What have you done to your Audi A4 B7 today?

Mine is looking very tidy today, quick wash and dry then QDX Graphene quick detailer. Maniac Line Rain Speed to seal all the glass / hydrophobic - I didn't do the windscreen as potential wiper judder. I used Gyeon bug remover for the dead flies on the bumper and windscreen, just spray on, leave 5 mins and then blast off with the power washer - bugs and guts gone in an instant.

Then, unlike me, I used Garage Therapy tyre dressing, I'm not usually a fan of tyre dressings, but this one is used sparingly and creates a nice satin sheen rather than slick slingy wet look. I'd had it in stock for over a year and tested it on the Subaru a few weeks ago, nice dressing to be honest.

Also let my tyres down from 35psi to 32psi all round, I do this now in the hot weather and even first thing in the morning in the shade in this weather they can creep up. I had set them to around 33psi a few months back. So resetting them to 32 gives headroom for expansion without giving a hard ride once they get pretty hot.

The last few drives the ride was getting hard like last year in the hot weather, I suspect around 38psi possibly more when hot, fine for the car and the tyre, just not for me - I really notice it.

I'm so careful with speed humps - there's a nasty up over and down one near a local gym - @PDLH you know the one! Heading from Aldershot to Farnham it's so steep / sharp coming down, and for a few days now I can see someone has done a spring on it, there's a short piece of pigtail in the road. Partly corroded, but nevertheless, that speed hump as you come down is proper nasty for a B7....particularly on the rear.

My ancient S7 phone never does the car justice!

A4 24 5 26
 
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I'm so careful with speed humps - there's a nasty up over and down one near a local gym - @PDLH you know the one! Heading from Aldershot to Farnham it's so steep / sharp coming down, and for a few days now I can see someone has done a spring on it, there's a short piece of pigtail in the road. Partly corroded, but nevertheless, that speed hump as you come down is proper nasty for a B7....particularly on the rear.

Ah yes, the spring buster 2000

The springs were already corroded from factory ;-) but that hump done both at once….
 
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I don’t think I’ve cleaned the car in 6 months, initially I blamed the cold bad weather , but now it’s too hot! I did open the windows during the day a little to try and prevent failure a future saggy head liner!

I need to get motivated or pay Matt !
 
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I don’t think I’ve cleaned the car in 6 months, initially I blamed the cold bad weather , but now it’s too hot! I did open the windows during the day a little to try and prevent failure a future saggy head liner!

I need to get motivated or pay Matt !

I've often thought about setting up a mobile detailing thing, just me, self employed...just not sure if it would return a decent profit....

I already have most of the equipment, would need a wet / dry vac. I wouldn't really need a van, the Passat is like a cave inside for space, I could run it out of that.
A lot of detailers have a water tank and a generator for power, but a lot don't.
 
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Nothing done, but the rear exhaust hangers have just been delivered... now for the needed exhaust sleeve clamps as I misplaced my vernier caliper and I want to make sure I buy right in one go. Same goes for the exhaust tips I found 2 styles i like. Just need the vernier caliper to make sure I buy the right size. And if I have it my way, I get both... one for winter the other for summer.... time will tell because they aren't cheap, both are high quality tips costing a pretty penny.
 
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right so i ordered new silvertec indicator bulbs as they blend nicely into the joey modded headlights (until they burn). One left the chat yesterday and i thought i had spares... but i have rearanged my shed so god knows where i hid them. New ones will be here tomorrow than i'll replace both and keep the working one as an extra spare. I also bought the exhaust sleeves... so that is slowly getting to the point of me replacing the single exhaust to the twin exhaust. just hunting the middle exhaust hanger and the tips... still unsure which style will be the better option ( probably the normal straight stainless steel round tips but not sure yet so will wait a bit longer before i buy them)
 
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I've often thought about setting up a mobile detailing thing, just me, self employed...just not sure if it would return a decent profit....

