Paul
Posted a lot
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Posts: 1,939
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May 18, 2024 21:46:14 GMT
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Changed out the gearbox oil last weekend, largely as preventative maintenance but also because the box was a bit notchy and crunchy from cold. Quite simple when you've found the plugs...fill hole is a few inches above the drain on opposite sides of the rear if the box and the only issue is the socket size...it's a security M16 spline. I was on eBay to buy one and I literally walked past a security M16 spline on my magnetic socket rail. No idea where it came from so I'm going to assume God sent it to me. I've also totally revitalised, nay revolutionised the interior of the car by replacing the steering wheel with one from a Mk1 Audi TT Before Here's the internal boot release for when you've disconnected the battery (under the false floor in the boot), shut the lid and then realised you need to reconnect the battery and you can't get in: After My wife can't even see the difference the absolute heretic. The TT steering wheel is actually thinner, albeit with the same diameter, and has two divots to rest your thumbs. Also one less spoke so RACECAR WEIGHT REDUCTION ACHIEVED.
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Paul
Posted a lot
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Posts: 1,939
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Few other little tweaks made just because I felt like it why not? Old side indicators: New ones...which also swoosh from side to side 'dynamically' just as the advert said they would. Plug and play with no errors on the dash Numberplate lamp upgrade seemed necessary Here's the finished article: Still want to upgrade the sidelights as they're basically invisible...that's the next thing...
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Paul
Posted a lot
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Posts: 1,939
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Jun 29, 2024 22:34:06 GMT
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Sad times...the aluminium bullet failed her MOT yesterday 😢 Nothing too severe, a dodgy bulb and rear brake imbalance. Whipped the drums off and found this on the offside Mmm... That's a FUBAR wheel cylinder that is. So, considering the full belt and brace approach - shoes, cylinders and fitting kit - was a full £45 from GSF I set about dismantling and...er...mantling today. As an aside, the MOT man seemed to miss my leaky shock 🤣 Again, a pair on order for about £35. Cleaned up, fresh cylinder on so minimal brake fluid loss. I have to admit that I fully understand a well adjusted and serviced set of drum brakes can be every bit as effective as discs on a cheap, light car - but I still struggle every time to put them back together with all the springs in the right place. I paused here, grabbed a cold snack and am catching up with Glasto. To be continued!
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Paul
Posted a lot
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Posts: 1,939
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A thing of beauty... ...is a joy forever Advisories for corroded rear springs and an oil leak that I'm trying to pin down - it's somewhere on the front of the block near or around the oil filter housing...engine bay is so small I can't see much 🤣
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Paul
Posted a lot
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Posts: 1,939
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Jul 14, 2024 11:03:47 GMT
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The most recent MOT picked out corroded rear springs as an advisory, and if you're a regular you'll have noted that one of the rear shocks was a wee bit moist. So this morning I decided to rectify these things Not terrible, but a bit tired. Just like a Polo of the same age, the shocks bolt in from the outside so no faffing around in the boot to unbolt the top mount. This made light work of the dozen or so T25s holding the arch liner on. Got it for my birthday, it's just a cheap Amazon special I've no idea how I survived without it. It won't take the skin off a rice pudding but to wind out long bolts once you've cracked them, or to wind these back in because they're about 8NM, it makes life a doddle. Living under a tree...but with an aluminium body there wasn't a hint of corrosion. Ah, this may prove a problem. Only one way to find out. Since it's possible to replace the spring purely by undoing the 16mm bottom bolt (why not 17? Who knows?) and yanking the shock out I thought I may as well crack on and see the end result at the...eh...end. Mmm...satisfying. And the height? Looks fine to me. Maybe a finger higher at the back but she is parked on a downhill here, and it's not unreasonable to expect new shocks and springs to settle a bit. Also as a daily I don't mind tbh. Can I tell the difference? Well, maybe psychosomatically...but it's more reassuring to know that this is done - they may well outlast the car now 😁 Next job - track down the oil leak. Think it's the oil filter housing itself...there or thereabouts. It's definitely running from the front of the block down and over the sump/sump plug - but that's just a red herring!
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jamesd1972
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,904
Club RR Member Number: 40
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2001 Audi A2 1.4 - shockingjamesd1972
@jamesd1972
Club Retro Rides Member 40
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Aug 29, 2024 19:45:02 GMT
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How's it going with this ? Useful to hear how you are getting on. Considering one for the boy as a first car - insurance isn't horrific (bit more than a fiesta but not much) and a much more interesting car. They seem to be nice cars about for less than £2K which is tired Fiesta money. James
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