Preventative maintenance / what to replace in a new to me car.

[Marticus]

Hi guys, I picked up my mkv gti before Christmas, and am slowly working my way to getting it solid and ready for some track days.

So far I have serviced the gearbox (dsg),  and had the timing chain, tensioner etc replaced.

Next on the list will be timing belt, water pump, and thermostat.

Is there anything else that you would consider replacing in a car with questionable history?

Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks

[skkane]

I'd check the driveshaft rubber "housings", my left one was missing in action :)

Front suspension arm bushings (i'd get the "full" ones from the Audi TT for better turn in feel).


 I'd also check spark plugs, coils for cracks and the DV's rubber skirt, if you don't have the piston D rev.

Enjoy the car :)

[ald1717]

If its got 100k or more I would get someone with vcds to do some logging, injectors don't last much past this but won't normally throw up codes, mine needed replaced at 90k as 2 were misfiring, also the hpf sensor on the rail is common to go and again won't always throw up codes, other than sensors and bits and pieces they are pretty solid cars , miss mine, I have a few spares left lying around like coil packs and intercooler and exhaust, none of which I need you can have them for free if you're in need... Happy driving bud

[colesey]

I would check the oil, see if it smells strongly of petrol as the seal on the hpfp has a habit of perishing. Unfortunately the seal isn’t available separately and you need to buy a complete pump.

[Marticus]

I'd check the driveshaft rubber "housings", my left one was missing in action :)

Front suspension arm bushings (i'd get the "full" ones from the Audi TT for better turn in feel).


 I'd also check spark plugs, coils for cracks and the DV's rubber skirt, if you don't have the piston D rev.

Enjoy the car :)

Thanks!

I had all the suspension checked when I was buying and everything came back clear, but I will keep those tt bushing in mind for when the time comes.

I'm getting an underboost error so the turbo will probably need looking at soon, so when the time comes I'll make sure to upgrade the dv too.

[Marticus]

If its got 100k or more I would get someone with vcds to do some logging, injectors don't last much past this but won't normally throw up codes, mine needed replaced at 90k as 2 were misfiring, also the hpf sensor on the rail is common to go and again won't always throw up codes, other than sensors and bits and pieces they are pretty solid cars , miss mine, I have a few spares left lying around like coil packs and intercooler and exhaust, none of which I need you can have them for free if you're in need... Happy driving bud

Thanks man,

I have an obd eleven, so will try to do some logging myself and see if anything comes up.
Appreciate the offer on the spares, I'm in Europe, but if I'm ever in need and am heading back over I'll hit you up.

Thanks again!

[Marticus]

I would check the oil, see if it smells strongly of petrol as the seal on the hpfp has a habit of perishing. Unfortunately the seal isn’t available separately and you need to buy a complete pump.

Thanks for the heads up, doesn't seem to be an issue for me at the moment, but I'll keep an eye out for that!

[Marticus]

What about Pcv valves guys? I heard these are worth replacing, and that there are newer revisions that are better.

I found a thread from 2017 about that, but is there any update since then? What's the newest / best setup for those?

[Jons1001]

What about Pcv valves guys? I heard these are worth replacing, and that there are newer revisions that are better.

I found a thread from 2017 about that, but is there any update since then? What's the newest / best setup for those?

Yes, isn't there a way to check this though by removing the dip stick with the engine running? Maybe someone can confirm this...

I think the Rev G is what most people go for.

What about the cam follower?

[Marticus]

What about Pcv valves guys? I heard these are worth replacing, and that there are newer revisions that are better.

I found a thread from 2017 about that, but is there any update since then? What's the newest / best setup for those?

Yes, isn't there a way to check this though by removing the dip stick with the engine running? Maybe someone can confirm this...

I think the Rev G is what most people go for.

What about the cam follower?

Thanks, cam follower is going on the list

[breeze]

I don't think that the TT brackets will fit. You will need to transfer the bushes to MK5 housings.

If on track, is the car mapped? I'd recommend an intercooler (if not fitted). Also, if high revving on track, consider a balance shaft freewheel sprocket.

I'm sure that you'll be busy replacing worn/broken parts soon enough. Don't worry too much about preventative maintenance, if tracking it will crop up sooner or later.

[Marticus]

I don't think that the TT brackets will fit. You will need to transfer the bushes to MK5 housings.

If on track, is the car mapped? I'd recommend an intercooler (if not fitted). Also, if high revving on track, consider a balance shaft freewheel sprocket.

I'm sure that you'll be busy replacing worn/broken parts soon enough. Don't worry too much about preventative maintenance, if tracking it will crop up sooner or later.

At one point it was stage one I think, but I haven't confirmed it on a rolling road yet so dunno..
Funnily enough I was looking at s3 intercooler and balance shaft delete kits today, I'll keep it in mind.

No doubt things will break when I start pushing it, but I'm hoping to avoid a trip home on a flatbed if at all possible lol, but in the immortal words of Ivan drago. "if he dies, he dies"