new to quattro

[Ed Kellock]

Hello and Welcome!

The diff locks are for the center and rear diff only.  The front diff
remains open.  The two lockable diffs should really only be used when you
have low coefficient of friction on the road.  This will allow the wheels to
slip a bit when turning since they will be locked in accordance with the
setting of the switch.

The first position is the center only and the 2nd position is both.  For
normal driving, locking the rear is really only a benefit when you're stuck
or you're in some serious muck.  Most lock only the center in rain or on the
track.

When you lock the diffs, ABS is automatically disabled since it's function
would be impeded by the mechanical locking of the wheels.

Later iterations of the type 44 bodied Quattro's replaced the manual locking
of the center diff with a Torsen center diff, which does its own thing (for
which it has generated much debate... see the Torsen list) and the switch
for the rear became an electronic switch on the center console which when
activated will automatically unlock the rear diff when speed exceeds about
20 mph (another behavior which some have modified).

For the involved driver, the manual lockable diff setup is preferred in much
the same way a manual transmission is over an automatic.  For someone
who rarely or never drives at 9 or 10 tenths, the Torsen center seems to do
a fine job.

Sounds like a nice find.  Based on the example you have set with your VW
enthusiasm, it might be a good idea to start planning to double the size of
your vehicle storage capacity.  ;-)

Ed
Colorado Springs

'91 V8q 5sp
'90 V8q auto
'89 200q
'87 Coupe GT
'85 quattro


On 1/27/06, Daniel Stevens <dosteven at syr.edu> wrote:
>
> Hi, Dan here from upstate NY
> I just acquired a new to me 87 5000 turbo quattro. had some deer damage
> i'm hoping to fix this weekend,
> otherwise a nice condition fairly low miles (90K~) car with many new
> parts, I guess the deer was the last straw for the PO.
>
> anyways. I'm hoping to enjoy the car for a few years at least in our
> wonderful upstate erratic weather, and on some road trips to VW shows.
>
> I'm a VP of the central NY vintage VW club based out of syracuse we host a
> all VW (and audi,porsche) show mid August each year.
> and attend many other VW shows for my own enjoyment as well as recruiting
> to attend ours.
>
> I'm new into the Audi thing, though i've been a VW fanatic for 16+ years.
> my current stable has more then a few VWs.
> 89 cabriolet, 80 Turbo diesel camper, 87 syncro (camper conversion) 76
> baja bug.
>
> I may have some questions time to time, and i'll try searching 1st.. i've
> already perused a few of the Audi specific mssg boards.
>
> one thing i am curiouse about 1st is the Quattros Antilocs -vs- diff
> locks.  I know the owners manual says only use diff locks when stuck.. but
> that hardly seams like any fun.. I mean really..
>
> Dan in Syracuse NY
> 1987 5000 CS turbo quattro 5spd.
>
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