Repair manuals and video tutorials on AUDI A3

Engine

• The timing chain tensioner of 1.2 and 1.4 TFSI petrol engines may get stuck after 50,000 kilometres. This leads to timing chain elongation and jumping. If a cold engine runs with rattling sounds, this means that the part should be replaced immediately.
• In diesel cars, the fuel line often leaks. Fuel can be smelt in the passenger compartment and outside the car. You can inspect the fuel line of your car at home. If necessary, replace the fuel filter and glow plugs. You will do this without any difficulty if you watch our video guide on DIY Audi A3 repair and servicing. If the problem lies in the fuel nozzles, you need to seek for professional help. These components require adjustment after being installed.
• There may occur a breakdown of accessories, particularly, of the air conditioner compressor. The failure can be detected by a grinding noise from under the bonnet. When inspecting your air conditioner compressor, check its belt. If you find any cracks on it replace it with the new part. To find out how to service the unit yourself see our illustrated Audi A3 repair guide provided in PDF.

Transmission

• On cars equipped with the DSG gearbox, the friction discs wear out rapidly. A short humming noise can be heard when pressing the accelerator pedal. The parts should be replaced at a garage. Their working lifespan can be extended if you avoid abrupt acceleration and prolonged wheel-spin.
• The common malfunction of the S-Tronic gearbox are stuck bearings of the shift forks of the sixth and reversing gears. Sometimes specialists use a repair kit, but usually they replace the whole unit. A tip to extend the service life of the gearbox: replace the transmission fluid regularly.

Suspension

• Stabilizer bushes and links may get broken after 35,000 kilometres. There is body roll when braking abruptly and turning corners, and a knocking sound heard from the wheel arches. You can fix the failure yourself if you download our free step-by-step Audi A3 repair and maintenance guide.
• Control arm bushes may get out of order after 80,000 kilometres or even earlier. You can tell this by a screeching noise heard when driving. Buy the new parts and install them easily with the help of our step-by-step video tutorial on Audi A3 repair.