re. Leaking brake pressure regulator in '87 4kq

[DBF]

Luis, I too am experiencing the same problem as you.  I purchased a new
regulator from a fellow lister here in July, although I haven't installed it
yet.  Ben's suggestion will most definitely get you a further few
weeks/months derivability, but you should replace it.  From my research, I
found that trying to source a used regulator is futile as this is/was a
common problem with these.  Don't know if this helps or not, but best of
luck.

Dan
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ben Swann" <benswann at comcast.net>
To: <lpatino at nethere.com>
Cc: <quattro at audifans.com>
Sent: Friday, July 30, 2004 11:48 AM
Subject: re. Leaking brake pressure regulator in '87 4kq


Luis,

I agree with the sentiment most folks would say about replacing the
regulator, especially since this is a saftey item, but since that was not
the question you asked and understanding your predicament, here is something
for you to try.  This is at best a stopgap measure until you can afford and
install a new or used good regulator.  Come on folks ease up on having to
follow every nuance of replacing parts properly - not everyone does and
sometimes a workaround is apropriate for the situation.

Here is what I did  on one of my 4kq's  and it worked fine for quite a
while:

Clean the front of the regulator where the leak is occurring - a spray
carburator cleaner will break down the residual fluid to provide a clean
surface.  Once you have it as clean as possible, apply some black silicone
sealant to make an external gasket.  Let it cure for some hours.  Then fill
the reservior with fluid and bleed the brakes as appropriate - you will need
to bleed the regulator as well as the ports on the MC.  Check that this
actually has stopped the leak by having someone apply the brakes.

This worked good for me as the leak was tending to suck air in rather than
push fluid out.  With the silicone in front, the gasket made a good seal
without having to tear things apart.  Then just be vigilant about checking
your fluid regularly until a replacement is done.  If you are lucky like I
was, the seal may hold for some time, in my case over a year.

Now for the folks who suggested the regulator is cheap, please advise us as
to where to get one.  I checked several FLAPS in my area and it is
unobtanium.  Dealer price is outrageaous.  I'd be open to information on a
rebuild kit if applicable, but really would prefer to just install a good
one if it can be found for not too much $$$.

Ben

[Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2004 00:38:46 -0700
From: " Luis Felipe Pati?o " <lpatino at nethere.com>
Subject: Leaking brake pressure regulator in '87 4kq
To: <quattro at audifans.com>
Message-ID: <000901c47608$3f9ebc80$f8813f42 at mypc>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Dear Audifans:

my 4kq's brake pressure regulator is leaking about 500 mL of brake fluid
every 3 days. I keep it topped off, never even letting it get to the 'min'
mark. The fluid leaks from the depression in the cylindrical bulge that has
that depression with something that looks like a hex bolt head sticking out
of it.

Can this leak be stopped _safely_?

Although I searched the archives to see if these leaks could be fixed, all
the articles merely said to replace the brake pressure regulator because
"it's cheap."

Well, to me it isn't: I am in such serious financial straits right now that
even $10 mean whether I eat or not that day. Still, I must keep my great q
braking safely.

OTOH, maybe a kind fellow audi lover could send a good used brake pressure
regulator my way...

Thank you all, your help is very much appreciated,

Luis Felipe Patino

PS please email me directly, too, since I get the digest version of the
list.]
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