Recharged hydraulic accumulator

[Alex Kowalski]

Charles wrote:

>1.) Purchasing a new accumulator, approximately $300-$400...
>2.) Using a recharged accumulator, $79+shipping, as advertised in the Audi
marketplace...
>3.) Replacing the hydraulic brake assist by switching to a vacuum assist
master cylinder like on the 93 and up 90 models...

Occasionally you will find a set of "new" accumulators on eBay or elsewhere
for considerably less money, but remember:  what causes the accumulator to
fail in the first place is that the high-pressure nitrogen gradually
diffuses through the rubber diaphragm inside, causing the "bomb" to go
limp.  Therefore, my guess is that any NOS bombs that you might find for
sale on eBay may *already* be on their way out the door, *unless they were
manufactured recently.*

I bought the recharged, remanufactured "bomb" from Dave Kase (desmo888)
several months ago and installed in under an hour working in my driveway
with hand tools.  The instructions he provides are letter-perfect.  Drive
the car up onto a set of ramps, put down a dropcloth, and get to work.  Keep
a couple of plastic containers nearby to catch the spare hydraulic fluid
(Pentosin) and have some brake cleaner around to assist with the cleanup.  A
little penetrating oil on the fittings and nut that holds the bomb in place
is a good idea to make sure everything goes smoothly.  But honestly, it's no
more difficult a job than a rotor, cap and wires tune up if you follow the
instructions.

Since you'll be draining the hydraulic fluid reservoir, this is a good time
to check the hoses and hose clamps.  It's also a good time to clean the
inside of the reservoir, including the internal filter cylinder.   Instead
of Pento$in I used the Febi hydraulic fluid from Blaufergnugen and have had
0 complaints or issues.

Dave's remanufactured "bomb" is working perfectly and he didn't even send a
hit man after me for not returning the core in a timely manner.  Please do
not follow my bad example -- send the core back to him.  Don't kill me, Dave
;).

Alex Kowalski
'87 5KCSTQ (brakes work!)
'86 5KCSTQ (with no engine, who needs brakes?)