disconnected wires

[audifan at spymac.com]

Thanks once again!!
You guys are the best.
Mike I owe you a case of some Brooklyn Lager.....
I just bought a used bomb from a fellow lister for $20 and will send to Russ for recharging.
mucho thanks.
-AudiFan
On Wed, 02 Oct 2002 19:47:46 , Mike Arman <armanmik at n-jcenter.com> sent:

>
>>X-UIDL: 1033602797973
>From: audifan at spymac.com>
>>To: quattro at audifans.com,
>>Subject: 1990 200 Quattro brakes?
>>Reply-To: audifan at spymac.com
>>Date: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 10:53:03 -0600
>>
>>Thanks for all the previous help!
>>There is an electrical connection on the back of the master cylinder,close
>to firewall.
>>When I purchased the car it was unplugged. Two blade type connections.
>>When I plug back in the brake idiot light comes on. when I disconnect no
>light.
>>Does this have any thing to do with the "bomb".
>
>
>Sure does.
>
>The "bomb" is a pressure accumulator for the brakes. It looks like a Boris
>and Natasha cartoon hand grenade (black sphere with handle sticking out),
>hence the name. It lives just behind the left front wheel, inboard of the
>frame rail.
>
>When the bomb looses pressure (the nitrogen bleeds out slowly - bombs
>typically last 5-7 years), the brake idiot light comes on. Since a new bomb
>costs $200 to $250 (YMMV), when someone sells an Audi with a dead bomb,
>they disconnect these wires and that keeps the light off.
>
>Russ Southerlin (e-mail address, anyone?) recharges them for a LOT less
>than a new one costs.
>
>While you can drive the car without a working bomb, you shouldn't. The
>brakes might *feel* OK, but if you really, really need them (like some
>child on a bicycle cuts in front of you), there's nobody home. When you
>replace/recharge the bomb, the first thing you will say is "WOW" or "Oh
>sh*t!!" (50/50 chances) because the brakes will work SO much better.
>
>The test for dead bomb is as follows - park car, pump brakes with engine
>off. The brake pedal will feel very hard in three or fewer pumps, like
>stepping on a board. If you can, try the brakes in an Audi with a working
>bomb, and you'll immediately feel the difference. (has to be a
>5000/100/200, no bombs in 4000/80/90s) A good bomb will deliver 15 to 25
>strokes before the pedal gets hard.
>
>Takes an hour or so to change one the first time, much less subsequent times.
>
>Best Regards,
>
>Mike Arman
>