Repairs, the extent of which cannot be accurately estimated in advance, should be postponed until you can make an unscheduled visit to the auto supply store. Remember that even in the workshops, all the details are not always at hand, and they have to be ordered.
How to order spare parts
During the production process of the model, some details change in almost every car. In this regard, in order to determine which part is suitable for a particular car, it is necessary, first of all, to know the year of its manufacture. You will facilitate the work of both yourself and the seller if you copy the information that is given on the nameplate into a notebook. Important information can also be found on the vehicle data plate (in terms of service). On the appropriate sticker that is in your car, you can find the vehicle identification number, model designation, vehicle type decoding, engine power, exhaust gas toxicity standard, engine and gearbox lettering, paint number, lettering of internal and additional equipment, own weight, consumption and CO2 emissions.
Based on accurate information, an experienced salesperson will find a suitable part from a catalog or CD-ROM. For reliability, it is best to take the removed part with you!
Branded parts or third party parts?
All parts that are needed for repairs can be purchased from a dealer who sells goods under an agreement with the manufacturer. However, you are not obliged to buy spare parts only from the dealer. Automotive supply stores also offer a wide range of products, including parts from manufacturers that supply your vehicle manufacturer. If the service and delivery capabilities are the same, compare prices. Specialist magazines consistently point out that price differences of up to 50 percent are the rule, not the exception. In retail stores that are part of an association of merchants not associated with certain markets, when buying the same part of the same quality (often even exactly the same detail) sometimes you can save up to 60 percent, in any case, at least 20 percent. The purchase of spare parts without a trademark should be abandoned, such «saving» can cost you dearly. Firstly, in this case, you lose the opportunity, if necessary, to get qualified advice, and secondly, you risk losing the guarantee, at least for the corresponding part, as well as for those parts that may fail as a result of its use. On the other hand, before the warranty expires, an experienced car enthusiast will always have his car repaired in a warranty workshop.
Vehicle identification number B is stamped on the back of the engine compartment. The rating plate A is located under the cover on the right in the battery compartment.
First of all, safety
When buying parts on which safety depends, savings are inappropriate. The quality of purchased brake discs, brake linings, wheel bearings, drive shafts and universal joints must match the quality of branded parts or parts that were installed at the factory. Most cheap products do not meet the minimum requirements of the manufacturer at all. Do you need inexpensive brake discs from Eastern Europe or Asia, if after installing them an imbalance in the front axle appears, which can only be eliminated by paying big money in the workshop?
Audi provides a special combination of brake pad material. The corresponding code is indicated in the Model Release. If the vehicle is subjected to an examination after a serious accident, and it turns out that unauthorized linings were installed in it, then the result of the examination may be unfavorable for you. Your own safety and the safety of other road users is worth a couple of extra euros.
Exchange Parts
In a number of cases, the use of parts that have already been in use is justified. The exchange parts offered by the manufacturer are of the same quality as new parts, they are sold with the same warranty, but at a lower price. A large number of non-new parts in good condition are also sold in automotive supply stores. Refurbished components and parts are sold through Bosch's own electrical workshops. In many cases, you can also turn to car dismantling, especially if you want the repair to cost a small amount, and the appearance does not play a special role for you. This applies, for example, to body parts such as doors, bumpers and bonnets. However, the installation of used parts is justified only if they are much better than the parts that are in your car.
Sometimes parts have to be removed when replacing them yourself. Just in case, inquire about the price: a used part should be at least half the price of a new part, and the price of a wear part should be no more than a quarter of the price of a new product.
Genuine and third party parts:
- Starter
- Oil filter
- Generator
- Incandescent lamps
- Headlights
- V-belt
- Bumpers
- Wheel brake cylinders
- brake hoses
- varnish
- Engine gaskets
- High voltage wires
- Spark plug
- cardan shafts
- Master brake cylinder
- brake pipes
- Clutch
- Repair Sheets
Exchange Parts:
- Starter
- Clutch pressure plate
- Flywheel
- Drive shafts
- Crankshaft with bearings
- cylinder head
- Generator
- Disc brake calipers
- Driven clutch disc
- Transmission
- Cylinder block with pistons
Partial replacement of the engine or installation of the engine from the exchange fund?
If the crank mechanism, pistons and oil pan break down, it makes sense to buy a part of the engine. This is a profitable option, since during installation the cylinder head and auxiliary units are taken from the old engine. On the contrary, a complete replacement of the engine is beneficial only in the case of a non-old, well-preserved car. Make appropriate inquiries in the workshop. In addition, there are a number of companies that specialize in complete or partial overhauls of engines, these companies provide appropriate quality assurance.
Techniques for effective work
First of all, clean up your workspace. In order not to accidentally install an unsuitable part, be sure to remove the bolts and parts that remain after previous disassembly operations of assemblies and parts.
The removed parts are stacked in the order in which they are dismantled, this facilitates assembly.
Small items are best placed in small boxes or glasses. After dismantling, the screws can be immediately screwed into the corresponding holes, this will allow you not to confuse them.
If there is a drain nearby, be sure to close it during operation, otherwise small parts will fall into it.
Before proceeding directly to the work operations, read carefully the attached repair or installation documentation. Documents should be kept nearby during work.
For large-scale work, you should make a sketch and write down the sequence of dismantling parts, if you make a mistake, then searching for it will take much less time.
If you have to lie down under the car, for example, when working on wheel arches or bumpers, it is recommended to use an old blanket as a bedding, which will protect you from the cold ground. On top of the blanket, lay a synthetic film that is insensitive to oil and moisture.
If oil stains remain on the ground after work, then a strong household cleaner or dishwashing detergent can be used as an impromptu remedy. In this case, it is best to use special products for removing oil stains, these products can be bought at an auto supply store.
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