ltooz_a6_a8_q7

My brother in-law went back to the same place (Steven Creek Audi in San Jose) after the bad experience on oil cooler rings to ask for the part. They couldn't find the part and the tech came in and help to identify the part and the conclusion: he must buy a set of 2 for $350.00. I couldn't believe my ears over the phone. I know Audi parts are expensive, but no way in hell that these plastic pieces can cost $350.00. It must be the whole system of some sorts.

Is there a correct (technical) name for this broken piece?
Is there any place on the internet that sell these?

any links would help,

Thanks,

Louis

silverd2

Hi Louis,

I'll bet that IS for a set of two units with vacuum pods. I have one link that list thousands of Audi A8 part #'s, but I don't see that unit covered...which is hard to believe, with all the other odd parts they have listed:

http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articl...rts_manual.pdf

In my car, one entire vacuum pod unit is 077 907 327 A (no seperate # for linkage only), but came up empty at all regular suppliers.

You might want to check with these Part-Out specialists, but don't know if they'll sell the linkage alone seperately:

http://www.shokan.com/newarrivals.ph...+V8&modelid=12

I'll keep lookin, but that'll probably have to come from a part-out somewhere.

Sam

silverd2

Louis,

Bentley just calls the part "connecting rod" for IMT (Intake manifold tuning) vacuum unit (077 907 327 A).

Don't be insulted, because I'm sure you know, especially with your knowledge and my comments in your thermostat thread, but that rod alone won't change anything. In fact, replacement of both entire vacuum units would not fix anything. The vacuum units only "pull" the "tubes" in the manifold in one direction and springs do the other direction...and both stages of the manifold changeover are definitely stuck in place (from the photo).
Don't hate me for too much info...just thought it might help your Bro-in-law understand that this part alone won't fix the system.

Forgive me, if this is just "your" first step in trying to get his whole IMT unit working right again. As you'll find, there's not an easy way to free up the "tubes"...Audi didn't put a lube hole or any easy access.

Always curious to hear more about any project of yours.

Thanks,
Sam

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

Hello Sam,
The car is running fine according to him, he doesn't even notice anything until I brought it up. If it's cheap and easy then we will replace, if not, no need. I think you're right, may be the there are more to it. Any how, thanks for the info. If it's was my car, I will make a custom connecting rod, it's not very hard.
Just as I thought, the price is for the whole set up. Again, Audi don't sell individual components.

Thanks again,

Louis

silverd2

Louis,

When I first noticed (visually under the hood) my changeovers stuck exactly the same way, I had NOT noticed anything in the way the car drove...except pure pleasure and power, right up to redline. My major motivation to repair em was actually a personal challenge...I wasn't gonna let the car beat me.
To tell the truth, with the system working perfectly, the difference you feel is NOT that big...and probably half that is just my imagination.

With em stuck in place, everything is dead normal up to and a little beyond 3360 rpms anyway ...99% of all my drivin is well within this range. These days I don't like seein that mpg readout drop to 5mpg!! Plus I never had any more trouble passin than I do now...I doubt my 0-60 has changed much. It ain't a race car anyway...that's why I switched from Porsche in the first place....luxury ride with more than adequate power, I can hear my stereo now and I'm not jarrin my kidneys loose

Sam

silverd2

Just a point of interest on the subject of IMT's:

I've seen Audi drawings of the internal workings of the 40V 3-stage intake manifold, but this link is only time I've seen photos of one disassembled (mainly the "rod/flaps" connected to outside changeover controls)....including a very ambitious repair.

Interesting stuff, for those of us who like to take apart our toys after Christmas, just to see how they work:


http://forums.quattroworld.com/a8/msgs/181.phtml

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

Wow, that's a great machinist. Anyhow, does your broke like that or just stuck in one position. I forgot to turn the flap to see if it's stuck or totally loose (broken). Thanks for the link, very informative and lots of work.

Louis

silverd2

No, mine were just stuck. Had em both moving freely for a while...one is starting to get sluggish again, but not stuck in place yet.
If there was just an easy way to get lube inside the pivot point, they would all work great. The internal pivots, inside the manifold seem really free moving ("flap-shaft" pulls out of em easily...no resistance). Don't know how Audi lubed the outer (problem) pivot originally...ball bearings w/seal at that point would have been a much better idea.
I was surprised to see that guy's snapped off like that...the vacuum pods and springs are adequate to move the pivots, but I didn't think they were strong enough to break the part (?). The material may have been degraded with age or weather conditions...mine are intact and looked in great shape when I had em off the end of the flap-shafts.

silverd2

Louis,

You know, after inspecting his final photo of the assembly with top still off, you may notice the inside pivot (toward rear of engine)seems to be metal in a metal pocket that does not go through manifold housing (which it doesn't need to)...easy to see why that end turns freely.
The other end, which I've seen in person(that seizes), is a plastic (or ceramic, composite, whatever) on metal pivot.
I'll say it again...ball/roller bearings w/seal here would be perfect...and probably trouble/maintenance-free for life...no big stress on that point, just a lack of lube.

Sam

PS ...needless to say, I won't be pulling my manifold apart any time soon. Like you said, a whole lotta work. But, cool to see why the problem exists.

silverd2

Louis,

A little follow up:

As for the part you were originally looking for and more discussion about manifold pivots seizing, including some photos and links to suppliers, here's a thread from last year I hadn't seen till today:

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/sho....php?t=2765556

P.S. this supplier just posted today:

http://artisans.homeunix.com:443/ ...part of thread above,too.