Knock on wood - looks like my shaking ("vibrating") steering wheel has been cured.
10-29-2003, 06:14 AM
#14
This is great to hear....
I truly hope that all the work that went into the Hunter process works for your 4.2. AS I have stated before, think AoA actually has 2 problems on their hands, though I hope your issues are resolved!
10-29-2003, 06:54 AM
#15
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I guess it just depends upon what the root cause of the vibration is.
They're telling me it was being caused by wheel imbalance and flat-spotted tires. You're saying that it's actually rooted in the suspension and being exacerbated by the things they "fixed". Me - I don't have a clue. Obviously, I hope your theory proves inaccurate over the long term, but only time will tell. I tend to think through these things "logically", since I don't have the technical expertise to do so scientifically. Given that, I struggle with your position for two reasons:
1. Wouldn't an inherent design defect show up as symptomatic in most if not all samples? My understanding is that there are many 4.2s (represented here and otherwise) that do not and never have exhibited problems.
2. Perhaps this shows naivety on my part, but I have a tough time accepting the notion that a major auto manufacturer with VAG's resources and engineering prowess would turn out a product with such an obvious built-in defect, especially if it's relatively easily correctable as you suggest.
In the end, of course, all I care about is the end result over time. If things stay smooth, I'm a happy camper. If the vibes return as you say they will, there are going to be big problems. We'll see. Thanks very much for your thorough feedback, and I'll keep you posted.
1. Wouldn't an inherent design defect show up as symptomatic in most if not all samples? My understanding is that there are many 4.2s (represented here and otherwise) that do not and never have exhibited problems.
2. Perhaps this shows naivety on my part, but I have a tough time accepting the notion that a major auto manufacturer with VAG's resources and engineering prowess would turn out a product with such an obvious built-in defect, especially if it's relatively easily correctable as you suggest.
In the end, of course, all I care about is the end result over time. If things stay smooth, I'm a happy camper. If the vibes return as you say they will, there are going to be big problems. We'll see. Thanks very much for your thorough feedback, and I'll keep you posted.
10-29-2003, 07:02 AM
#16
AudiWorld Super User
Good luck, I find it hard to believe that VAG would turn out something like this too
But it sure looks like that's what happened. Just read this board, it's a common problem.
pw
pw
10-29-2003, 07:34 AM
#17
Remember the Tacoma Narrows Bridge...
We're all speculating here, of course, but the problem with the bridge was that it was too perfectly designed, 100% symetrical, which led to the resonant vibrations which literally shook the bridge apart. What if Audi designed the suspension just short of "too perfectly," so that other contributing factors must be present to present the harmonic dissonances resulting in the vibration. This might explain why the 4.2's seem to be most susceptible, and only then when the wheel & tire setup is enough off to provide the final incredient to the harmonic dissonance.
And, although AoA is taking a public "head in the sand" approach, who is to say what is really going on back in the Fatherland?
And, although AoA is taking a public "head in the sand" approach, who is to say what is really going on back in the Fatherland?
10-29-2003, 08:55 AM
#20
AudiWorld Super User
Can't believe that Audi in Germany doesn't have people that could solve this problem w/eyes closed
After all, they have BTDT how many times? One of the largest auto makers in the world? Yes, they could easily solve this problem.
pw
pw