introducing - project slow progress

Audi Nut Joined: Feb 23, 2010 Posts: 71

Hey all, Ive been hanging around a few weeks now, thought it was about time I show off my first audi after a long string of dubs!

she's a 2.8 V6 with 86k, FSH, full black electric recaro interior and aircon.. picked up up for sub 3k as there were a few issues needed sorting which I consider to be a steal considering the spec and the fact the hood loom was replaced at audi not less than 3k ago.

Anyway, some tyres, alignment adjustment, a power steering pump all done and now she's a lot better

She's my first audi as I said, previously coming from a long line of dubs I have a clear vision of what I want to do with this car. Every dub Ive ever owned has been modified but as so many people do I neglected the regular maintenance of a few of them in favour of adding toys.. so this time I'm doing it right and getting it up to scratch, every little leak,creak, knock and bang will be eliminated before I start playing with major mods like suspension/performance upgrades etc..

So I started off buying a replacement air box from a 2.6 coupe, I did plan to modify it to accomodate a cold air feed, but as there isn't a gret deal of room behind the OS headlight I'm still working on it..

Oh and I've also sprayed the chipped ring badge satin black.. not to everyone's taste but I like it..

An immediate area of attention are the front calipers, a pair of Girling twin piston items which are binding.. so rather than replace them I thought I'd have a go at refurbing them myself.

Enter the big red brake company with a set of seals and boots to the rescue!

so that's what I'm doing this weekend, should be a laugh considering I've never done anything like this before!

watch this space..

Site Moderator Joined: Jan 31, 2003 Posts: 9144

Binding front calipers is often caused by siezed guide pins on the carrier

Audi Nut Joined: Feb 23, 2010 Posts: 71

funny you mention that, both lower pins were seized..

Audi Nut Joined: Feb 23, 2010 Posts: 71

so over the bank holiday weekend i decided to strip and re build my binding calipers, to say it was a messy job was an understatment but got there in the end.

Bought a seal kit from bigred, £33

Took the calipers and carriers off, but couldn't get the pistons out of the bores (2 per side) so my neighbour stuck his compressor into the line union and blew them out.. straight... on to ... my fingers. Embarassed

Gave them a good clean up, sanded back some of the casting marks, fitted the new seals, boots and pistons then sprayed with some black VHT paint and clear coat, and because I'm a tart, added some S line decals.. much better finish than using hammerite!

quite pleased as now all my pistons are pushing against the pad and not just 1 per side..

now all i need to do is get some new drilled n grooved discs!

Audi Nut Joined: Feb 23, 2010 Posts: 71

whoops, double post!

Site Moderator Joined: Jan 31, 2003 Posts: 9144

for getting the pistons out, it's easier while the caliper is on the car and use your foot on the brake with no pads fitted

Audi Nut Joined: Feb 23, 2010 Posts: 71

yeah tried that, both smaller pistons were stuck fast, mind you they were both coked up below the dust seal.. and both were torn pretty bad.. Not sure what was going on there, it took 140 psi to pop them out...

All ok now though Smile