Wiring Bundle Repair

[auditude at get.net]

Hi Jeremy,

Does this repair just replace the broken wires with unbroken ones in the same configuration?  Is there
anything to prevent a recurrence of the problem, with the wires breaking in the same spot?

It seems to me that it's a stupid design (speaking of 5k's here, not sure if the 200's are the same), having
all the wires flex in half, right at the hinge.

A design that seems better to me has the wires coming out of the A-pillar at a certain level, and entering
the door either higher or lower so that there is more length to flex, and the flexing is more torsional as
well.  Other cars have this type of setup.

I don't know if this is an option somehow, but it would be nice to fix the problem for good, and actually
address the root cause.

Perhaps the replacement wires (could) have a higher strand content, or are braided or something else that
would make them more flexible for a longer period of time?

You guys with the '91 200q20v's have gotten maybe 11 years out of the old design before having problems,
so maybe just replacing the wires with new ones is good enough for practical purposes.  But it would be
nice to not have to worry about an area once it's been gone through.  There are plenty of "other" problems
to get to, at least with my car.

If it's not too much trouble, I'd be interested in your parts list. Please send me a copy. Even if it didn't
apply directly to my '88 5kcstq, it would probably be a good start for me.  My car has at least a few
strands broken.

Thanks,

Ken

Jeremy Palenchar jeremyp at mindspring.com wrote:
>
> OK,
>
> I put together a parts list for the materials I used to rebuild the
> harness in my driver's door.
>
> The grand total was $175 (including a $35 crimping tool).
>
> This could be done for much less using Molex 15 position plugs but I
> think the AMP connectors are built better and provide a more secure
> connection.
>
> I could put together a kit for $200 + shipping if a few people are
> interested. Please email me if you would like the parts list.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> On Behalf Of Jeremy Palenchar To: 'Sullivan, Alan';
>
> A fellow 200 owner and I have replaced this wiring harness. It is not
> an easy job but the cost is approx. $100 and will take about 8 hours
> labor. I have a spreadsheet that describes all of the wires that run
> through the door and I can put together a parts list if anyone is
> interested. The procedure involves cutting the harness at each end and
> installing a new harness that has quick-disconnect plugs.
>
> It may be possible to remove the door panel and the wire ties behind
> it to get some additional slack to repair the old wiring.
>
> Let me know if you would like the plans for the new harness.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> On Behalf Of Sullivan, Alan To: 200q20v at audifans.com
>
> Several of the wires in the wiring bundle between the driver's door
> and the body are broken, right where they flex as the door opens and
> closes. Fixing them will be difficult, as they are bundled together
> rather tightly.  Any suggestions on how to get some slack into the
> wires for repair?  Also, any opinions on how best the make the repairs
> --- soldering (how do I do that without melting insulation on other
> wires) versus crimped-on connectors or some other method?