COUPE QUATTRO SHIFT LINKAGE

[Porsray@aol.com]

(sent this out a few days ago, got zero responses.  Figured I screwed up
the sending - Ray Calvo)

Don't know if this is coincidence or not,  but shortly after the dire stories
on the 4-figure Quattro tranny repairs started appearing, I began having 
problems with the shift linkage on the Coupe.  It would hang up occasionally
on 1st-2nd shift (wouldn't go in) and also on 4th-5th shifts (would go into 
3rd rather than 5th).  I took the knob and boot off, and noticed that the 
round metal ring holding the plastic ball-&-socket joint in place (best way
 I can describe it) was loose.  Lacking time to really troubleshoot, I 
snapped the ring back in  place.  This improved things, but linkage is still
sloppy - in 1st thru 4th, can wiggle the shift rod noticeably in any gear, 
and have about 1/2 - 1" vertical free play movement in shift rod.  Was 
wondering what the group's experiences are.  I have intentions of 
replacing the ball-&-socket joint, the metal holding ring, and (possibly) 
the shift rod between the gear lever and the tranny, but want to get
opinions/experiences before proceeding.  Bentley's isn't much help
about what to expect.

(note:  what I call the "ball" Audi designates the "ball stop", what I call
the 
"socket" Audi calls the "ball housing").

Synchros are fine; no grinding up or down, and clutch engages smoothly.

Ray Calvo (porsray@aol.com)
1990 Coupe Quattro (just turned 120,000)