[V8] The Audi Gods strike again

[Roger Woodbury]

Yesterday, I took my wife's '94 100CS to get its new registration and then
to the wrench to evaluate the mysterious but familiar front end clunking
that has become more and more annoying over the past few months.  While it
was there, we did a complete analysis with more than disappointing totals:

	1.  No, the tires won't go through the winter.
	2.  Yes, there are some leaks, and both valve cover gaskets need to
be replaced.
	3.  Yes, the right rear control arm is bad...again:  less than
20,000 miles.  Where did THAT part come from?  (Wrench is very pissed! This
one is on him.).
	4.  Suspension bushings in front are really toast.  Might be the
source of the clunking sound on the rutted road.  No, I don't think so:  my
nomination still goes to World Pac and their parts string.  We will probably
have to replace the front strut bushings again, and this time will use OEM
pieces from the stealership.
	5.  Eventually we will have to do some seals...differential, and
possibly rear main seal, but not yet.  Maybe transmission output shaft seals
also, but not right now.  

Then, on the way home, having made the appointment for the car to rest at
the wrench's for at least two days, I stopped at the grocery store.  I
decided that I NEEDED some vermouth to go with that bottle of Absolut that I
still had.  Out the grocery store parking lot, right turn onto Washington
Street and down the steep little hill that "T"d at Water Street.  (Miss the
stop, going fast enough, and you launch directly into the Union River with
nothing, and I mean NOTHING in the way).  Brake pedal goes to the floor.

I MEAN the brake pedal sinks with little change in vehicle momentum until I
pumped the brake pedal furiously.  Then the car leisurely came to a stop.

"Harumph," thought I.  "Haven't had that sensation in quite a long time.
Must be a master cylinder."

Called the wrench and reported it all when I got home.  Now the car is at
the wrench's awaiting its space in the schedule...December 3rd...and I am
driving the Big Black Truck and my wife is driving the Old Gray Mare.  And I
am rethinking the whole incident.

I got no warning lights.  No ABS signal, and no lost coolant. One of the
things that is on the schedule are all new rubber brake lines, because they
are truly on the way out.  

But I am wondering if there is a "bomb" on these cars...1994 Audi 100CS, or
Type C4, as there is on the Type 44s?  

Any hints? Mileage:  128,000.

Roger

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