Re: Rust, lug bolts, electrical gremlins, mufflers, hydraulics

["Pablo A. Carselle" <pcarselle@worldnet.att.net>]

J.L. (John) Denis P.Eng, CQE, CQA wrote:
> 
> Hi,
> I'm a newbie, am not, but would like to be, a Quattro owner (with certain conditions
> attached - like money). I have several good reasons for wanting a Quattro: Living in
> snow country (Ottawa Canada), dry handling and I just like Audis. I'd like to comment,
> in a roundabout way, on subjects seemingly of interest.
> 
> Rust:
> I DESPISE rust - it is my MORTAL ENEMY. Rust, stubborn lug bolts and electrical gremlins
> have a common cause. Tho Audis have galv. outer body panels of late, they still suffer
> the effects of corrosion in other ways. Don't have to live in the salt belt to suffer
> from corrosion. In my circle of car buddies we religiously use a product called "Rust
> Check". It's an oil that creeps into crevices, displaces and keeps moisture off and out
> of rustable places (BTW, I don't have any shares or interest in the maker or any
> distributor of Rust Check), also has chemical rust inhibitors to convert and loosen
> existing rust. IT WILL PREVENT ELECTRICAL PROBS LIKE BAD GROUNDS that subscribers often
> mention. IT WILL MAKE REPAIRS MUCH EASIER - avoid snapping off fasteners. IT WILL MAKE
> EVERY PART OF YOUR CAR LAST LONGER - as it provides lubrication to many detail spots.
> 
> Lug bolts:
> In the salt belt is it *death* to not oil or grease the lug bolts/nuts and tapered seats
> to prevent seizing. Have *never* had a problem with lug nuts slacking off - have known
> about warnings to leave them dry for many years already. The ramp angle of (fine)
> threads is such that, even with oil they cannot back off except in cases of extreme mid
> to high frequency shock/vibration. Because of pneumatic rubber tires (tyres) this should
> never happen. BUT, uniform torquing to the proper value is *absolutely required*.
> Personally, I don't like the never-seize type greases - originally intended for specific
> high temp situations.
> 
> Hydraulics:
> Brake and clutch circuits. I have used silicone fluid and grease to successfully prevent
> rebuilds due to corrosion. This would apply in any climate - even Arizona. Must clean
> out with alcohol (Vodka or Gin?) and dry compressed air, every part of the circuits by
> disassembly or new replacement. The pedal may be slightly softer - so big deal!. I use
> the silicone grease on the atmosphere side of caliper pistons and cylinders and to
> protect the rubber bits.
> 
> Mufflers:
> I hope subscribers don't consider this as spam, I believe that owners would want a
> reasonable alternative. I don't know what the situation is in the rest of the world, but
> Quattro exhaust parts are really pricey in Canada - $500Cdn for the center and $700Cdn
> for the rear muffler. The company I work with (STEBRO SYSTEMS LTD.) offers much better
> than OEM or Bosal, stainless steel replacements and sport mufflers for 80 and 90
> Quattros that are guaranteed to last forever, look better and improve performance. For
> anyone who's interested, the rear muffler is $378Cdn and the center is $235Cdn.
> 
> Any questions or comments would be much appreciated. I don't have a great knowledge of
> Audis but am a mechanical engineer and can potentially help with many questions while
> wanting to let owners know about STEBRO exhaust system products.
> 
> J.L. (John) Denis P.Eng  jaeldee@sympatico.ca
> '74 Datsun Z
> '88 Buick Century wagon
> '89 Alfa 75 3.0
> former Boss 302 Mustang, many Datsun 510's and other wrecks I'd rather not mention.
John: 
Can you tell us if STEBRO also manufactures exhaust systems for  5K 
Turbo Quattros ?
Thanks, interesting concepts in your e-mail
Pablo