I already have most of the equipment, would need a wet / dry vac. I wouldn't really need a van, the Passat is like a cave inside for space, I could run it out of that.
A lot of detailers have a water tank and a generator for power, but a lot don't.


It’s a tough one, I guess if it’s like a super car, the owners may be willling to part with 5 to 6 hours of labour to wash their car,

5 to 6 hours labour on our older Audis and you own the car
 
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Not today but yesterday the silvertech indicator bulbs finally arrived, so i changed the burned one out. So no more warning of a blown bulb and stupidly fast indicating noise. I kept the other one in the as a spare at hand.
 
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And I finally decided on the exhaust tips mainly these came at such a bargain i couldn't say no... i'll put up some pics when they arrive. it's a style i didn't even consider until i spotted them. Will be nice and will let you all wait until i get them delivered.
 
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Investigated the slight clunk I get when slow speed fullish right lock near side from suspension/drive shaft area
Was pretty confident it wasnt suspension bushings as I had a clean bill of mot health 4-5 months ago
I have found a slight bit more play on the half shaft compared to offside ,more notably it has very slight up and down side to side movement unloaded
Can only think this is the culprit
Anyone recommend a good supplier
Tia


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They look great, but I hate to be the bearer of bad news, they may not work as expected.
 
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OE B7 2.0tfsi rear boxes have a central outlet position as per pic, but depending on which valance you are using and from which variant, the cutout can be offset, so you will need offset tips.
This is the S4 valance, and the positioning is clearly offset.

1780777971505
 
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And i checked it and they might work but chances are i'll go single tip, most likely the carbon style. Something about having 4 pipes poking out the back doesn't sit right with me... it's the 2.0 slow so not turbo power to match the look.
 
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Investigated the slight clunk I get when slow speed fullish right lock near side from suspension/drive shaft area
Was pretty confident it wasnt suspension bushings as I had a clean bill of mot health 4-5 months ago
I have found a slight bit more play on the half shaft compared to offside ,more notably it has very slight up and down side to side movement unloaded
Can only think this is the culprit
Anyone recommend a good supplier
Tia


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

6e6a7443a856899ede5f965763d38026.jpg

Decided while I’m amongst it all I’m doing the lot
Bearing,drive shaft ,control arms and drop links
Got a lot of long distance driving next month so for peace of mind it seems the right decision


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8d8b3298d66b2c02a3779f6dafb29b10.jpg

One of the most frustrating jobs I’ve done on this car
But now it’s done ,the most satisfying
Control arms,knuckle ,drive shaft ,bearing and hub
Left the drop links as I’ve got poly bushes on the way for those


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Investigated why the airbag warning light is permanently on, on the dash out of the blue...

Faultcode 01221, which is the g179 drivers door crash sensor short to ground.The cables are fine, and the connector is clean... so I ordered a set of 2 replacements...will be here either Tuesday or Wednesday...

Swap the old one with new ones, and that should sort it out.

I also pulled the 2 front seat belts out completely, lubed the system, and cleaned the belts, as they were slow to retract. All back to smooth operation now.
 
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Just passed another MOT - first time ever absolutely no advisaries, at 283,389 miles! I must slowly be getting something right since doing my own maintenance again lol:thumbs up:
 
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I’ve seen three 57 plate B7’s in 3 days around town, considering how there are not as many around, when you spot them you spot them

A dark grey metallic RS4 saloon down the bottom of town, an Avus Silver RS4 avant up on the hogs back this morning heading Guildford way and a red A4 avant diesel as well around town
 
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Just passed another MOT - first time ever absolutely no advisaries, at 283,389 miles! I must slowly be getting something right since doing my own maintenance again lol:thumbs up:
Nothing better than a clean bill of health for the next year...especially one without any advisories. Enjoy your hardworking and a car that drives faultlessly ;)
 
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I’ve seen three 57 plate B7’s in 3 days around town, considering how there are not as many around, when you spot them you spot them

A dark grey metallic RS4 saloon down the bottom of town, an Avus Silver RS4 avant up on the hogs back this morning heading Guildford way and a red A4 avant diesel as well around town
I see a few around my neck of the woods, but only 1 is a proper rs4 avant a black one and there is one blue replica it's a full rs4 avant but at the moment he runs an s4 engine... the only reason I know that is because I spoke to the owner. But he has the RS4 engine out for a fully forged rebuild, he's getting it built for a twin turbo setup.

It'll be a serious fast car once done... but in his words: it's his project car.... more like a showcar as it's immaculate.
 
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Nothing better than a clean bill of health for the next year...especially one without any advisories. Enjoy your hardworking and a car that drives faultlessly ;)
Thanks Northpole... yes it's a strange thing, or not so strange as it's taken 8 years of continuous improvement; I can honestly say this is a so much better car now than when I first got it. Just replaced the rear lights also as the headlights (which have been great) since a broken tab was letting water in on the NS. I just fixed up a much newer but neglected Jeep for a friend, new discs/pads, full service, broken light etc. prior to her MOT. Jesus (I had to dismantle half the OS wheel well to get to the oil filter, reset the ECU to release the electronic hand brake and the fuel filter/s were underneath mid body) cars like ours were so much simpler to maintain from 20 years ago, lol.
I’ve seen three 57 plate B7’s in 3 days around town, considering how there are not as many around, when you spot them you spot them
I see a few around my neck of the woods, but only 1 is a proper rs4 avant a black one and there is one blue replica it's a full rs4 avant but at the moment he runs an s4 engine... the only reason I know that is because I spoke to the owner. But he has the RS4 engine out for a fully forged rebuild, he's getting it built for a twin turbo setup.

It'll be a serious fast car once done... but in his words: it's his project car.... more like a showcar as it's immaculate.
I've seen more than I would ever expect round here too, sometimes one every other day, mostly if not all Avants. They do seem to have held up well if they've been cared for - I see more than any single model Merc or BMW from the same era. Maybe just because they immediately stand out to me, but I've often been directly behind or in front of another, not bad for 20 year olds. I've seen one or two with thick black plumes out their twin tails too, 3.0 tdis and 170s I think, so even when not cared for they just don't want to die neither it seems, lol. Probably will fade a little in the next five years though, sadly.

RS4 B7's are flavour of the month currently for Youtubers all over, and fast becoming a very popular modern classic. Probably more attention is being directed at them than in a long while. That will be a seriously fast car, when finished, but in some ways a shame. I know they are no longer remarkably fast today, but stock NA they are classic analogue motoring and pretty durable. The S4 V8 engine can be partly upgraded with stronger RS4 chain guides now, and is non direct injection so gets less coked up.
 
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I've been looking at their prices, but they are too expensive in my view. Talking about the s4 model... partly because finding a good b7 s4 avant or rs4 for that matter is very hard... so prices are being kept high by demand.

Thought they would come down, but instead they are being broken for parts. A real shame if you ask me.
 
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Just finished sorting out the drivers door crash sensor problem... not only did my sensor go bad the cable in the door grommet decide to break. And when i say break it was such a clean break it didn't even make sense looks like it was a clear cut. Anyway i just used those crimp connectors on it than taped it up to make sure it's extra esolated on the repair. fault is gone now. Still don't get how this happened but to be fair it was the shortest cable inside the grommet so that might have something to do with it.

Now for the people that know i have a twin exhaust ready to sling on... I've decided to wait until next month to put it on... Mainly because it's to hot this week, and i want those bolts soaked in wd40 before i go to take it off ( remember the whole exhaust is the original one so i'm bound to run into problems getting the lot off without stuff breaking)
 
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Another day in DPF paradise

Motorway drive coming up this weekend, stay away from the M3 or prepare to sit behind me on the inside lane at 50

IMG 2895
 
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Another day in DPF paradise

Motorway drive coming up this weekend, stay away from the M3 or prepare to sit behind me on the inside lane at 50
If i was in your shoes, I'd add a dpf cleaner to the fueltank first... just to help the regeneration
 
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Stunned doesnt quite cover it
Thought I’d jack her up and give the pesky pinch bolt a good soak in prep for the offside control arms job I’ve got planned after doing the nearside a couple of weeks ago
Thought I’d try and crack the bolt just to get things moving..1 thing lead to another and here we are
Didn’t even take the wheel off
About time I got some luck from the automotive gods


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If i was in your shoes, I'd add a dpf cleaner to the fueltank first... just to help the regeneration

Any recommendations of which one to use?

