Re: Hand on Shifter

[MSV96@aol.com]

In a note dated 4/18/97 you write:

<<I don't believe that the hand on the shift knob actually causes any wear.>>
<remainder of post snipped to save BW>

Believe what you wish...this caution is in every Audi owner's manual I have
ever read. There have been threads of late describing worn shift linkage
parts which may have lasted much longer had owners paid heed to this
caution...kinda like the clutch isn't a dead pedal to rest your foot, a
shifter is not an arm rest. I truly understand and respect your points about
1 hand vs. 2. However, knowing the cost of quattro gearboxes I would not risk
fate on this one if I planned to keep the car into high miles. Being
selective on which factory advice to heed is IMO foolish unless you truly
know better. You are a pilot and I'm sure there are many Audi engineers who
would defer to your wisdom about flying...without knowing you or your other
areas of expertise I'm guessing that the Audi engineers who designed the
gearbox and linkage indeed know far more about this subject than you, I, and
probably anybody on this list for that matter. You rest your hands wherever
you want in your car (just don't try selling it to me when it is high miles
10 years from now). But, please don't suggest to all that read this not to
heed manufacturer's cautions. I truly hope you heed all Boeing's cautions if
you fly commercial and I have to ride in your plane!!! Return rant mode
off...gee, and I told Dan we would be nice while he was on vacation too...oh
well, I tried.

Mike Veglia
85 4ksq (158k with perfect shift knob leather from not being used as an arm
rest!)