[s-cars] successful J-hose replacement, accumulator is next

[Tom Green]

Brake hard on this plan, Tom.  You have air in the brake lines.  Bleed  
the brakes, or since you are just starting, have them bled.
No other work, "Just bleed my brakes with a pressure bleeder using Dot  
4 Brake fluid and a maximum of 10 psi."  If you can put
it off for a few days, order your own Motive pressure bleeder and some  
high quality Dot 4 brake fluid and do it yourself.  Check the
specials at Zygmunt (PA ?) for the best price I have seen.  This will  
simplify brake bleeding so anyone can get a good job.  If the
brake fluid has not been changed in 2 years, buy an extra quart  
(liter) and flush the system while at it.  Do the clutch too.

http://www.bimmerparts.com/item.wws?itempk=30930


Then, check out these guys for a better price on accumulators  
(actually most things) :

http://www.gowestyautoparts.com/1995,Audi,S6,1009370/Brake-Hydraulics/Meyle-Brake-Pressure-Accumulator,541-54006-500/

This came from the quattroworld.com UrS4/UrS6/S2/RS2 forum.  The FAQ  
has a long list of online suppliers, including those dealers
that sell discount online.

Second, I would not be so quick to decide to replace the accumulator  
given the symptoms you provided here.  The accumulator only
stores pressure from the pump for use when the pump isn't running or  
the rare instance when system demand is greater than the pump
can supply.

If you have not done so, I would flush the fluid in the system and  
clean the screen filter in the reservoir.  I recommend one of those 3/8"
Magnefine filters in the return line to the reservoir after that.   
But, whatever, you must have clean fluid and unobstructed screens for  
the
system to perform properly.

The hydraulically boosted brakes will always feel softer than many  
other vehicles, but the unpredictability of the brake pedal distance is
a certain indication that there is air in the brake fluid lines.  This  
has nothing to do with the hydraulic boost system.

Now, go.  : > )


Tom '95 S6
          '95.5 S6 avant
Knoxville, TN


On Friday Jul 13, 2012, at 7:50 PM, Thomas Rodriguez  
<trodri69 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi Folks.  Several weeks ago I solicited advice/encouragement from all
> of you listers about performing repairs and maintenance on my '95 S6
> myself instead of always taking it to a mechanic.  Well, after 13
> years of ownership and helping my mechanic put his kids through
> college I finally took the plunge and did this job in my driveway to
> fix a leaking J-hose (the hose that connects the power steering pump
> to the pressure accumulator for the power brakes).
>
> It took me about 20 minutes to remove the leaking J-hose. I wiped it
> clean and mailed it to Spokane House of Hose which rebuilt it for $89
> (compared to $450 for a new one).  It took me 20 minutes to install
> the rebuilt hose, top up the hydraulic reservoir and bleed the system
> by turning the unloaded steering rack lock-to-lock several times as
> recommended by one of you in response to my recent post (thanks
> Stott!).
>
> The hydraulic leak is fixed but the brake pedal is still soft and
> unpredictable as to how far it must be pressed to engage the brakes.
> As such, I now plan to replace the pressure accumulator.  I can get a
> Meyle unit from AutohausAZ for $273 and there's also a seal that costs
> about $5. If that doesn't firm up the brake pedal I'll move along to
> the booster and, if necessary, the master cylinder.  Any advice on
> replacing the pressure accumulator would be appreciated.
>
> I'll keep you all posted on the outcome.
>
> Tom
> '95 S6
> **************