Re: Live & Learn - 84 5kS

[spowers@spdg.COM (Steve Powers)]

Michael mentions (and reminds me):
> ------------------------------
> [hydraulic fiasco absorbed with kitty litter] 
>

My rack and pinion hydraulic experience wasn't on an Audi, it was on
a '71 XKE Type III (V-12 Coupe).

I had a leaking rack and wanted to rebuild it. I bought the manual; it
was more 'official' than Bentley's because it had the Queen's Seal on
it. It also referred to different components like bonnet, boot and tyre.
It had great pictures, explanations and diagrams (diagrammes).

I proceeded to rebuild the rack assembly and carefully reassmebled
the unit per the illustration. There were two hydraulic tubes which
ran the length of the rack. I installed these per the pictures as
well.

When I fired up the motor, everything appeared great. No leaks
and no indications that anything was wrong.... until I turned the
steering wheel. The wheel, steering assembly and wheels began to
oscillate violently. So much that I shut the car off. I restarted.
Same oscillations.

There were still no external signs of a problem, so I cut the
drive belt to the power steering pump. I could still drive the car,
the rack wouldn't drool, things were nearly perfect.

It wasn't until about a week later when it dawned on me. Was that
a right-hand drive illustration?

yup...

I reversed the connections with the tubes and put on a new belt.
Everything worked wonderfully. (well, at least the power steering)

read the &$*#!@^ manual, TWICE

-steve powers
spowers@spdg.com