[s-cars] My 1993 S4 - An Update

[Joel Rector]

I got the car in an auction and have found alot of little things that
need attention, but nothing too major.  Probably all stuff that would
normally go bad at 85K anyway.

Problems to date:

Problem:  Hood wouldn't open
Solution:  Plastic cable clip popped out.  Popped it back in and it was
fine.

Problem:  Stereo didn't turn off when car was turned off.
Solution:  It's supposed to be that way (My first German car.  :-P).

Problem:  A/C compressor cycles on and off when A/C is on.
Solution:  Haven't had it fixed, but I suspect it's just low on
refrigerant and turns itself off to protect the compressor.

Problem:  Car had little boost.
Solution:  Vacuum hose at moisture trap by firewall under hood was
disconnected.  Reconnected.  Replaced clamp.  Boost is back.

Problem:  Liscensce plate bracket screws were rusted to the bracket
nuts.  Couldn't get my new plates on it.
Solution:  Tore bracket nuts right out of plastic and used two new nuts,
washers, and bolts each until I get around to replacing the brackets.

Problem:  Cruise is acting crazy (See my latest thread.).
Solution:  None yet.

Problem:  Door trim falling off on passenger side door.  Metal on back
of trim is rusted out (See my next post.  :-P)
Solution:  None yet.  I'm sure I'll be replacing the trim.

And the biggest one yet...drumroll please...


Problem:  Timing belt is original on a 93 S4 with 85k on it!  Holy
crap!  A 10 year old timing belt with 85k on it!!!  Every millimeter of
that thing was cracked and ragged.  I was living on borrowed time!

Solution:  Bought the parts from SJM and rented the tools from Force5
for total of about $200 and banged it out in 2 days!  About 6 hours of
actual work and several more of being stuck and then finally getting
it.  My first timing belt and the first major work I've done to an
engine.  I replaced the t-belt, t-belt tensioner roller,  crank seal,
serp belt, water pump, and thermostat.  Did it all with the instructions
on SJM's website, URS4.com, and with the help of you guys on the list.
I put about 1000 miles on it since and no leaks or problems at all!
Hooray for me!!!

That recent Hood stuck cable broken thread was actually me not putting
the cable back after I was done with the timing belt.  I got the hood
open with coat hangers by hooking the two loops that the cable runs
through and pulling towards the center of the car (advice from a list
member), reinstalled the cable, and I'm good to go.


All in all, I'm making alot of noise on the list but the problems are
minor.  It's not like new stuff is breaking every day.  Just stuff that
the PO let go and I am fixing just to get the car back to perfect.

I want to thank eveyone on the list who has responded to my posts.  This
is by far the best car mail list I've ever been on.  All about the car
and not about the flaming and fighting of other lists/groups.  I've been
able to fix several things with help exclusively from list members.

Thanks much!

Joel Rector