5000 brake woes

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

>From: John Larson <jdlarson@ix.netcom.com>
>Subject: 5000 Brake woes
>
>Not to flame Mike Arman, but as a professional tech, I would NEVER
>install a rebuilt master cylinder, especially one from a mass marketer
>like Pep Boys and their Ilk. When their junk rebuilt starters and
>alternators fail, and they do at an alarming rate, you're only stranded
>somewhere. However, if their master cylinder, rebuilt to a price, not a
>quality standard, you may very well be stranded in someone's personal
>space. Inside their trunk, for example. I wouldn't do that to a
>customer, to a friend, and especially to my sister.
>BTW, I agree with the diagnosis, and the other advice contained in
>Mike's post.
>HTH, John
>

Here's an honest difference of opinion, approached in a rational manner.
(Refreshing, isn't it?)

As a professional tech (which I am NOT), I'm sure John sees many, many more
master cylinders than I do. Personally, I've never had a problem with
quality rebuilts, but again, my sample is smaller, and YMMV. I must mention
that if the new OEM was such a super quality item, why are we having to
replace it? ;-)

I agree that probably the best way to go is new, but that is no guarantee
either. New parts fail, too, and sometimes don't have the benefit of
upgrades from field experience.

I've rebuilt more than a few master cylinders (and other hydraulic
components) and found that for reasons that are unclear, the success ratio
on Audi hydraulic components is notably lower than on other makes. (This
has not only been my experience.) 

In this case, my preference is for a rebuilt. Nowadays, brake master
cylinder failures are not "all or nothing", nor are they "instant", so even
if the rebuilt fails, we still have *some* brakes and *some* indication
that something is amiss. We have dual braking systems and lord knows enough
warning and sensor systems, especially on Audis! I respect John's opinion
and his experience, and I'm glad he voiced it. After all, that is one of
the things this list is about.

I'd be very curious to know how many listers have had problems with rebuilt
hydraulic components - not because I plan to say "told ya so!" but because
if it IS an issue, I will certainly change my opinion.

Best Regards,

Mike Arman