Any risks to the rest of the engine with using one of these?

I’ve cleared it for the time being, despite getting a flashing glow plug light during the regen…but that cleared after stopping and starting but it’s been more frequent so I think I need to try one of these in the fuel.
 
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not really i'd choose one of the brands usually used by garages, here are a few brands:
- Archoil AR6400-D,
- JLM DPF Cleaner
- Liqui Moly DPF cleaner.


but if you really want to have some fun, and take it off the car first to remove most of it, you'll want to use this one:
-MotorPower Care Foam Cleaner...
note:
this one needs to be directly applied to the dpf filter and best practise would be to take it off the car, so it only cleans the DPF filter.
the reason why i pointed this one out is because it cleans and adds some of the precious chemical compounds back into the DPF filter and therefor helps prolong the life of the DPF filter (also the reason why it needs to be taken off the car)

PS don't leave the regen off for to long mate, worst case your dpf will get clogged up, and than your only solution will be to have it replacced, or ultrasonicly cleaned (by companies that offer this service)
 
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Well i went to take the old exhaust off using handtools and just having the car up on axle stands.... guess what? the one exhaust sleeve that is on the car has the bolts completely rounded off... i just lowered the car and went to ask for a price to have it done i got quoted 2,5 hours at garage prices.... yeah not happening... i'll just get the grinder out and cut the sleeve off after that i can just sling the new one on as i have bought new sleeves anyway, new hangers also so yeah not going to give someone over 200 pounds for something i can DIY and do a better job at than them. (ps at that price i could have gone for a custom SS twin exhaust without getting new parts as they would've replaced the lot that is with me taking account of the money already spend on getting the exhaust and new mounting hardware, including new tips)

have planned it as a weekend job so either this weekend or the next one coming up.
 
Right, so cut off the sleeve clamp with the rounded off bolts... loosened all the exhaust hangers and took the old leaky exhaust off.

Than I went to put on the oem quattro exhaust... well, no can do the middle silencer pipe to the frontpipe has a weird extra twist in it. Because of that it keeps hitting the bottom floor and I can't get it in position to fit to it's exhaust hangers.

I ended up patching the leaky original exhaust, it involved several different patching tricks including using a welder, chicken wire, metal putty, metal bondo , and some sheet metal. Luckily I had several extra sleeve clamps so I used a new one to replace the cut off oem sleeve clamp.

I'm now left with a complete quattro exhaust that I can't use... nice... NOT.
 
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With the recent heatwaves, my roof headliner has finally mostly caved in, shame as everything else is now pretty much like newish. And I can't afford the 400-500 quid it would take for a pro refurb:frown new: However the pins I used are still pretty discrete and not too numerous, not like some that look like a torture dungeon, so they'll have to do at the moment. I can't be too hard on the old gal - just about every modernish car, suffers this fate sooner than later.
 
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I feel your headliner woes, it’s been sagging for a year now in my B6, and I’ve still not got round to sorting it. I even had a crook neck last year from ducking

Material is cheap about £30 but I can’t get motivated to spend a weekend taking it all apart
 
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the worst part about replacing the fabric is getting rid of that crumpling sticky foam... once that is off the rest isn't to bad.... i did mine 2 years ago, it was fine for about 9 months than the heat found an area that i didn't apply enough glue on... so i pinned the fabric backup. And it hasn't come back down. If i need to do it again i'll figure out how much of the liner needs to be soft enough for the curtain airbag to pop out, because next time instead of glueing i'll laminate the fabric on with resin. That way it'll never have a heat problem again unless the interior is on fire.