My continuing saga - A couple of questions

[kentmclean at comcast.net]

Eric Langheinrich wrote:
> First, the car has had a front end vibration that only shows up in a 5 mile
> an hour range right about 50 MPH. So far, after more trips to the shop than
> I can count, I've been told it's tires, bent rims, and now play in the inner
> CV joints. Anyone had a similar symptom with play in the CV joint being the
> cause?

Since it's a dealer, have them swap another set of wheels/tires over
to your car, just to see if the vibration goes away.  If it does, it's wheels
or tires (my guess would be a tire out of balance or out of round).  If not,
have them replace the CV joint, since they sold you a certified car with 
a bad one.  If you still have the problem after that, take it to a good 
independent shop, and send the repair bill to Audi. :)

> When I get home at the end of the day
> after my car has been sitting out in the sun, there is a faint noise from
> the right rear (I hear it loudest in the wheel well) that sounds like a
> muted version of the alarm going off. 

My guess: Fuel tanks will and build release pressure. When you fill the 
tank, the fuel is at about 65F (being 10 or so feet underground). As it
warms up on an 80F day, the fuel expands. The air above it has to go 
somewhere, usually through a vent or charcoal canister.  Conversely, 
as you burn off a full tank (like on a long trip), you may hear a hissing 
as you open the gas cap, due to a vacuum created by the no-longer-
there fuel.

> While trying to find the previous noise, Audi USA and the dealership
> determined that the AMP is making a hissing noise. 

"They all do that." At least, as they age Audi's Bose amps seem to
succumb to bad capacitors. Unless there is a recall on it, you're
stuck.  Did they determine the AMP is making a hissing noise in
the hope of selling you a new one? Or to let you know of a recall?
Or because they're nice guys and they just wanted you to know 
about it?

--
Kent McLean
'99 A4 Avant
'91 200 20V Avant
'94 100 Avant, now with SO's son
'91 200 20V Avant, up in flames
'89 200 10V sedan, up in smoke