Re: Audi Clutch alignment

["Mik Tip" <miktip@worldnet.att.net>]

I found it "odd" someone was posting to the Qlist, about gearbox removal and
clutch R/R,
and recommended not to use the C.A.T!  Especially with "Zero" Audi gearbox
removal
experience(so stated)!  I understand its "one mans opinion", but there's
quite a few
people out there who take it quite literally!  In the past I have been
inundated with requests
and questions on the "tricks" for R/R of Audi gearbox's.  Only to "correct"
many a bad
procedure these folks heard along the way!

Personally I too feel the FWD & 4WD are somewhat "easier" then RWD, but this
varies
with make and model.  Audi specific gearboxes, FWD & Q's are not difficult,
just real heavy,
which adds much difficulty, especially going it solo!

Take the Coupe GT, for example, there's allot involved, in just removing the
gearbox.
Including aligning the engine, removing steering components, removing lower
support , exhaust,
etc, etc...

Knowing the "tricks" involved makes the job much more easier, and
simplified!
Utilizing the C.A.T while installing the Coupe GT gearbox, as well as a 4KQ
gearbox,
in my book is a must!  I have tried it without, and I'm here to tell you,
unless you have the
clutch disk, PERFECTLY aligned prior to tighening the pressure plate, and
installing the
gearbox input shaft, the gearbox will not go together, period.  1mm off and
no joy!!

Granted an "experienced" type(you, me, several others), can make short work
of instillation
since we know the tricks, and are resourceful!   Using the C.A.T, for the
"novice" should
be a requirement.  Then they can learn from their first gearbox experience,
and develop
their technique, as experience allows.

We must learn to crawl before we can walk!(my point here)

All in all, utilizing the C.A.T. is too simple not too!(part of my routine)
(Finding the correct one for an Audi is another matter!)

I'm sure we could all learn a thing or two from each other.

If only we could all get together!

                              Mik

-----Original Message-----
From: QSHIPQ@aol.com
To: apowell@agcom.tamu.edu miktip@worldnet.att.net
Cc: quattro@coimbra.ans.net
Date: Saturday, 18 October, 1997 8:11 AM
Subject: Re: Audi Clutch alignment


>In a message dated 97-10-18 01:39:14 EDT, Mike T writes:
>
><<  It has been my experience, with most Front Wheel Drive, and 4 wheel
> > drive vehicles, the clutch is "No small feat"  Namely due to the
> > design specifics inherent with these "specific" types of vehicle.
>Mike, the only difference is the addition of the rear driveshaft.  Having
>done many fwd and rwd cars, I find the "design specifics" easier with awd
>than fwd, since audi fwd/awd is more a rwd job given the engine
orientation.
> "no small feat" can be applied to the weight, not complexity.  Proper
>planning of the r&r can make this a one man job.  All of the ones I've done
>are by me only.  Hardly claiming any feat.
>
> > On the Coupe's and 4KQ's, unless you have the gearbox "PERFECTLY"
> > aligned, it WILL NOT ( Audi Gods say NO!) go together, period! BTDT.
> > Even utilizing the "clutch alignment tool", (which IS required for
> > an Audi), you will still encounter a few small difficulties to
> > overcome!
>Like it's not really necessary for the CAT.  I found that NOT using the
>C.A.T. gives a better success rate than using it.  Usually within two
>"eyeball" realign of the clutch, the trans goes in.  My experience is that
>the clutch slightly lower than center gives a more successful mount.
> >
> > That and the damn gearbox weighs a ton!
> > Audi + Gearbox= no easy job!
>She is a heavy one, removal no problem, install takes time and muscle. The
>fwd and autoboxes however, are easier with N/S orientation than many other
>fwd cars.
>
>My .02
>
>Scott
>
>