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

[Jerry Scott]

Another problem could be that your rotors are below the required thickness.
I have this problem with my brakes and just bought new Zimmerman fronts, but
have not yet put them on.  My front rotors are way below spec. and is
causing long pedal travel to activate the brakes.

Jerry

-----Original Message-----
From: s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com
[mailto:s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of Tom Green
Sent: Saturday, July 14, 2012 2:47 PM
To: s-car-list at audifans.com list; trodri69 at gmail.com
Subject: Re: [s-cars] successful J-hose replacement, accumulator is next

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
> **************

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