Re: '90 90 QC Rear Wiper Control, Hatch Rattle

[Matt West <matt@tdraft.demon.co.uk>]

On Wed, 15 May 1996 14:12:29 -0500, you wrote:

>I recently purchased a '90 90 Quattro Coupe, my third Audi.  It's a
>wonderful car, but I have a few problems that I need some advice on.
>
>First, I have discovered that the control mechanism for the rear wiper is
>missing!  It should be the same lever that controls the front wipers, but it
>does not pivot away from the steering wheel.  I am wondering if this car
>had the controls from a 90 sedan either installed or replaced.  The folks
>at Audi customer service said that it is highly unlikely that this is a
>manufacturing blunder.  Does anyone know if the sedan and coupe
>have interchangeable steering column controls?

This sounds quite possible that the column controls of a saloon
(sedan) have been installed into your car at some time.  They are
identical apart from the rear wiper control.
It is not unknown for these stalks to take in the Audis and often the
bits of plastic that hold the unit in place break, usually on the
indicator side.

>Second, I have also noticed a rattling from the rear that is probably a
>loose hatch, a common problem with some coupes apparently.  The
>Technical Service Bulletin advises replacement of the latch mechanism
>and the gasket seals.  Since my car is out of warranty I was thinking
>about doing this myself if it is easy enough.  I don't have many tools,
>supplies, or a repair manual yet.  Does anyone have experience with
>this one?

Most Coupe (1988 onwards) owners will experience annoying rattling and
squeaking noises from the rear of the car.  As stated in the archives,
this is caused my the tailgate and it has to be adjusted regularly.
This adjustment is recommended in every 20,000 miles Audi service.

I have now found the correct way to adjust the tailgate, as I have got
my hands on the 'official' Audi service manual which is not for the
general public eyes.

I have sent you a JPEG file that accompanies these instructions as I
wouldn't be popular if I sent it to the list.  If anyone else would
like it, then please mail me.

Adjusting tailgate on Audi Coupe 1988->

Loosen threaded pin (2) with a 4mm Allen key (hex key).
Pull detent slide (1) out by approximately 3mm.
Carefully close the tailgate (without slamming it), until the lock
engages audibly.
Open the tailgate and pull detent slide (1) out by two notches.
Tighten threaded pin (2) to 1.7 Nm.


Hope this helps.

Matt West
Oxford, England.
e-mail : audi@tdraft.demon.co.uk
1989 Audi Coupe 2.2E