Conference terri::cars_uk

    Hi John,
    
    Haven't got the answers to all your questions, but here's what I've
    heard about these cars.
    
    With regard to the quattro, watch out for turbo wear (same for any
    turbo really). Also, listen for a blowing exhaust manifold. Apparently
    they can develop hairline cracks which eventually develop into
    something worse ! Haven't heard anything bad about the 4wheel drive
    yet. (above info from recent auto express mag-can't remember which
    month !)
    
    I would go for the 2.2inj rather than the quattro. Quattro real
    expensive for insurance, and potentially there are more expensive bits
    to go wrong.
    
    I've got a 1986 C reg Coupe GT (1994cc fuel inject.) It cost me 5000
    last September with 29000 miles and f.s.h etc to support that mileage.
    That was a private sale. I've had two major problems with my car.
    Firstly, it wouldn't start atall well in winter. Garages looked, loads
    of money spent etc. I eventually fixed it by leaving the cold start
    vavle disconnected. All still runs perfect. Secondly, noisy gearbox
    1st, 2nd mainly, fixed by having bearings replaced. Cost me 350 (ouch)!
    Apart from that, I've had both CV gaiters replaced.
    
    As far as I can see, the engines are robust. Both the ones we've owned
    in my family have gone well into 130,000+ miles with no major
    mechanical failures. (smoke a bit-but still totally reliable).   
    
    If I find out anything more specific about the 2.2 I'll let you know.
    
    Mike
    

    I think the original noter is interested in the NON-Turbo Quattro.
    
    A colleague here has one and is very impressed with it. He does a 
    high mileage and so far hasn't had any problems (over a few months).
    
    Audis seem to be generally well made, but obviously you've had no 
    problems with your current Audi or presumably you'd be looking for
    something else! :^)
    
    Mark

    Hi,
    
    Thanks for the inputs...keep them coming.....the Turbo is a real $$pain, 
    and I'd like to keep away from that type.
    
    Interesting to see that the engines will go to 130k miles. Mine has 90k
    on the clock (FSH), and it feels as though it could do the same again!
    
    Upon reflection, a nice 2.2FI two wheel drive would do nicely!
    
    Cheers..John.
    
    

    Hello John
    		about 2 years ago I purchased an 86 Audi 90 quattro with
    approx 40,000 , having put that figure up to about 56,000 I changed
    the car . 
    	I really enjoyed  (and appreciated) the build quality and just
    loved the engine note every time I started the car.
    	The 4 wheel drive facility gave a lovely safe feeling when 
    entering and leaving damp roundabouts , but , in the period I
    had the car I never experienced conditions bad enough (snow ,ice etc.)
    to really test the system .
    	I now have a 90 2.2E and cant fault it .
    
    								regds
    									Joh
    n

     I hope that some of you'se may be able to help me with a noise
     problem.I have a audi 80 coupe with 90,000 miles on the clock
     and when I turn a left hand corner [all the weight going onto the 
     front drivers side]I get a knock just one not contiuous from 
     that side.I've replaced the lower ball/joint but no success
     there's no play on the wheel [side to side and top and bottom]
     what could it be.
    
                              Andy.

    Sounds very much like a front-wheel bearing to me.
    
    Laurie.

    Hi,
    I have a 95k mile Volkswagen which occasionally does this too.  
    
    Not exactly corner related, as it sometimes appears gently if the car has
    been driven at 80-90mph for over 30 miles.  There may also be a slight
    wobble at the wheel, not wheel balance, tracking or camber as all have
    been set-up recently.
    
    I have had both front wheel bearings changed.  And have also changed an
    CV "ball" Joint in the engine end of the driveshaft.
    
    My next brave attempt will probably the wheel end of the same
    driveshaft, at �40 quid a time.
    
    Perplexing isn't it.
    Rob.

It's probably the outer cv joint.  The inner ones don't wear as quickly because
they don't have the movement (up and down and side to side) the outer ones
do.  Check the boot and see if it's ripped, or if there is grease everywhere.
If yes to either of these, the joint is bad and needs to be replaced.

Dave

    Thanks Dave,
    
    Sounds the most likely part.  Is that �40 worth of "probably" though?
    
    Regards,
    Robert.

I don't know the going prices for such things in the UK, but here in the states
you can get an entire halfshaft, with both joints (and boots) all set for
installation cheaper than you can buy the two CV joints seperately.  Seeing
that you've already replaced the inner joint, that might not sit very
well with you, though...

Do you plan to replace the cv joint yourself?  Not a very difficult job, but
gets kind of messy, packing it with grease and installing it.

Do you have a Mk I or Mk II Golf.  The Mk I will need a front end aligment if 
you undo the front hub from the strut, the Mk II will not (unless you have
installed the camber adjusting bolts.)

If you want to tackle this job yourself, I'll be more than happy to give 
you instructions.

Dave

    Thanks Dave,
    
    The cost is mostly parts, a local specialist is very reasonable about
    such work.  I'll keep my hands clean.
    
    Now only if I had an inspection pit in a nice warm garage!
    Cheers,
    Robert.