Re: Alignment - 200TQ - front end is off a tad.

["Daniel Hussey" <dan_hussey@email.msn.com>]

My mechanic has a torch he claims will release seized up tie rods.  It's not
a propane torch though.  Can't remember the name.  Supposedly propane flame
is too big and just heats up the whole rod.  You have to use a torch that
has a more definate flame and just heats up the nut while keeping the rod
relatively cool.  That way it can be released and adjusted correctly.

He hasn't done it on my frozen up tie rods yet, but I'll report back next
week when he does and let everyone know of the results.

Later,
Dan
89 200tq
....needing an alighnment bad!

-----Original Message-----
From: Fred Munro <munrof@isys.ca>
To: peterb@mysysltd.com <peterb@mysysltd.com>; Quattro List
<quattro@audifans.com>
Date: Monday, July 19, 1999 9:46 PM
Subject: Re: Alignment - 200TQ - front end is off a tad.


>Hi Peter;
>
>    On my last alignment, I watched the mechanic at the local dealer sweat
>for 1.5 hours to remove the left tie rod end.  He used every form of
>persuasion known (short of a cutting torch - well, he did use a cutting
>torch but without the extra oxygen feed, though it must have been sorely
>tempting). That's why I took it to the shop - better him sweating with it
on
>a hoist than me on my back under the carport! For some reason, these tie
rod
>ends seize up something fierce.
>
>    On both of my Type 44's, the camber could not be set right on spec with
>the adjustment available. Usually the left side would come on spec, but the
>right side wouldn't just quite make it.
>    A good alignment does indeed make a world of difference on these cars.
>If you've found a good shop, treasure it - most shops won't take the time
>and care necessary to set the car up right.
>
>Fred Munro
>'91 200q  277k km
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Peter Berrevoets <peterb@mysysltd.com>
>To: Quattro List <quattro@audifans.com>
>Sent: Saturday, July 17, 1999 3:50 PM
>Subject: Alignment - 200TQ - front end is off a tad.
>
>
>> Had the car in the alignment shop yesterday - found an excellent guy in
>the
>> Toronto area if anyone wants to know email me.
>>
>> Set the rear alignment to -0.20 camber (preferred setting was -0.24) and
>toe
>> to +1/32 (the preferred setting).
>>
>> Front end was problematic.  It looks as if there had been a collision
with
>> the drivers side front wheel and a stationary object.  The shock had been
>> replaced, and there were indications of some sub frame adjusting.  The
>> steering rack was also discovered to be slightly offset towards the
>> passenger side.
>>
>> Net result was that the caster on the left is at +0.96 (preferred is
>+1.00)
>> the right at +.084 (preferred again +1.00).  The Camber on the left is
>> at -0.84 (preferred -0.52) with the right at -0.56.  The toe could not be
>> properly set due to totally rusted tie rod ends. The current toe is left
0
>> (preferred +1/16) and the right -5/16 (preferred +3/32).
>>
>> He also measure the front set-back - the amount that the distance between
>> wheel centres front to rear differs from left to right and discovered
that
>> the drivers side is shorter by 1/32 indicating a rearward relocation of
>the
>> front suspension.
>>
>> Even with these problems the drive feel of the car has improved
>> tremendously. Now I just have to figure out how I can fix my baby so the
>> set-up can be the 'preferred' all the way around.
>>
>> If I loosen the sub frame bushings and lever the left side forward a
>touch,
>> will this correct the problem, or am I opening a nasty can of worms?
>>
>> BTW the mechanic has offered to redo the four wheel alignment when I
>replace
>> the tie rod ends at no charge! And this after he spent over two hours
>> checking, measuring and adjusting!
>>
>> TIA
>>
>> Peter Berrevoets
>> 1990 200TQ 10V
>>
>>
>