Questions and Answers

Audi 90 CS Questions Q. I am attempting to repair some items on my 1993 Audi 90 CS. V-6 FI, Automatic Transmission, ABS, P/S, P/W, A/C, Cruise and R&P Steering. I purchased several OEM parts online, and had a friend who knows a lot more than I do perform most of the work while I watched and learned a few things.

We replaced:
Lower Ball Joints (Very bad)
Rotors (Scored badly)
Pads (Still some left, but overall ready to be replaced).

I had the car looked at by a mechanic I trust prior to purchasing it, and subsequently went off of his diagnosis when purchasing the parts and deciding what was a priority.

His diagnosis:
Bad L/F Lower Ball Joint
Bad P/S Pump, or P/S hose. Leaking fluid towards back of engine. Difficult to tell w/o taking plastics off of engine (in front). Not serious.
L/F CV Boot worn, R/R
Front Brakes - Needs Rotors and Pads.

Another shop that specializes in Audi told me additionally that the Steering Rack needed to be replaced, although their analysis is questionable, since they didn't actually put it on the rack to look.

1. When we replaced the lower ball joints, I believe we put them on the wrong sides. Is there a true right or left side and does this make a difference? I noticed that the parts have different angles when I looked at a photo of the part online. When we re-assembled, the wheels were positioned forward in the wheel well, causing them to rub. Also, major clangs and clunks when turning wheel. Would this explain these problems? Best advice to fix, and will reversing them result in any problems? I have only driven the car about one mile from friend's garage to my house after repair.

2. When replacing the rotors and brakes (ATE Power Disc rotors, Jurid pads) we noticed that there is an electronic wear sensor (looks like a mini-spark plug wire) attached to the pads. However, there was no receiving plug to plug into. Where is the plug, if available? Is this common? What should we do about the sensor? We used plastic ties to fasten the sensor to the brake fluid hose assembly for the meantime, to keep it out of the way.

3. I have also purchased the Axle Assemblies (new) complete with CV, Boot, etc. I would like to replace these to repair the CV problems listed above. Are there any issues I should be aware of, or is this fairly straight forward? Again, is there a true right or left side, and does this make a difference? Something that we should be able to do with the right tools, equipment? We're pretty well stocked in those departments, with the exception of not having a lift (we use a 2 ton floor jack).

4. I would think that I am going to need an alignment after this. Someone mentioned an Audi certified alignment, or other special alignment for European sports cars? Is there such a thing? Any considerations on a specific type of alignment? Guess on cost? Private shop, tire joint, or national chain?

Thanks very much for your time!
Chris

A. On some cars there is a difference between left and right ball joints and on some cars there is no difference. On your car, however, there is a difference. If you bought OEM parts, 895407366A is the right side and 895407365A is the left side. If you have them reversed then you'll need to swap them left to right.

If your car does not have the plug for the wear sensors, and if it did it would be obvious, just clip the sensor wire flush with the brake pad and forget about it. I, personally, would not leave it tied to the brake hose.

There is a difference between the two axles, OEM P/N's Right - 8A0407272AH and Left - 8A0407271AH. Generally the right side axle is about 18' longer than the left side. Simple to replace and no special tools are required to replace them.

You will need to get an alignment when you get the ball joints switched around properly. A four-wheel alignment is best. The best place would be an Audi dealership since they have the most experience. Other than that, a good tire store would be a good choice. A four-wheel alignment will probably run about %40.00 to $75.00. As far as I know, and I've done a lot of alignments, there is noting special in the way you align a European car.

Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA