Hi,

I'm a new member and new owner of 1.8T 2000. After reading many articles on this, I've come to the conclusion that I must follow religiously the car's maintenance schedule or I'll have to pay big bucks in repairs. Right-off-the-bat, what are the main things I should look out for in this car?

I drive a 130K Km 2000 1.8T A4, very well kept, yet no specific details on what was done or not.

I'd like to know more about water pumps, timing belt, air vaccuums, exhaust pipe and so on. I'm scared of big x,000$ repair bills!

 

Well, for starters, you're getting to the point where it's a good idea to replace your timing belt/water pump, unless you know for sure that at least the belt has been done already.

There should be a few people on this board and/or others like it that can help you find a good, trustworthy mechanic in Montreal that won't charge quite the arm and a leg that a VW/Audi dealer will.

 

and if your in quebec, let me know , got a great place, with racer type mecanos that know wth they are doing.

 

Yes I am in Quebec, in Montreal. I would be interested in this mechanic you speak of, so if you can, send me a contact number.
Thanks

 

My brakes are a little squeeky (obviously only when I applied them). Is there any way to get rid of that, without changing the brake pads or disks?

I'd also be interested in something that can reduce the brake dust. I've constantly got dirty mags no matter how often I clean them because of all the dust. Any suggestions?

 

dude just go here DM Motorsport its close to montreal, very good mechanics specialized in audi and VW :P

 

It depends on what is causing the squeak. If the squeak is from rotor-pad, then you will need new rotors and pads. If the squeak is from caliper-pad, then you can just spray some "Brake Quiet" or shim the back of the pads.

Brake dust is the friction material that wears off the pads when you brake. Only way to reduce that is to get better pads.

 

To further that, in my opinion, it's not "getting to the point" where the belt should be changed, but rather the belt needs to be changed NOW. A belt change is generally recommended after it's been used for 6-7 years regardless of mileage, much like oil changes are recommended at 6 month intervals regardless of mileage. The belt is made of rubber after all, and rubber does become brittle over time.