The UK quattro Network
The UK's mobile Audi 5-cylinder mechanic - 07833 654800, 24x7
Specialist in turbos, quattros, electrics and non-starts
"Bei Einstellarbeiten sind die jeweiligen Sollwerte so genau wie möglich anzustreben."
"During adjustment each nominal value must be achieved as closely as possible."
A correct four-wheel alignment (to specification, not just within tolerances) is critical to ur-quattro handling. Correct adjustment requires an alignment ramp on which all movements can be fully relaxed and an optical measuring rig. A LASER rig has no particular advantage over a cross-hair mirror rig - the critical factors are the skill and dedication of the operator. The job can actually be done by a real expert using fishing line and simple measuring equipment, though this is time-consuming and not recommended.
And a printout is pointless if the numbers on it are wrong.
The greatest single danger is that one or more adjustments will be too stiff for the operator to move and will be left because they are "within tolerance". This is unacceptable. The best way to avoid this is to free up and deliberately mis-set all adjustments before taking the vehicle for alignment. After alignment, check that the front track rod arm ends sit vertically in the steering arms. It's a good idea to have the mechanic slip a length of bicycle inner tube over the rear track rods, then pack this with grease and tie-wrap the ends once adjustment is complete.
In general, always use new nuts and bolts when replacing suspension parts. The rear inner tie rod bolts go into captive nuts and should have tab washers securing them. Do NOT use Loktite, especially on bolts going into captive nuts - subsequent removal can spin the captive nut, which is costly to recover from.
It is always a good idea to let new bushes bed in a little before having an alignment done. If the wishbones and balljoints are separated, a light spray of paint before separation will enable them to be put back as they were, though if the old bushes and ball joints were worn, the alignment could still be significantly out.
The values given in the microfiche on frame 44-03 are incorrect.
These are from "Technisches Merkblatt zum Reparaturleitfaden - 00.5147.31.00", March 1988.
| Adjustment | Nominal | Tolerance | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total track | 0° | +5'/-10' | |
| Camber (wheels straight ahead) | -50' | +30'/-30' | Max delta between sides 30' |
| Track angle difference at 20° steering angle to the left or right | 1° 5' | +30'/-30' | |
| Castor (not adjustable) | 1° 30' | +40'/-40' | Maximum difference between left and right 30' |
| Adjustment | Nominal | Tolerance | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camber | -30' | +30'/-30' | Max delta between sides 30' |
| Track per wheel at prescribed camber | -5' | +5'/-5' | |
| Total track at prescribed camber | -10' | +10'/-10' |
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Contact Phil Payne by email or use mobile/SMS 07833 654800