where is the fuel filter located?

Also, any suggestions on brake pads that don't put off so much dust? The ones I got about 15,000 miles ago put off horrible amounts of dust. The wheels will be covered in dust literally a few miles after I drive the car from getting washed. Also thinking about upgrading the discs.

Thanks in advance for the recommendations

[Dutch_A6]

I've got 121k on the clock, I change the oil around 5-6k miles, just had the carbon cleaning done at which time I had spark plugs changed and valve cover seals replaced as they were leaking and the back timing chain covers were leaking as well and replaced. As for brake pads the Akebono Ceramics are great and low dust.

[SinCityA6]

Spark plugs are due. If I recall correctly, the fuel filter is in a channel under the body below the driver door. Should be replaced if it has not been. Other than that, cabin filters could probably be changed too if you haven't.

As for brakes, I too am a big fan of the Akebono Euro pads. Ceramic compound means VERY VERY little dust.

[Outaline]

Cool, any recommendations on where to order these? For the spark plugs and filters, should I just get them from Audi or a reputable online Audi parts store?

[Storm33]

Good question on the Akebono pads. All I've been able to find is the rear pads for my S6...no fronts listed as available, so I just bought Hawk performance pads that are supposed to be low-dust as well.

[Dutch_A6]

Found the pads pretty easy on either amazon or ebay and spark plugs are pretty easy to find. It's not a huge markup but I paid about $30 more for 6 going through the dealer than buying online but since they were doing everything else at the same time I just went ahead and did it since delaying the work just so I could save $30 on some plugs didn't seem worth it.

[stlaudi]

+1 on the akebano pads i just chaned them on the wifes van they are nice. I ordered them from tire rack. I think the fuel filter would be on the passenger side not the drivers. Not 100% though

[Dutch_A6]

Here is a good spot for some OEM parts if you're so inclined.

http://genuineaudiparts.com/partloca...?siteid=214407

[enoch861]

+1 on the Akebono pads. Extremely low dust. If I didn't look closely, I'd say dust is pretty much completely gone.

[Outaline]

Cool, thanks for the suggestions. Definitely going to get the Akebono pads.

[Kevin1]

I have an 05 4.2 that I purchased new 9 years ago. She currently has 139k on the odometer. As far as reliability, she is ok, but she is no Lexus. But she is a lot of fun to drive. I recently reviewed most of the service records on my car and have put together a list of the service, maintenance and repair records. I believe this list will help show others the problem areas that I have experienced over the years and show what maintenance items to expect as our cars get older and have higher mileage. You should understand that I can be a bit crazy when it comes to my old car and that I want everything to continue to perform as it did when the car left the factory floor.

Miles Service

884 Miles
1) MMI hardware replaced

5,283 Miles
1) 5,000 mile service

10,152 Miles
1) Oil Change

14,775 Miles
1) 15,000 mile service
2) tighten front passenger seat
3) tighten air vent outlets
4) update airbag software
5) tighten dashboard
6) update Mmi software

20,059 Miles
1) Oil Change
2) tighten dashboard

20,685 Miles
1) Replaced pollen filter door
2) Replace tire pressure sensor
3) Replace Mmi control knob

24,727 Miles
1) 25,000 mile service
2) tighten dashboard
3) replace windshield wiper blades

28,506 Miles
1) Brake fluid flush
2) Repair front passenger seat frame
3) Replace license plate light bulb
4) Update MMI software
5) Repair ski sack
6) oil change

28,620 Miles
1) Replace all 8 coil packs
2) Replace throttle control valve

29,806 Miles
1) replace fuel door cover
2) update airbag software

32,254 Miles
1) Replace front brake pads
2) clean HVAC drains
3) replace pollen filter

33,926 Miles
1) Replace rear brake pads
2) Replace fuel filter
3) Lube steering column
4) Tighten dashboard
5) 35,000 mile service

36,129 Miles
1) Update fuel gauge software
2) Replaced power steering hose clamp

36,739 Miles
1) Replace interior light in driver's footwell

37,715 Miles
1) Update airbag software

40,759 Miles
1) Transmission fluid flush
2) Replace fluids in differentials
3) oil change

44,754 Miles
1) Replace steering column
2) convert front brake pads
3) 45,000 mile service

49,419 Miles
1) Replace head cover gasket
2) Oil Change

50,283 Miles
1) Replaced rear sunshade motor

54,659 Miles
1) coolant system flush
2) replace coolant temperature sensor
3) replace fog lamp
4) replace trunk latch
5) 55,000 mile service

