Getting hosed and not getting hosed

[Mike Arman <armanmik@n-jcenter.com>]

Part one: Getting Hosed.

Guess whose type 44 developed the standard leaking pentosin power steering
pressure hose syndrome? Now at least I know where the green gold is going!

Anyway, I took *another* leaky hose (donated by Dave Head - his had the
same problem - imagine that!) over to the local truck and industrial
hydraulics supply joint.

While I waited, they cut off the two end (banjo) fittings, slid female
flare fittings onto them, made up a center section with mating flare
fittings (male), assembled and tested it, handed it back to me in exactly
five minutes flat, for a whole $26.00. Quote: "This one is NEVER going to
leak again. It will outlast the rest of the car." I tend to believe him -
these guys make hoses for Brockways and bulldozers - this one must have
looked like a toy to him.

The flare fittings are adjustable so the angles and fit of the banjo
fittings can be made perfect, and they even added a ribbed plastic
anti-abrasion sleeve over the new braided hose.

Long term testing commences Saturday, weather permitting. I wonder what
else I can fix forever for $26.00?

Part Two: Not Getting Hosed.

Developed a leaky clutch master cylinder last week - this was new in June
of 97, from All-European for $91.00. Called him this AM on his new 800
number, and asked in my best non-confrontational manner how long these were
supposed to last.

New one coming via UPS (snow permitting), at a DEEP discount off the
$91.00. Note that warranty is normally a year - I guess All-European is one
of the few Audi-related businesses who have realized that keeping your
customers happy means you'll get to see them again!

I'm happy, and a big, public THANK YOU to All-European.

Best Regards (and if you're looking for me Saturday, I'll be wrenching on
my Audi!)

Mike Arman