Alignment...

[David Head <dave.head@worldnet.att.net>]

Spent some time on the phone with my mech today - the 89 suspension is
being redone whilst I gallivant around the country.
After replacing rear wheel bearings, rear tie rods, front and rear trap
bushings and outer tie rod ends (in front), he said it was a 2 hour job
to dial in the alignment. It was criminal how far the alignment was out
in the back. For example - caster out over an inch. Of course, the tie
rod outer joints were shot, and both rear bushings had been ripped out
awhile. I imagine the 'aligners' were continually trying to compensate
for bad components.
He now states the car handles like its 'on rails'. This is from a guy
who races an SCCA coupe GT (about the only Audi in the southeast) with
the stiffest coilovers I've ever felt.
I'm eagerly awaiting taking it for a spin come Monday. We're also doing
both motor mounts, tranny mounts and the center bearing rubber cap. If
you've felt a 'banging' under the car under heavy acceleration, its the
rubber cap/suspender for the center bearing allowing the driveshaft to
move about too much.

Dave Head
89 200q - 203K (Casper)