Thumping strut/struts on '93 90q & stereo noise

[Chris Newbold]

On Thu, 2002-05-30 at 08:14, Boris813 at aol.com wrote:

> I just bought the car and there is a definte thump up front when hitting
> bumps.  The pre-inspection noted it probably needed new front strut
> cartridges.  Doesn't appear to affect handling, but it's a bit annoying.  I
> seem to recall seeing something on this list about strut caps that wore out
> and thumped .  The shop quoted me $550 to do the front struts.  Am I correct
> in assuming I'd need to pull the struts anyway to replace the caps and does
> it seem likely the strut cartridges would need replacement at 70K miles?

It's most likely the strut mounts, doughnut-like rubber bits that sit
between the top of the strut and the body. I averaged about 10K miles on
a set of the OEM-style ones before the collapsed; went through four sets
:-)

Finally gave up and replace them with the "UrQ" strut mounts available
from Blaufernugen (http://www.audiquattroparts.com). These are harder,
stronger and slightly shorter then the stock mounts for the 90. I got at
least 30K miles out of those before I traded the car.

70K? Those struts are surely blown; get them replaced at the same time.
The additional labor is negligible since the struts are already out for
the mounts and you'll need an alignment anyway...

-Chris
2001 S4 Avant 6spd
(1993 90CS 5spd)