56,440 Miles
1) update ECU module
2) replace tire air pressure sensors
3) replace windshield wipers

60,168 Miles
1) oil change
2) brake fluid flush
3) replace rear seat air bag ignitor

61,040 Miles
1) replace front brake pads and rotors
2) replace rear brake pads and rotors

65,209 Miles
1) 65,000 mile service
2) replace coolant temperature sensor
3) replace parktronic speaker

65,635 Miles
1) replace thermostat

66,553 Miles
1) Replace light bar in front passenger door

66,848 Miles
1) Replace wood trim on driver's front door

69,020 Miles
1) Oil change

70,741 Miles
1) Replace rear right tail light assembly
2) Clear air bag codes

75,099 Miles
1) 75,000 mile service

75,762 Miles
1) replace center rear seat air bag sensor
2) replace rear seat bracket

80,187 Miles
1) oil change
2) flush transmission fluid
3) replace brake fluid

85,450 Miles
1) 85,000 mile service
2) update airbag software

87,879 Miles
1) replace rear seat air bag sensor connector
2) readapt tilt wheel steering column

90,746 Miles
1) oil change
2) replace oil pressure sensor
3) re-adapt steering column
4) replace rear brake pads and rotors

93,793 Miles
1) Replace steering column
2) replace front brake pads

95,964 Miles
1) 95,000 mile service
2) replace battery

100,600 Miles
1) oil change
2) replace all 8 coil packs
3) replace fuel filter
4) replace brake fluid
5) coolant flush
6) replace supplemental rear passenger air bag

103,924 Miles
1) 105,000 mile service
2) replace passenger tailight assembly
3) replace right side motor mount

110,515 Miles
1) oil change
2) replace all 4 upper control arms
3) replace both side sway bar links

115,704 Miles
1) 115,000 mile service
2) 4 wheel alignment
3) replaced left side license plate bulb
4) replaced passenger side running light

120,490 Miles
1) oil change
2) replace transmission fluid
3) replace differential fluids

124,683 Miles
1) 125,000 mile service
2) replaced front brake pads and rotors
3) replaced rear brake pads
4) replaced satelite radio module
5) replaced battery

127,496 Miles
1) replaced rear passenger window regulator
2) replace passenger sider amber light bulb

133,383 Miles
1) replace jet pump valve
2) replace engine temperature sensor
3) replace both radiator hoses
4) coolant flush
5) brake fluid flush
6) 135,000 mile service

133,600 Miles
1) replace right side combi valve
2) replace passenger side adaptive headlight assembly

133,714 Miles
1) fuel injection service

134,585 Miles
1) replace vacuum line under manifold
2) replace temperature sensor
3) replace driver side adaptive headlight assembly

135,880 Miles
1) replaced thermostat
2) bled coolant system
3) replaced rear passenger side seat latch

137,015 Miles
1) replace drivers air bag
2) replace wiper blades

138,250 Miles
1) replaced radiator

138,682 Miles
1) oil change
2) replace torque converter
3) replace timing chains
4) replace timing chain guides
5) replace timing chain tensioners

[iamGHANA]

4) Tighten dashboard

i see that a lot through your service history, is that the annoying rattling noise?

does tightening the dashboard solve this problem.

if not, what are the symptoms to a lose dashboard?

[Nastybutler]

I have an 05 4.2 that I purchased new 9 years ago. She currently has 139k on the odometer. As far as reliability, she is ok, but she is no Lexus. But she is a lot of fun to drive. I recently reviewed most of the service records on my car and have put together a list of the service, maintenance and repair records. I believe this list will help show others the problem areas that I have experienced over the years and show what maintenance items to expect as our cars get older and have higher mileage. You should understand that I can be a bit crazy when it comes to my old car and that I want everything to continue to perform as it did when the car left the factory floor.

Thanks for this. Very informative and extensive. The only thing that could have made it better is if there were prices next to all the items, ha ha.

[Kevin1]

Thanks for this. Very informative and extensive. The only thing that could have made it better is if there were prices next to all the items, ha ha.

I also have the price information and if it was covered under warranty. I just couldn't figure out how to make it work in a "forum format".

[Kevin1]

i see that a lot through your service history, is that the annoying rattling noise?

does tightening the dashboard solve this problem.

if not, what are the symptoms to a lose dashboard?

