re: Annoying Engine Tapping

["heidi hudson" <heidi_hudson@ftl03.racal.com>]

     One more time on the subject of removing the rod from the vaccum 
     assist unit to eliminate the tapping noise...
     
     My 88 90Q has the vaccum assist unit.  The tapping has become 
     progressively worse over the two years I've owned the car.  
     
     This week my mechanic recommended removing the rod.  He tells me that 
     the unit only provides vacuum at idle, and that there is sufficient 
     vacuum without it.  He has done this mod on 4 audi's with good 
     results.
     
     Something no one has mentioned - the mechanic tells me that metal 
     fragments from the rod could come loose and cause major damage.
     
     Any other comments or recommendations from the net?
     Heidi