re a couple of things - 90q

["Smith, Kirby A" <kirby.a.smith@lmco.com>]

Mehul Dholakia <md@mtghouse.com> asked about his 1988 90q:

1) It seems something is wrong with the rear suspension. Each time I go over
   a bump, the rear end of the car vibrates like a cantilevered metal strip
   struck at its free end. I believe this has something to do with the
struts
   (I am a newbie in the world of auto-mechanics). Any suggestions on what
   could be wrong and what do I need to do to fix it ?

Struts are likely suspects.

2) The car does not seem to be able to get rid of harmful byproducts
cleanly.
   Each time I drive around, after about 10 mins, both the skin on my face
and
   my eyes start to burn and my lips feel very dry. I dont smell or see
   anything. So, I thought, maybe it is CO. I replaced the entire exhaust
   system (mufflers, cat, O2 sensor) over the last weekend, but the problem
   persists. Any ideas where and/or what might be causing this ? I know
   its not me, since I feel fine when I travel in my friend's car.

Perhaps your exhaust manifold is leaking.  This will be picked up by the air
conditioning intake under some conditions.  (Snow in my experience.)  Also
check that your air conditioning plenum drain (somewhere under the battery,
or accessible after removing the panel under the glovebox) is open and that
not too much flora is growing in your air ducts.

Kirby A. Smith   New Hampshire USA
1988 90q Titanium gray, 180 kmi
1988 90q Stone gray, 185 kmi 
1988 90q Stone gray, 180 kmi - parts car
1995 S6 Pearl effect, 80 kmi