No Subject

[Jason Aamodt <Jason-aamodt@utulsa.edu>]

Hey!  New to the list, although I've owned a '87 5Ksq for nearly 4 years now.

I'm looking for a good, reliable Audi mechanic in Tulsa, OK.  Any ideas?

I have been going to Clark Motorcars, but I understand that their lead Audi
Mechanic left (to where I don't know ) and the last two times there the
service has been bad.

I'd really appreciate your advice.  I am about to embark on spending some
money on my car.  Its in great shape other than two problems:

1)  The exhaust system makes a rattling sound at low rpms.  Excuse my
language, but it almost sounds like it is farting continuously.  When the
engine revs over 1100 rmp, the sound goes away.

2)  After extended use (1 hour) the brakes become "hard"; the petal has
little room for depression and the brakes are partially locked.  I think it
is in the front because I was recently forced to continue driving like this
for half a mile or so and the wheel was uncontrollably shaky even when not
braking, but even moreso when pressing on the brake pedal.  I think that
this is related to a bad wheel bearing on the drivers front side.  A year
ago I was informed that a soft "clunk" I would hear on that side was the
result of a "loose wheel bearing" and that I should bring it back when it
started to "act up" (advice from Clark).  But, it also seems to be related
to elevated engine temperatures, in that just idling the car until it gets
quite warm without moving the car seems to exacerbate the problem.

I would appreciate some insight into these problems.  I want to fix both
because I really like the feel and handling of the old Audi.  Nothing made
today gives me the confidence that it does.  And, I'm not in a position to
spend $30,000.  Also, it seems the right thing to do.  

If I should fix these problems and keep the car, where should I take it in
Oklahoma (hopefully near Tulsa)?

Thanks!

Jason.