Audi - More to do

"NinetyQ" (NinetyQ)
08/29/2013 at 18:29 • Filed to: A90Q20V

Took the Audi to my preferred local shop today with a checklist in hand. I wanted them to do an alignment, see what was wrong with the handbrake, check the catalytic converter, give me their opinion on the power hesitation above 5k rpm as well as an opinion on what I feel is harsh engine braking and whining when it's coasting in gear.

Turns out they think the engine braking isn't a problem and that I'm just feeling the driveline slack, but they didn't really say much about the power cutting out. The guy I talked to said the mechanic said it seemed like it was hitting the limiter, but that seems very wrong for being only around 5k rpm (with a 7k redline that I've run it up to myself). They also said the catalytic converter was probably fine, but since I have a replacement, I might eventually have them put it in anyway.

And now for the bigger stuff. They couldn't do the alignment because both front lower control arms are shot. They also said that the rear calipers didn't seem to be working at all, or if they were, only very little. That makes sense since I've been hearing a little bit of groaning coming from back there under braking. It's probably just barely making contact with the slightly rusty rotors. So those are my next two projects.

I also had a car washing party with my mom. She washed her Explorer in the time it took me to do my Audi and half the Grand Prix. Tomorrow, the GP gets clay bar'd and waxed. The Audi needs buffed badly, but I'll probably wait.

DISCUSSION (9)

ddavidn > NinetyQ
08/29/2013 at 18:34

I did the control arms on my BMW. Actually, I paid someone to do it. That hurt the old wallet.

NinetyQ > ddavidn
08/29/2013 at 18:35

I bet. I'll be doing these myself if I can. I'm hoping to find the right parts with the bushings already installed so I can just put it together.

ddavidn > NinetyQ
08/29/2013 at 18:36

That would be good. I wish I had taken the initiative to do that on mine. I used to have a little more money and a little less sense.

NinetyQ > ddavidn
08/29/2013 at 18:40

Yeah, I can't really justify blowing much money on this car though when I have the Grand Prix running well. I'll just keep fixing it myself when I get the time and someday maybe have a functioning car.

ddavidn > NinetyQ
08/29/2013 at 18:40

That's exactly how I feel about my secondary car. Unfortunately. It hurts.

Casper > NinetyQ
08/29/2013 at 18:52

It's usually reasonably cheap to have someone press the bushings if you have everything. A lot of the machine shops around my area will do it.

505Turbeaux > Casper
08/29/2013 at 19:24

Yeah just pull the arms off and make an appt with a machine shop. Shouldn't take them more than 15 min to press them. Nice 20v btw, I had a green on green leather 20v 90 for a long time. Miss that thing now. Btw what rims are on that? Borbet? If so I had those too. Bent like hell though in potholes

NinetyQ > 505Turbeaux
08/29/2013 at 19:33

These are ASA copies of some BBS wheel. Not sure what. They came on the car when I bought it.

NinetyQ > Casper
08/29/2013 at 19:37

Yeah, I could have it done, but they're pretty rusty on mine. Not structurally compromised, but I'll have to give them a closer look before thinking about reusing them. It would just be nice to have new ones on if I can get them for not much more than the cost of the bushing.