What's in the workshop this weekend? . . . General VOD

[ainarssems]

Since we're aiming to improve the handling, the D2 tie rod ends (top) with rubber insers were replaced with RS4 solid versions. This job is usually a day's work on most D2s, spent dealing with seized bolts and then having to replace the inner tie rod as the inner and outers are stuck together. Ten minutes a side on General Vod

My D2 never needed new TREs but on A6 when I replaced bushed to solid aftermarket versions they were introducing a lot more noise and knocks especially going over potholes or uneven surface while turning so they where switched to OEM ones with rubber bush and felt a lot better without changing anything else. I did not notice any difference in handling but A6 is running 17" summer and 16" winter so with a high sidewall there is more give in tyre anyway which softens handling so a bush in TRE may not have the same difference as running 20".

This reminds me I have a spare pair of old unused stock OEM TREs, not sure I will need them for A6 before it's retired so they may be up for sale.

[homer simpson]

Originally Posted by MikkiJayne

Terminals crimped on

Which tool do you use to crimp these terminal ends properly? I've seen different ones and some seem really crap lol. Or do you have such a good knack now that you do them with some long nose pliers?

[MikkiJayne]

I have a ratchet crimp tool designed specifically for bare terminals

We had a successful road test this morning, and the combination of suspension components is highly entertaining on the country lanes Still very comfortable in a straight line, but now much more controlled in corners. Gone is the drunken hippo which may capsize at the slightest change of direction - now he turns in on request, settles in to the corner and just powers through it. It is an excellent configuration for a countryside car that does the occasional motorway trip and I'm very pleased with it. The lack of Bilsteins actually worked out in the end.

However, here's where the General remembered he's a D2, and since he's been a joy to work on all week decided that 2 hours before going home he would throw a spanner in the works He was quite damp inside when he arrived and so I suspected blocked drains - either scuttle or hvac, but there was no evidence of either. Alas when I lifted the passenger side carpet, the relay box cover was wet. My immediate thought was botang's hole, which has never been a problem on this one but thats the usual culprit for this.

On inspection, there was no evidence of the hole being exposed so I decided to remove the ECU box to get a better look, at which point I found the problem - one of the studs had come adrift from the plastic and was allowing water in at the base of the box.





The nut was rusted almost solid on to the stud from where it had been leaking. I suspect this may have been the problem right from the start, but I never noticed when I did the work on him originally.



The only other ECU box I could easily get to was in the murple so that was quickly retrieved and fitted, and all appears to be well again. I got everything back together with ten minutes to spare

All done:





The brakes fit fine in 18s!



Plenty of room there, although its a good job he has spacers on otherwise it would have been a little tight on the spokes



The brakes feel pretty good but obviously haven't bedded in yet so once Bert has had a chance to use them properly I will report back on his thoughts

[89forever]

I can see why the preference to the D3 calipers compared to the D2 boat anchors.....
first time today for me holding a set of D3’s and for the size they are a light paperweight, would massively reduce unstrung weight compared to your originals

[Ronin]

what size are those tyres? they look perfect on those alloys. I recently got 5 for £80 and will be putting them on for sure.

[HPsauce]

They look like the standard 245/45R18 to me.

[MikkiJayne]

Michelin Crossclimate in the stock 245 45 18 size.

[Ronin]

Originally Posted by MikkiJayne

Michelin Crossclimate in the stock 245 45 18 size.

Oh yes!! those are the exact ones i want to get, CrossClimate 2's

[MikkiJayne]

Interesting tyre actually. Quite a firm sidewall for a M&S rated construction. They're a little narrow for the size but the handling is entertaining enough. The unusual tread pattern seems to make them hum a little in cornering.

I was contemplating these or the BF Goodrich G-grip for the D2 which shall not be named. I have the BFG winters on the A6 (which function just fine as all-seasons) and they're a great tyre so on balance personally I'd stick with the BFGs if I had any D2s on 18s.

[ainarssems]

Originally Posted by Ronin

Oh yes!! those are the exact ones i want to get, CrossClimate 2's

I believe Crossclimate 2 was delayed till next autumn, Crossclimate + is the current one, have a set on D3 in 235/50R18, cannot complain but will probably put PS4 for summer on 19"