Re: HD rear brakes - 200tqw

[Autobahn01@aol.com]

In a message dated 97-05-05 09:01:33 EDT, stephenm@ix.netcom.com (Steve
Manning) writes:

>I vaguely remember a q-list discussion about a 'heavy-duty' or 'trailer
>towing' rear brake option for 200tqw's from a while ago.

>If anyone out there knows about this option, please let me know as I would
>like to fit it to my 200tqw.  Neither the Bentley, the 1990 Audi literature,
>nor any of the dealer microfiche I've seen refer to it.  Thanks in advance
>for any help.

I think I was in on that one, so I'll start off...

I've got a listing for a vented rear rotor app for 5000TQ/200 wagons. The P/N
for the rotors is 447-615-601A(269x20mm) as opposed to the alternate
443-615-601B(244.5x10mm) solid rotors. This info *suggested* to me that there
are many wagons running around with this vented rear combo. Talking with
5000TQ wagon owners has proven this somewhat false, I've found many more cars
are fitted with solid rears, even one-owner examples. I think Jackie Powell's
car started this thread off last time round...

The reason for this may lie in the calipers. The calipers for the vented
rotors would be 447-615-423/424. These are also the same calipers used in the
V8 and 200TQ 20v applications. Needless to say, these calipers are not
plentifully available as rebuilts, in fact the rebuilders charge a hefty core
fee to ensure a core return. (I've been debating eating a core charge to get
a set on a TQC) It may be that demand outpaced supply and Audi opted to
continue fitting the solid rear disc combo as found on 5000TQ sedans. An
expensive update, doubly so if you don't have the right(and left) cores
available to you; and all this for a marginal increase in capability. One
could speculate you might be better off with a replacement of rubber lines
and a fluid flush. Mike DelTergo can attest to the neat stuff found growing
inside his rear caliper lines(now braided stainless :)

Hope this helps,
Chris Semple
Autobahn01@aol.com
'87 4000q
   '84 4000q
       '83 TQC
           '83 TQC