A4 2.8q vs 2.8Cq (plus help if you can)

[fzr phil]

hello there,

Due to ongoing problems with my CQ, i have rashly (read stupidly) purchased an A4 2.8q saloon.
not really into the 4 door thing as a rule but was looking for some breathing space to get the cq sorted. gives me oportunity to compare the 30v with 12v. ultimately decide which to keep.
no denying it is a nice car and fast too though the engine feels a lot different. seems to lack something bottom end, also not as silky smoothas 12V. miss the cruise control. stereo does not sound as good as mine. exhaust sounds all refined- as does engine. no drive line shunt or clonks. like the adjustable steering wheel. more room around the pedals. steering feels lighter. seats firmer/ fabric (mine are leather). no wood trim.
rear doors are good for my son, nephew. has a sunroof. no climate/ ac.(not that mine works anyway at the moment!)

bought the car locally off ebay. below the owners reserve. have put tyres on it which i new about (pirreli p6000), sorted lower door trim (new). changed air/ pollen filter. got some spark plugs but they seem quite difficult to replace, and oil+filter and some g12 for a coolant flush (used discount at gsf). will need a windscreen too. (will wait for insrance doc's to arrive)

Unexpectedly it has also developed a major pas fluid leak. possibly from rack but you just can't see anything.
this is a right spanner in the works!
will be doing some ringing round tomorrow. may even get the dealer do it.
is it an engine out job?
anyone familiar with 30v?. i guess it is very similar to S4.
any of you with workshops want the job?
or have recomendation of someone who is competent to do the work. i live in Thurrock. nr dartford tunnel / m25.

thanks in advance
Phil

[john881000]

p/steering rack

hi
steering rack can be done without takening engine out
remove plastic covers that hide rack in wheel arch areas
3 ,,,,10mm multispline bolts hold it onto body

1 bolt(10mm socket) under battery....remove battery
1 bolt (10mm socket) under brake servo
1 bolt (10mm socket)under car behind exhaust heat shields on drivers side .............roughly under brake servo

loosen off steering column.to rack(...and secure steering wheel and collapersible steering shaft )
loosen of tierod bolts and nuts
lossen of p/steering pipes that secured to p/steering rack

loosen off hyderaulic pipes to rack,,,,a bit awkward

then manuver or manhandle rack out from drivers side....easier if two people doing job


fitment is the reversal perceedure


make sure you have radio code......or using code keeper( small battery type device for keeping systems live)


my 2 cents
hope helps
cheers
john

[fzr phil]

thanks, doesn't sound quite as scary. any ideas on costs of a rack?

Phil

[john881000]

hi....


not to bad to do if you on lift..............not so nice on axle stands

possibly thats the scary part..........price of rack

take into account at least 2 bottles p/steering oil into cost

cheeers
john

[kninio]

I did the job in arround 3 hours and half , but first time i changed it , it took me 5 hours , and John was my guidance thanks to John

for the hydro bolts its better to use long extansions and wrench so u make life easer , i did it while i was lieng under the car and it wasnt that bad except pain in my whole back muscels next day.

Two bottle of oil is enaugh to flush the old oil and fit new!

regards

[fzr phil]

thanks for all the advice,
i have now got the car sorted.
was not cheap but at the end of the day the job is done and i have a usable car.

hopefully can now get my coupe sorted. seems like it's rack is also leaking bad. and i suspect the servo too. few other bits and pieces to really bring it up to standard.

hopefully won't get too used to /attached to the A4

Xmas wishes for all

Phil

[kninio]

did you recondition the rack or bought it new? , i feel audi B4 type is more solid then a4 or i am mistaking?