RE: Trailer hitch sources and BTDT strut replacement

["Buchholz, Steven" <Steven.Buchholz@kla-tencor.com>]

> Anybody know of a source for a trailer hitch for my '91 200TQ?
> 
At one point Blaufergnugen was selling them ... I think their website is
www.audiquattroparts.com ... the hitches are probably made by DaLan (I don't
know), so you can contact any local supplier (like U-haul) to see if they
can get DaLan hitches to see what their price would be ... keep in mind that
there may be some minor modifications of the back of the car to make it all
fit in ...

> Anybody BTDT replacing the strust on the same car. The fronts look real
> straightforward except for the special tool that Bentley calls out. Any
> tricks to avoid buying the special tool?
> 
Let's see, there are 2 special tools needed (at least on the '89 200q), one
to hold the strut rod while loosening the cover, and the other to engage the
cap on the strut to remove it.  

I've got both tools, which make it MUCH easier, but it is possible to get
around both if you don't want to get the special tools.  I've heard that use
of an impact wrench can make it unnecessary to hold onto the strut rod ...
or you can grab hold of it in the wheel well with something like a vise
grip.  My favorite solution was to disassemble a 1/2" drive Sears Craftsman
ratchet which had a button in the back to actuate the quick release.  With
this mechanism gone it was possible to inset a 6mm hex key through the hole
in the ratchet and use a standard socket to loosen the top nut.  As the
socket with the hole in the side is also useful for removing OXS's I ended
up buying the "correct" tool.  As for the second tool, here again you can
probably loosen the cap with an appropriate pair of pliers or vise grips,
but having the right tool makes it a lot easier ...

> It looks like I'll need a spring compressor for the rears. Any other
> things
> I should know about?
> 
You shouldn't need a spring compressor to do the rear either!  The way the
rear suspension is designed allows you to replace the dampers without having
to dismount the springs.  

People can say what they wish about "team door handle" ... but IME I
continue to see a lot of thoughtful designs that make maintaining my own car
myself so much more possible!  Too bad they didn't put more thought into the
type 44 5k to make it less needing of maintenance!

HTH & IUD!
Steve Buchholz
San Jose, CA (USA)
with 20 Audi door handles installed on various cars ... never had to replace
a single one!