Center differential connecting piece
 

I replaced my cracked and rotted center differential vacuum actuator the other day. Unfortunately, when pulling it out I broke into a million pieces the plastic connector that connects the actuator to the hook. I put together a serviceable substitute using zipties, super glue and hose clamp, but I’m not very confident in the longevity of my fix.

The connector, 857711479, is no longer available, but wondering if anyone has tried to 3D print one or knows of another substitute.

On a positive note, replacing the actuator has unexpectedly solved a persistent cold start issue I’ve been suffering from. It appears the old cracked actuator was a bigger vacuum leak than I would have guessed.

Hmm, they look similar to the ones that connect the door latch rods, which reminds me that those would be another good candidate for a 3D print. They would be dead simple to model. I was just thinking about getting back into that but as of today I have a full-time job again, so we'll see. I have a lot of parts I'd like to try making though.

Yes, we’re in different phases of life. I’ve graduated from being a productive member of society to being a full-time gentleman farmer/ driveway Audi b2 mechanic.

Maybe the wife will finally let me buy my own 3D printer so I can stop fighting 12-year-olds for time on the one at the public library. Without my own printer, it’s hard to experiment and make multiple iterations of these parts.

Hello,

the door connectors do not fit. I have an OE spare that I could mail you to make a 3D print version of it. Let me know.

Ciao

Werner

Thanks Warner. If you have some calipers you can throw on it and can message me the dimensions I should be able to make it. I think I’ll just machine out the holes for the actuator rod and the hook.

My first foray into 3D printing. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5428526
Not perfect, but seems to function. I’m calling it a success...for now.

Another effort on the 3d printer: Brake Line Bracket that holds line to the knuckle—part # 811611797B https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5431707.

Nice, those brake line holders are a definite need.

So .....now to get my 84' 4kq on the road I need to learn 3D printing???????

The good news is that it is really easy to drink a beer or two while supervising the 3d printer do it’s magic. Now if I can just figure out how to program it to install the parts it prints.