Recent content by TheRunningMan

I was all set to replace the maf but after running it with it unplugged and seeing an improvement I had discounted it. I'm waiting for a replacement pcv valve (or whatever you call the one in the T-piece under the manifold) as I suspect that's faulty. Not sure if that's likely to cause the...

Ok so I've checked the fpr and gave the filter a gentle clean. It's not in the best condition but not blocked. Whilst I was at it I changed the plugs. Started the car and have the check engine light on. I scanned for fault codes and had the original running rich one as well as a cylinder misfire...

Ok thanks I'll take a closer look. I have had the fpr off recently and there were no obvious chunks of rubber visible but I didn't closely inspect the filter.

Hi, my AUM 1.8T has recently thrown the above code along with feeling quite stuttery at lower speeds. Normally under light load just as it's starting to come on boost. I've read up on the likely causes but don't want to start throwing money at parts without having a good idea what the problem...

Hi, not sure how best to describe the issue I'm having but the if say I slow down to go round a corner in second gear, when I begin to accelerate gently the car will kind of lurch forward momentarily before dumping boost (I have a S2000 filter so can hear it) It's not massively violent but...

Hi, I'm hoping someone can offer some help with a problem that's just cropped up. Normally when I start my car I wait the 30 sec or so for the sai pump to cut out and the revs to settle down. I was in a hurry this morning though and started to drive straight away, which may not be connected...

Ok this is a bit of a hypothetical one as I have too much time on my hands to think about things but would it be a relatively straightforward fit? I was thinking from the point of view of fitting a front mount intercooler I don't like the route the pipework generally takes on the A3 and a neater...

So the car is now sorted. Removing the pulley wheel was slightly more involved than I hoped as it was seized on and I couldn't loosen it with hand tools while the alternator was still on the car. I removed it and luckily a mate had an impact wrench which had it off in seconds. As can be seen in...

On closer inspection it appears to be the alternator clutch pulley that's failed. The outer part is locked in both directions along with all the red dust. I've ordered a replacement pulley and the tools needed to remove it. Hopefully it won't be seized and will be a straightforward swap. I'll...

Thanks, didn't realise you could just change the wheel. Did you know in advance that's what it was or was it trial an error? Might be worth a try I guess.

Hi, as above, my drive belt is starting to squeal more and more and I've just noticed a fair bit of alloy type shavings in the engine bay concentrated in that area. I'm assuming it will be either a failing tensioner, pulley wheel or the alternator etc itself. I can't see anything visibly to...

Hi Guys, After 17 years and 138k miles the suspension on my 1.8t is feeling tired to say the least. On top of that one of the front coil springs has just snapped so I'm in a position where I have to do something. I hadn't intended spending any money on the car so I'm torn between just...

Firstly apologies if this is common knowledge, I am a very infrequent user of the forum these days but I haven't seen this covered before. For a while I've had rust appearing on the inside edges of both front arches. It was one of those things that I kept meaning to sort and finally got round...

Hi, I need to get my instrument cluster repaired on my 2003 8l A3. The speedo has been playing up more and more with "def" error displayed on the dashboard. I am 99.9% sure it is a problem with the cluster and not something else. I've managed to get it through the last 2 mot's but it's not...

When I got my A3 one of the front speakers was blown. I got one from Audi for about £40 I think but this was a few years ago. Shortly after the other one went and I bought the Bluearan ones. The quality of sound is fine but they are definitely quieter than the Audi originals. I could be wrong...