Why does Audi use those cloth covered hoses

[Elliott Potter]

Bill Rowe wrote:
> 
> Excuse my ignorance, but why does Audi use them for some applications, like
> the wastegate to the intake manifold and the wastegate to the wastegate
> frequency valve, and not others.  Are these higher pressure hoses?  They
> just don't seem to hold up well and leak even when new.  Is that intentional
> by design or just my imagination?

It's to ensure a constant revenue source for Audi mechanics.  I replaced
most of the ones in my '93 90CS with plain old rubber hose when the car
was 4 years old and they all disintegrated.  No ill effects yet.
--
Elliott