I no longer have a single rattle. Of course saying that they will all return tomorrow ;)

[iamGHANA]

I no longer have a single rattle. Of course saying that they will all return tomorrow ;)

Lol. How long does it last before the rattle returns usually?

Is tightening the dashboard a manual intensive job? Is it DIY?

The rattle is driving me insane! Help!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Kevin1]

Lol. How long does it last before the rattle returns usually?

Is tightening the dashboard a manual intensive job? Is it DIY?

The rattle is driving me insane! Help!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have not had any rattles in probably 6 years. Take a look at the interior noise section of my personal TSB library and see if any of them apply to your rattle. Here is the link. http://www.uberlame.com/a6_tsb/Audi%...TSB%20List.htm

[snokarver]

Anyone know of a DIY guide for the fuel filter change? I've done it on my C5 a couple times, and I'm trying to figure out what's different about the C6. The filter design seems different at least.

[sun_dance]

Anyone know of a DIY guide for the fuel filter change? I've done it on my C5 a couple times, and I'm trying to figure out what's different about the C6. The filter design seems different at least.

As taken from AW and the EXACT steps I followed, when I did my fuel filter about a year ago.

Fuel filter change: 20 mins minutes. Need jack, light, flathead, 10 mm wrench/socket, t-20 torx bit or screwdriver (the bit with a socket wrench is better),towel, plastic bowl/container, rubber gloves.

Ok, changing the fuel filter is a straightforward process that should have only taken me about 15/20 minutes. The filter is easily accessible. The hardest part was removing the fuel lines/clips that are attached to the fuel filter. It's a simple process as follows:

1) Remove the side cover on the passenger's side to access the fuse panel. Do this by inserting a small flathead in the slot at the bottom of the panel. Pry it out.



2) Remove the first and only 20 amp fuse in the BROWN section of the panel. This is the fuel pump fuse. Make sure the car is OFF before removing otherwise the car will continue to run as the siphon has already been created.




3) Turn the car on and it will run out of gas in 10 to 15 seconds. The fuel system is now depressurized.

4) Turn ignition off.

5) You will be working on the right side of the car, next to the rear tire. You will not be under the car (which is good). Jack the right rear of the car up and locate the small belly pan right in front of the rear tire. The fuel filter is right above it.


6) Remove the silver 10 mm bolt, black 10 mm bolt (part of the belly pan), and t-20 torx screw. Slide the pan off and you'll see the fuel filter in front you. At this point you can choose to remove the jack. I left mine jacked up.



7) Note the position of the filter so the new one goes on the same. Lay your towel down and place your container under the filter.



8) Remove either of the two clips facing you. The one with the blue tab on it is removed by pushing the fuel line towards the filter first. While still pushing the line towards the filter (as if you were putting the line on the filter instead of taking it off), squeeze the blue tab and then pull it off. If your fingers aren't strong enough, use a screwdriver to push the blue tab in and then pull it off while keeping it pushed in.

For the other line, you do the same thing. This line does not have a blue tab, however. It is just a black tab that you push in and pull off. Remember to push it toward the filter first (as if you were putting it on) while squeezing the tab, then pull it off.

9) Fuel will spill out. Don't panic just let your container/towel catch it until it is empty.

10) Remove the torx screw holding the filter on the bracket. Pull the filter CAREFULLY down and out of the bracket so you can remove the final line on the other side of the filter. I say carefully, because the bracket is plastic and you don't want to break it.



11) Remove the last line on the other side of the filter by squeezing the bottom of the clip and it comes right off.



12) Hook the new filter up to the three lines and make sure they snap into place. Put it back in the bracket and position it as noted in line 7.



13) Put the torx screw back in and tighten.

14) Turn the car back on and then check for leaks. If all is good, put the pan back on and your done!!!

15) Pour the gas from the old filter into your container and dispose of properly.

[FormulaElement]

Great write up! One thing easier on my list to take care of.

[dharmon012]

just adding my .2 on the brake pads. im running the duralast c-max gold. world of difference from stock. all four corners totaled $120 and they have a lifetime warranty through autozone.

[Outaline]

Suggestions on spark plugs? I don't really want to buy them from the dealer cause I'm sure they'll be way marked up.

BTW- thanks for the write-up sun_dance, gonna tackle that this weekend

[Dutch_A6]

You can get them pretty much anywhere online, I bought some Bosch iridium ones but honestly the markup isn't that bad, dealer quoted me about $5 more per plug then what I paid online.