Subject: hydraulic lines

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

>>From: TRACY.M.FINNEGAN@monsanto.com
>Subject: hydraulic lines
>
>     I have a few questions concerning the repair of a leaking hydraulic 
>     system.  I an thinking about going to a truck shop to have my own 
>     hoses made for a fraction of the cost of original equipment 
>     replacement. 

I did exactly that - the high pressure hose from the pump to the rack cost
me a whole $26 to have made, done in 5 minutes, while I waited. I told my
local Audi guru-parts guy, and he said he was going to start collecting
used hoses and have them done and just set them aside for when he needed them.


 It's time to stop the green stuff from hitting the 
>     garage floor.
>     
>     1.  Why are the lines rigid and insulated?
>     2.  What is the max pressure the lines will see?
>     3.  Ant concerns using replacement hoses that are flexible?
>     4.  Which hoses are the most likely leakers, the rack looks bone dry 
>     and the spot on the floor appears to be directly beneath the 
>     reservoir?

Check for frayed hose ends and loose hose clamps if you have a leak under
the reservoir. Also check the cap gasket - these get pretty crummy
(technical term) sometimes.

Note that the hose from the pump to the bomb MAY have a restrictor in it -
if you leave it out, you'll get a "throbbing" in the steering wheel.


>     5.  The hose the attaches to the bomb, any concerns with depressuring 
>     before removing?
>     

No - just pump the brake pedal 20 times or so with the key off - that will
release all pressure in the bomb. The residual pressure is in the steel
line from the bomb to the brake booster servo.

Remember to change ALL aluminum or copper seal rings and rubber "O" rings -
these are strictly "use once" parts. Get the torque settings for the
various banjo bolts from the manual - you CAN wring these off if you are
not careful.

>     Thanks, I hope to save some money here.  I really like the car but am 
>     getting tires of the high priced parts, if this keeps up I may have to 
>     buy a Honda.
>     
Don't buy a Honda! You won't know what you've got until it is gone. Keep
reading this list and find some aftermarket suppliers - only thing the
dealer is good for is . . . gee, I can't think of ANYTHING the dealer is
good for!

Best Regards,

Mike Arman