4kq clutch & Spokane Shops

[urq]

I've been able to do clutch R&R on a couple quattros from that vintage with
a standard floor jack.  I would expect the Harbor Freight tool would help,
but is by no means required IMO.  I suppose that if I were doing it today
(which I should be doing, dammit!) I'd use the jack I have for working on
motorcycles.  

IMO the aspect you should be considering is how you plan to support the
*engine* while the transaxle is decoupled.  If you don't support the engine
the nose will drop when you disconnect the bellhousing, and it will be hell
to reinstall.  There are tools which easily allow the nose of the engine to
be held up to simplify realignment of the transaxle, but I've been able to
do it with some scrap lumber and a come-along.  Look at the pictures in the
service manual and you can figure out what is needed.  

The good news IME is that the pilot shaft on the transaxle helps with
getting everything home again.  And therein is the one caveat I have.  Make
sure that you get the correct pilot bearing, and test fit it on the pilot
shaft before driving it into the crank.  

On the TO Bearing sleeve ... if you find a metal part in your car it should
be fine.  If you find a plastic one, definitely add it to the list of parts
to be replaced.  If Audi doesn't carry the part check with Porsche ... they
may be better at supporting their older models.  The same part, with the
same part number was available (and actually cheaper when I was shopping
many years ago) from Porsche.  I don't have the P/N at hand, but I know I
have posted it in the olden days ... may be available via the archives ...

Other bits?  If you haven't done motor & tranny mounts it would be good to
look at replacing them.  CV Boots might also be worthwhile considering.  I'd
also recommend that you audit the propshaft, especially the carrier bearing.


Good luck, and have fun!

Steve Buchholz

-----Original Message-----
From: Nathan Ray
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2013 7:52 AM
Subject: 4kq clutch & Spokane Shops

Greetings Q-listers,
It appears that the original clutch on my trusty old 4kq has finally died.
The release/throwout bearing started to get noisy a couple weeks ago and has
gotten progressively worse; any pressure on the clutch pedal at all causes
the low rumbing sound of the bearing internals getting ground up. 
 
I normally do all the repair work on this myself, but I'm a little concerned
with how I'll be able to reinstall the transmission supporting it only with
a floor jack. I looked up the shop that I've gotten help from in that past
that was owned by a Quattro guru but it looks like he has sold out and
retired. So, I'm looking for help with 3 things:
 
1. Any BTDT suggestions on at-home transmission reinstall. I'm not sure how
to balance the gearbox properly without spending hours making a cradle for
it. 
2. Any suggestions on an affordable mechanic in the Spokane, WA area that is
well versed with old quattros. 
3. I presume that I should also replace the guide sleve for the throwout
bearing and the pilot bearing as well. Any other items that I should be
replacing? What size bolts are used to attach the pressure plate to the
flywheel? I like to replace bolts whenever possible and It's easiest to get
them on a week day before I start the job on a weekend. 
 
Thanks,
 
Nate Ray