steering grease for rack, AOF 063 000 04

[Dupree, Jim]

I don't know if the part numbers are the same but in the mid eighties we
started having Audi 5000's that groaned while turning the steering wheel.
The noise was coming from the steering rack. Audi's solution (and it worked)
was to lube the center steering rack bushing, under the bellows, with a
special silicone based grease. It came in a white tube (80g-100g) with
VW/Audi symbols and a part number. It was kind of a clear amber color. I
suppose if I dug deep enough in the garage I might have some around still (1
tube was enough for about 10-15 cars).

Thanks
Jim

 -----Original Message-----
From: 	Ken Keith [mailto:auditude at neta.com]
Sent:	Monday, January 14, 2002 5:24 AM
To:	quattro at audifans.com
Subject:	steering grease for rack, AOF 063 000 04

Well, I called the local VW dealer here and ordered the steering grease,
described as "gear grease" in the Bentley, so I can lube my plastic bushing
and whatever else needs it in the rack I'm putting into my '88 5kcstq.

I bought some Sta-Lube Moly-Graph, but decided since it was late in the
weekend anyways, I may as well hold off on putting it back together until I
at least try to source the "actual" grease, by p/n.

At first the guy couldn't pull up the part number, but I persisted until he
got it to accept it.  He wanted to refer me to the Audi dealer, but they
pretty much suck out here.  Even for the stuff I think they should have and
I shouldn't mind getting from them, like flywheel bolts, they would have to
special order.  The Audi dealer even mentioned to me that they reuse the
bolts sometimes.

Anyhow, supposedly the grease is going to cost me $11.  The tube of
moly-graph I bought was like $2, and I found some of the same exact stuff
already in my garage.  So, now I have plenty of moly-graph grease!  I
imagine I'll have a lot left over of this correct grease as well.

Oh well, better to do it once the right way.  Even if it does take a bit
longer...  okay a lot longer.

Btw, I received my Fuchs.  They are quite a nice looking wheel in person.  I
don't think I've ever seen them up close.  Are the exposed metal areas
clearcoated?  They seem to be.  I wasn't able to find anything about
cleaning or polishing them in the archives.  Very light wheels too, as some
posted.

Does anyone have that actual part number for the correct center caps for
Fuchs?

Later,

Ken