Editing Openai/69606181-ab0c-8001-96cc-1653bd658833 (section)

=== Assistant: Perfect — that Reddit post actually confirms what I was already leaning toward, and it rules a few things out. ===
Perfect — that Reddit post actually confirms what I was already leaning toward, and it rules a few things out. Let’s tighten this down.

==== Key takeaways from the “more info” ====

You didn’t just get a random P0087 — you have:
* Confirmed symptoms: misfire, lurching, power loss
* Occurs under load / driving, not just a stored code
* HPFP + LPFP “replaced” by seller (unverified quality/work)
* 500-mile drive before failure → marginal system finally fell below threshold

That combination is textbook EA888 fuel starvation, not a sensor glitch.

==== Critical clarification (very important) ====

: “I have read about camshaft followers but I’m uncertain if that applies to this motor”

===== ✅ YES — it absolutely applies =====

Your 2014 Q5 2.0T (EA888 Gen 2) DOES use a cam follower.

Audi quietly improved it over earlier versions, but they did NOT eliminate the wear mechanism. At 118k, it is still one of the highest-risk items on the engine.

==== Why the seller’s “new pumps” don’t clear it ====

This is the trap many people fall into:

===== Scenario that fits your case perfectly =====
# Original cam follower is worn/dished
# HPFP stroke is reduced
# Seller replaces HPFP + LPFP chasing pressure
# Pressure is better, but still below spec under load
# ECU throws P0087 anyway
# Car feels “okay-ish” until pushed → misfire/lurch

👉 New pumps do NOT fix a worn follower or damaged cam lobe

In fact, a new HPFP on a worn follower accelerates cam damage.

==== Fuel filter: good move, but… ====

Replacing the fuel filter is necessary maintenance, and yes, a clogged one can cause P0087 — but:
* A filter alone rarely causes misfire + lurching
* A restricted filter usually causes gradual power fade, not sharp hesitation
* At 118k, the filter is likely a contributor, not the root cause

Think of it as removing one choke point — not the main blockage.

==== The ONE check that matters most right now ====

===== 🔴 Pull the HPFP and inspect the cam follower =====

This is not optional at this point.

What you’re looking for:
* Flat, DLC-coated surface → OK
* Dished center → worn
* Hole or mushrooming → STOP DRIVING (cam inspection)

Why this is urgent
If the follower punches through:
* Intake camshaft is usually damaged
* Metal goes into the oil
* Repair cost explodes

This is the fork in the road between:
* $100–600 fix
* $3,000+ engine work

==== What I strongly suspect (based on everything) ====

Primary: Worn cam follower ± early cam lobe wear
Secondary: Old fuel filter worsening the pressure drop
Possible but less likely: Aftermarket HPFP not meeting spec

==== What I’d do if this were my car ====
# Do not drive it hard again
# Replace fuel filter (since it’s already coming)
# Pull HPFP the same day
# Inspect follower before running it further
# Decide next step based on what you see — not guesses

==== If you want, I can: ====
* Tell you exact torque specs & removal order
* Recommend OEM vs aftermarket follower
* Help you identify cam damage visually
* Advise whether the car is still safe to drive short-term

Just say how deep you want to go.
This one’s very solvable — but only if you check the right thing now, not later.