aTOMic

In this first shot we can visualize the broken hard plastic tube in the foreground; this connects to the rubber tube which goes up and over the fender liner and to the elaborate filter which is clean since it has NOT BEEN USED in God knows how long! The open, jagged circular hole just behind it? I do not even know why it is there. More research needed... (suggestions welcome) the silver tab at the top (which is on the bottom when the pump is mounted in the car)is the tab the temp sensor would normally mount to.


Label on compressor...


The pump with its head removed


uneven sealing evident


The ring Bagpipingandy sells, AKA piston ring. This one is probably made of petrified Spätzle


Here we can see the answer to the mystery of how the valves work; the thin metal flap is a reed valve I think (too lazy to google, I'm sure one of you azzh0les will correct me if I'm wrong)


Now the dryer. I was surprised at its capacity.Here are my lovely hands modeling the parts so you can see how it comes apart. The cylinder head is under my thumb. The whole section of the pump that's not the motor is the dryer!


Beneath the spring is a little moka-pot filter basket thing that holds in...


THE BEADS of DESSICANT! There are exactly 219,458, I counted them.


After carefully pouring the beads into a sterile receptacle (nearest Radio Shack bag) I found out that they are actually in their own little cup! Woo!


I don't know what the hell this thing is; it looks like it should have a cover but it shouldn't. It would not unscrew like it looks like it would despite my olympic-sized pecs applying unmeasureable force...


So there ya go. If you're like me, this clears up a lot of curiosity about that mysterious, troublesome little hot air machine we can't live without. Yet another reason Audis are like women.
Just if you autopsy a woman in your garage, prolly ought not make a picture page on the interweb 'bout it...

Mister Bally

George Westinghouse would be proud! WABCO=Westinghouse Air Brake COmpaNy.

greginfinity

So there isn't a compressed air reservoir? It just pumps on demand? I can't wait to get my A8L and retro fit it with a pancake compressor...

mishar

In the meantime check this.

mishar

Thanks. Very educational. I think that all of us should find some time to check on the compressor. It lives in a dangerous place. Any trim or liner imperfection and it is first to enjoy all salty and sandy water.

aTOMic

Haha, you wouldn't be the first to consider that! There is a tank in the rear of the car. A tank which I am gazing at in my mind's eye, as I drill and tap it for a shrader valve!

Ahh, NOW I see the crux of the problem. The curse of George Westinghouse has come full circle! My father and his father both started at GE sweeping floors (and retired from there a bit higher up). My uncle's name is on the patent for the first "convenience outlet", the ubiquitous "plug" with the convergent lines toward its orifices. Once my dad bought a Westinghouse fan at a yard sale and the first thing he did was tape over the little "W" logo!

aTOMic

I bought the new one from the Miessler in the Fatherland...
their site promised two-day delivery for the $499 price (includes shipping and relay); I'll keep youse posted...




http://www.ebay.com/itm/compressor-air-suspension-audi-a8-model-d3-/160491442394?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item255e0910da
Why can't I put a nice neat link? Oh well

aTOMic

You're welcome Misha. And thank you for the SSP, those are very helpful.

I had visually inspected the pump while changing oil, but I should have felt around the tube, since the gash in the tube was on the top side. The car had a "bump" in a parking lot according to the previous owner and I think the shop cut the hose during the repair.