Re: grinding sound in rain

[<isham-research.freeserve.co.uk@pop.pol.net.uk>]

>>I was driving the '91 200q home in a heavy down poor doing about 55-60 mph
>>when I started hearing a grinding like sound from the driver's side front of
>>the car. It would come and go with no regularity. Everything seemed fine -
>>brakes worked, engine was running fine, etc..

> Have you replaced the exhaust system- perhaps with an aftermarket?  My
> coupe has done this once in a while since I put in an aftermarket
> exhaust (Scorpion).  The fitment is OK, but sits too high (close to the
> floorboards, heat shields, and driveshaft.  Once in a while in pouring
> rain it makes this terrible sound- like gravel caught in machinery.
> My suspicion is that all the water on the hot exhaust causes it to
> expand/ contract funny and rub somewhere.

> Never have been able to find the evidence of rubbing or any other damage,
> so although it is disconcerting, I've learned to live with it.

The problem is almost always towards the rear subframe.  Push a wooden
hammer handle between the exhaust and the rear drive shaft flange (the
one with the triple-square bolt heads and twist it so the exhaust is being
pushed over.  Then loosen and retighten the clamp between the exhaust
centre section and the rear box.

--
 Phil Payne
 UK Audi quattro Owners Club
 Phone +44 7785 302803  Fax +44 870 0883933