Tightening front-end and axle-retaining nuts and bolts...

[Bernard Littau]

> I am overhauling the front-end on the Audi 200. The car is without
> engine and gearbox and I'm a bit loss as to what to do about those
> retaining bolts and nuts on the sub-frame and axles. The books all say
> not to tighten anything to spec unless the full weight of the car is on
> them and it has been bounced a few times to settle things. I can
> therefore assume I can simply tighten it all up and tow this engine-less
> and tranny-less shell out to the mechanic (10km drive) without worry
> about damaging anything like the new wheel bearings. Seems alright to
> me, but just wanted to check.

The bearings are not the issue, it is the rubber bushings.  You want the
rubber bushings to be in a non-stressed state when they are in their
"normal" position. (You don't want the rubber to be twisted when the car is
parked, they should only twist when the car is bounced :-)

You could tighten the bushing nuts before you tow the car, then, once the
engine is back in, loosen them, bounce the car a bunch, and retighten them.

If the front diff is in, you could go ahead and tighten the axle nuts to
spec and tow the car.

If its a Quattro, I'd consider a flat bed or dollies.

Best,

Bernard Littau
Woodinville, WA
'88 5ktq