Bob

I have more unofficial information concerning Audi's recall of A4/S4 control arms. The details are presently being worked out. Here is the latest news, and of course, things may change. Please do not ask for more details right now. I will release more news later.

My source tells me that the 1996 A4 will be recalled first and that "all links" will be upgraded. No details were given, but it sounds to me that more than just the control arms will be upgraded. I do not know yet when later MY's will be recalled, and if the upgrades will be as extensive. It appears that 1996 and 1997 A4's have had a higher failure rate in comparison to later MY's. The reason could be that they are older, or that the current control arm pseudo-upgrade improves the problem but does not fix it.

Also, I may have information in the future about the High Oil Consumption Problem and Valve Tapping at Startup Problem. Please don't ask about these problems right now. I will release more information when I feel comfortable with the accuracy of the information.

Regards,
Bob
96 A4QM
86 4KCSQM

P.S. [Editorial] I am very happy to hear of Audi's attempt to stand behind their products. I hope that the naysayers can now see the importance of informing Audi of their problems. Bringing these issues to an open forum was and is instrumental. I hope these results will encourage other owners to voice their issues.<ul><li><a href="https://www.audiworld.com/forum/m/a4/208902.phtml">Great Insider News for Everyone!!</a></li></ul>

Adam S

It also looks like Audi is getting their parts problem(s) resolved. I brought my 99.5 Avant 1.8tq-tip in for my 5K service today and just heard from my dealer that they have (finally!) found the cause of the bad/burning smell coming from the AC/Vent/Heater. Turns out it's the heater core and the part will be at the dealer tomorrow! I'll give a full report when the service is complete.

Bob

Great news and good luck!

Bob

Man this is good news - I just dropped big $ on new fronts (28K miles!) Rears are gone too.

Great news!

Bob, How do you know these things?

Bob

can't give you more information than that. By the way, do you work for Audi? ;-)

Bob
96 A4QM
86 4KCSQM

Don

That is great news, I have some news also . The Factory Rep. has authorized the replacement of the idler pulley tensioner on my 99.5 -A4-2.8 ! That should take care of my morning start up noise.

sniff sniff

I smell a refund

Bob

Great news- let us know how it turns out

Bob

I am writing this letter for my boss. She has subject auto and has experiences a coolant line failure due to constant
rubbing by a "ripple" belt. The dealership is telling her that they can cover the cost of parts as a "warranty" type repair but
she will have to cover the labor costs. It sounds to this backyard mechanic that there is a design flaw if a collant hose is
placed near a moving part under the engine which can result in a failure of the coolant hose. I am asking if there was ever
any recall concerning this problem or is just isolated.