A couple of dumb questions...

1. I am planning to debage my 5000 and want to know what I should use to get rid of the leftover gunk without damaging my paint. Thinking of just using rubbing alchohol...any ideas?

2. Had my stereo system replaced and now I am getting an annoying rattle from the drivers side front speaker housing. Have had it checked numerous times and cannot find the problem! Friend who also owns a 5000, said his car has made numerous rattles since his system was replaced too...does this sound familiar to anybody?

3. Really want to replace the trim on the exterior of my doors. The plastic has started to sag a bit and is beginning to look a little garish (previous owner was not as caring as I) Has anyone
tried this?

4. What is a good quality oil filter for a non-turbo 88 5000. I have been using Bosch filters but am thinking of using MannHummel in the future. I read on Blaufernugen's web site that certain filters are detremental to audi oil pumps. So further info would be helpful.

5. The radiator fluid tank in my 5000 has turned a ugly looking brown color. Is this normal as they age or is it a sign of overheating? I have had the radiator flushed and fresh coolant put in. (not pentosin though) Is this something I should replace soon?( If so, how much are they new?)
All I know is that it probably was white when new and now I cannot even see how much coolant there is without removing the cap...

Any suggestions or feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

...those that aren't asked! :-)

1) I used lots of bug and tar remover (so I was always rubbing wet) on a soft cloth, then polished with Meguiars #9 swirl remover and finished with a coat of Meguiars #26 paste wax. Since they've been there for a long time, you probably won't be able to totally eliminate the outline of the badges, since the paint under there will be in much better shape than the rest of the car. Rubbing alcohol may work also. Just be sure to keep your cloth very wet, so you reduce the chance of scratching.

2) Not sure, other than maybe someone didn't get the door panel on tight.

3) Can be pulled of pretty easily, but removing the adhesive is a bitch! Also, the trim pieces are expensive. They come with sticky on them and you just peel it off the back and stick it on to the clean paint (remove wax coat and everything). The other pain is getting it lined up properly the first time. If you don't, you can't just pull it off and try again. Pulling it off bends the living you know what out of it, and the adhesive will be toast.

4) I always used MAHLE filters, but I can't remember the part number and don't have it on me, since I no longer own the car. They are an OEM supplier and made in Germany. Good filters and about $7 a piece, if I remeber correctly. Buying Fram or other is risky since the drain back valve may not be correct, and they are not designed to filter as long as the Mahle or Bosch filters.

5) The reservoirs are kind of an off-color to begin with. I would say that as long as the coolant looks good, and there are no cracks or anything, then don't worry about it. If there is rust in the coolant, then you may have something coming apart, most likely the radiator. Pentosin (unless there is Pentosin coolant?) is what you use for the power steering system. Green in color, expensive, and VERY important! Anything else will destroy the power steering system!

Good luck and happy driving!

Charles
2000 Nissan Xterra SE V6 4x4
'89, 90 quattro. Gone, but missed very, very much! :-(

 

they also dry out, and at some point it will crack. The new tank is only about $50 though, so not completely silly on cost (unlike anything hydralic).

 

I believe that you do need Pentosin Coolant - I know mine requires it. Normal antifreeze supposedly damages the radiator.
Jim
93 S4

 

but they spec the Pentosin for life, and you have to change the cheap stuff out every couple of years. I never did have any trouble with the aftermarket stuff in my 5000TQ.

 

I always just used Prestone. No problems! :-)

 

Same here.