Is this over my head? Opinions Please

[Livolsi, Stephane]

Brett, based on the list of things you have already done, the suspension
bushings and rack should be within your abilities.
They are both 'plug and play', basically undo bolts, remove, renew the
bushings, reinstall, tighten bolts.  There is no fancy alignment or
measuring for either of the jobs.

You may be told that you need to have a shop press the front subframe
bushings in.  I did mine a couple of weekends ago (86 5ktq) and I found that
they easily popped in with dishwashing detergent as lube, and a bolt through
the middle to pull them in.  This does not apply to the control arm
bushings, as I think they will need a shop press.
BTW, take a good look at your control arm ball joints.  If they are dead,
then get new control arms because the ball joints cannot be replaced. (this
will save you pressing in new control arm bushings as well :))

When you take the subframe off, leave the control arms attached to the
subframe, and undo the ball joints and sway bar.  This makes it easier to
get it all out in 1 piece, then you can separate the control arms on the
bench.

Take a look at your engine mounts too, as this would be an excellent time to
replace them if they need it. (tranny mounts too)

One thing that I didn't do, but I think would make life easier, is to put
the sway bar into the control arms when the subframe is on the bench,
because it sure is hard to do under the car.

This job will probably take much longer than you think, because of the
finagling with the sway bar and ball joints.

Go for it

Stephane

> ----------
> From: 	Brett Goetz[SMTP:brett.goetz at rtp.ppdi.com]
> Sent: 	July 17, 2003 9:09 AM
> To: 	quattro at audifans.com
> Subject: 	Is this over my head?  Opinions Please
>
> Decision Time.
> I have an '88 5K CST with 174k miles.  I would like opinions on the
> following jobs that need to be done on my car:
> Replace suspension bushings in the front end
> Replace the power steering rack
> I have done basic work on the car such as belts, hoses, brakes, plugs,
> alternator, etc. over the years, but I have never done suspension work.
>   Is this something that can be done by a person with limited mechanical
> experience?  Obviously, the alternatives are take it in and have someone
> else do the work or buy the part and find someone to install them for
> me.  If it's going to cost me a few grand, then I will have to seriously
> consider getting rid of the car, which is a shame because it's in such
> great condition.  Also, if anyone knows of a good mechanic who is
> reasonably priced and honest (a rare combination) in the Raleigh,
> Durham, Chapel Hill area, please let me know.  Thanks!
>
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