Better to KNOW even bad news...
 

Hi,

Thanks for the tips, I didn't even know it was a ball joint... that is how coroded the thing is! :-(

If anyone knows human anatomy, the hip "ball" has a neck, that is what old people break, the neck of the femur (oh, and I'm not a Doctor as well as not being an engineer!).

The linkage had broken the neck of the femur, you can't see a ball at all... It must be in the plastic bushing". Will look of course.

OK. On planet earth there are lots of ball-joints so has anyone ever tried to re-purpose one for this linkage? If I find a source I'll pass it on! +++

But for now I will remove the whole assembly and check for wear elsewhere.

Also I'll do some research into Construction and Use regs. It may be an offence to drive without wipers... But on motorcycles if all wiring and fixings are removed for say, indicators, then that is OK, whereas a broken bulb is braking the law!! :Confused::ROFL:

Robert

Wow I see it now on a closer look! I hadn't even realised the ball had gone. Thats slightly harder to fix...

Ball and socket joints
 

Hi,

A quick search of ball and socket joints online shows lots of options,

http://www.automotioncomponents.co.u...t-joints/r3520

Early days yet but if I can't find a mechanism I think the removal of the old ball and socket joint (s?) and replacement will be possible. ;)

Anyone want to share a batch of 50?? :ROFL:

Robert

As with most manufacturers the common bits are mass produced by outside contractors. Audi arent going to have just a couple of thousand ball/socket combos produced just for a d2.
If the linkages are ok, the engineer in me would try and source the linkage off another vag group car of similar 'size' ... vw phaeton, wv passat or audi a6 spring to mind.
There are bound to be nos ones floating about on ebay or similar.
Use the ball/socket off these and repair your own. The bits are normally clipped in or worst case a circlip to hold them under the gunk.

I've got a couple of D2 wiper mechanisms, one more worn than the other. The plabn is to replace the ball joints (3 I think) and refit one to my car, then do the same to the mechanism that I take out.

That would leave me with 2 refurbished mechanisms - at least one of which I'd sell on.

I think David might be up for the same job, so that's 12 of your 50 joints accounted for!

Do you have a local engineering shop that would do it, or was that a joke?

Engineering Shop
 

Hi,

My engineering shop is called Nick. I am swapping ridiculous tales and making outrageous plans with him tomorrow night (i.e. Going to the Pub).

Out of my regulator drinking pals he is the only one who MAKES anything; the rest of us move goods from place to place (shopkeepers :o), office-walahs (civil servants :tuttut:) and a psychiatric nurse (handy!+++).

Will report back! Soon, or.have to SORN A8 till fixed :-(

Robert

The Nick
 

Guru Nick Says...

"Nothing like when I was stuck on a crippled Merchant Vessel in the middle of the Indian Ocean"... :-(: :tuttut: :Confused:

But then most engineering fixes are not THAT difficult....:D

OK, I have homework set. 1. Remove wiper assembly. 2. Take whole lot to engineering merchants in middle of Barnsley (M C Mills). 3. Look daft, appeal for sympathy and someone with knowledge and 4. Buy bits or retreat with tips on where next to try. :ROFL:

Slightly sadly, will SORN magnificent beast on Sunday... Expected to do work in winter but not just yet. :(

Next week for that, will keep you all posted...

Robert

Sorted!
 

Hi All,

Our Sponsors pulled a mech from a newly arrived car and it will be here by the weekend! +++

They said they would test and not list online as "I was a Forum User" - result! :ROFL:

I will try to interest my palls in refurbishing the old set, they may well keep another car on the road...

Laird, thanks for your interest, I will pass on any research on ball joints.

Robert

Final chapter
 

Hi All,

Got a local independent to refit, cost nowt (£30 IS nowt on PlanetAudi!).

Now re-taxed and ready to give me some fun; thanks again for all tips and hints. :D

One tip the independent garage gave was that MGTFs had problems with wipers and one of their customers fixed his with proper rose joints! :love: Class. +++

Robert

Simple question: is the new genuine Audi replacement mechanism still available from Audi/TPS? If yes, I'd thank god, order the damn thing, replace and that will give me another dozen of happy years.

I'm thinking to change mine preventively and save old one in case it'll appear to be repairable in the future.