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Tech Tips

Parts to buy new
Most parts are reliable even after they have been used. However, some parts have a short life span and should not be used twice.

  • Brake parts... It’s an inconvenience when your car doesn’t start, but when it doesn’t stop it’s a real problem for everybody.
  • Water pumps are worn out. The seals are dried out.
  • Clutch parts... Much of the expense of this repair is in labor, not the new part.
  • Belts and hoses should never be used twice. They have a short life span. All belts and all hoses should be replaced all at once. If one hose is damaged the others will soon follow.


Easy Clutch Cable Repair
Here’s a quick repair tip for Volkswagen clutch cables with a broken retainer:

  • Remove the broken or bent tube at the top of the pedal assembly.
  • Remove what is left of the firewall bushing.
  • Install the new clutch cable with an early model VW Golf clutch cable bushing and washers.
  • Thread the cable through the firewall and attach it to the pedal. The cable may require minor adjustments after this repair is completed.
Bill Maynard
Affordable German
Phoenix, Arizona
Import Service July 1998

Jetta Idle Problems
 Erratic or poor idle problems on 1991 VW Jettas may be caused by a damaged wire harness. The wires to the IAC motor are routed inside the harness, near where the grounds attach to the cylinder head assembly.  A leaking valve cover gasket will allow the harness to become saturated with oil, which eventually creates the potential for damage to the wires inside the loom.  Because of this, the installation on the IAC wires will crack- causing an intermittent short.  When repairing the harness, it is a good idea to add 4-6 inches to each wire so they can be routed further away from the valve cover.

Loren V Kiner
Imperial Car and Truck
Henderson, Nevada
Import Service August 1998

If you have a VW or Audi tech tip please send it to us at techtips@affordablegerman.com. Published tech tips will receive a $25.00 coupon from Affordable German.

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