Information please !

[redexcel]

Hi all,
I'm on the verge of searching for a (relatively) low mileage A4 Avant on an X or Y plate.
The buying guides I've seen all say to look out for suspension and brake problems without saying what those problems are, or the symptoms of them.
Can any experienced owner give me some information on them, please? No need to hold back on the technical details, I've been working on cars for more years than I care to remember, and I used to be a Hometune technician.

Thanks,

Paul.

[a8 tech]

The lower front suspension arms are very common.The grease drys up and they develop a very irritating squeek.These were recalled and replaced but there are still a few out there.The anti roll bar link arms also fail at the front and rear(quatrro).Stering racks develope leaks internaly in the boots and the pumps fail.The brakes are normal wear and tear but are quite heavy on the wear side and the servo can be submerged in water from the drains blocking in the plenith chamber and draw water in and cause no servo action(stiff pedal).

[redexcel]

Thanks for the info.
Anything else I should look out for?

I will be going for a 115 BHP Tdi

Thanks,

Paul

[a8 tech]

Check the passenger floor footwell for any signs of water ingress and the drivers side also.Make sure you have good performance as the air mass meters can be defective and just the usual electrical operation of all consumers and the aircon.These are all worst case and if the mileage is low then hopefully all will be ok.

[rhencullen1989]

Hi, driving the car over relatively rough roads (that will be most british roads then) will give you an idea of front suspension problems, listen for knocks as the wheels go over bumps, indicates ball joint wear. They should last for at least 130K, depending if the last owner lived up an old farm track etc. Also driving up a small kerb (as into a driveway) on an angle will show up wear as a knoch, this method will also detect which side is at fault.