RE: 200T Suspension Problem

[Aleksander Mierzwa <alex@matrix.com.pl>]

It's not exactly like that, as the mechanic who rebuilt my rack
explained to me. The rack leaks because the internal seals fail. The
rubber boot, which is already subjected to heat and age, now gets
treated with Pentosin and cracks. Now the Pentosin drips onto the
gearbox and expensive mechanics tell you you have a serious leak form
transmission seals ;-) If you decide to rebuild the rack now, it usually
needs just a new seal kit and boot. If you keep driving it in this
condition, the water and dirt get in through the cracked boot and causes
the gears to wear very quickly. 

Aleksander Mierzwa
Warsaw, Poland
mailto:alex@matrix.com.pl
87 Audi 5000CS turbo (mine)
88 Renault Medallion wagon (mom's)
91 mountain bike (just in case both cars broke at the same time :-)

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Albert Ng [SMTP:alng@purdue.edu]
> Sent:	Friday, October 03, 1997 6:59 PM
> To:	Quattro List
> Cc:	Ken.Gorman@ftw1.honeywell.com
> Subject:	RE:200T Suspension Problem
> 
> Hi there,
> 
> I had the same problem a while ago when my 5kcst has the bad steering
> rack.
> It seems that the rack had some internal wear and caused the rack leak
> and 
> loosen. And after a while I discovered the clunking noise, and the
> rack 
> leaking even more serious. So after 15 cans of pentosin, I replaced
> the 
> rack and the noise is gone. 
> 
> It's easy to check if the noise is related to the rack. 
> 1) Check if your rack has any leaks, if not you probably don't have to
> do 
>    #2 
> 2) With the engine running and the car standing still, turn your
> steering 
>    wheel lock to lock and hear if there is any clunking noise. If yes,
> 
>    the noise can be from your steering rack.
> 
> 
> 
> HTH
> 
> 
> 
> Albert Ng
> '87 5kcst 
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> --
> 
> 
> List experts:
> 
> Problem: 1990 Audi 200 - Clunking noise near or around driver's side
> front wheel when hitting bumps.  Clunking is more noticeable when
> turning left (essentially unweighting the driver's side and
> compressing
> the passenger side).  The clunking is evident going over bumps while
> going straight.  The clunking is not heard while turning right (driver
> side is weighted ).  The clunking noise sounds like something is
> loose.
> 
> Investigation:  Jacked the car up and visually inspected control arms,
> tie rod ends, struts.  They "appear" ok.  I tried pulling on the tire
> to
> see if it was loose.  It wouldn't move.  I'm not an expert in
> suspension
> related components, so what may appear "OK" to me may not be.  
> 
> What else can I check - and what are the proper procedures for
> diagnosing this noise.  
> 
> Thanks for any suggestions.
> 
> Regards,