[V8] RE: Might as well...

[Nadjkovic Kraig A TSgt 552 CMS/MXMVC]

 Don't know about replacing the rack, but you can have your high pressure
hose rebuilt pretty inexpensively.  Can the rack be rebuilt with new o-rings
and boots?
nadj

-----Original Message-----
From: quattro-bounces at audifans.com
To: 200q20v at audifans.com; quattro at audifans.com
Sent: 10/31/2004 5:35 AM
Subject: Might as well...

I'm doing a front suspension rebuild on my 91 200q and, for some reason,
I am 
contemplating doing some other work to the car as well.  

After spending hours and hours removing and pressing in subframe
bushings 
(and ruining a Harbor Freight Ball Joint Press in the process), the
thought comes 
across me that I might as well replace the engine mounts.  Then, another

thought comes across me that I might as well replace the steering rack
with the 
torn boot.  And, as long as I am at that, I might as well replace the
high 
pressure hose.  You can see where this is going...

Unfortunately, time and money are factors.  I have two engine mounts, so
that 
is not going to cost me any additional money -- just the time to do the
job.  
I don't have the steering rack or the high pressure hose.  Right now, I
am 
looking at losing maybe 3 or 4 ounces a month of pentosin.  So, one
bottle a 
year is within the budget.  A rebuilt rack and new hose is not.

However, if replacing the rack is significantly easier with the subframe
and 
struts removed, well, no sense in doing the same amount of work twice,
right?

However, if there really isn't much difference between replacing a rack
with 
or without the suspension components installed, well, I will save the
job for 
another day (or another owner).

Any insight or suggestions for additonal replacement components would be

appreciated.

Thanks.

Tom Werner
Charleston, SC
91 200q
88 80q
92 VW Cabriolet
(Take your pick -- help me reduce my fleet)

PS:  In a preemptive response to Bernie's inevitable DFIIIAB (Don't Fix
it if 
it Aint Broke) Response, It's pretty much broke.