Strut tower bearings for early UrQ

[Jan Pinkowish]

-----Original Message-----
Message: 5
Date: Thu, 11 May 2006 16:54:00 -0400
From: "Ben Swann" <benswann at comcast.net>
Subject: Strut tower bearings for early UrQ

I am R/Ring and installing new Koni strut cartridges on my '83 Ur Quattro
using stock springs.  I want to have parts on hand and went to order some
strut bearings.  My local dealer informed me the bearings were unique for
this application and were $167 each and in limited supply.  Ouch!  He said
they were different from the 4000 quattro bearings which are under $30 each.

So - what is so special about these UrQ strut bearings?  Can I substitute?.
Is there another version that will work fine? 

Anyone have a set?  Any suggestions?

Ben

<><><><>
Ben,
ETKA lists the same part, 857 412 323B as the F and R strut mount for all years of ur-q 82-87, 85-87 4kq, and 88-91 80/90q.  So, there is no special part for the early years.

Meyle makes a heavy duty version of the stock mount that they claim is 30% stiffer.  They use a stiffer rubber and they use more of it.  Part number is 857 412 323 D.  Meyle part number is 100 412 0004/HD.  The mount is the same height as stock.

I ordered mine from Scott at SJM Autotechnik.  They're $28/ea or so and they are definately stiffer.  When you order from SJM, you want to order 8A0 412 323 DMY.  That's the part number on my invoice and on the bag containing the part.

The dealer is quoting you the price for the "ur-q" strut mount that is the genuine Audi part.  I called Clair and they quoted me a price only about $25 less.

So, you can use the Meyle heavy duty mount for $110 for 4, or you can buy the cheesey aftermarket mounts for $80 for 4 and use the strut saver inserts that Ado refers to for another $90.

HTH

Jan Pinkowish
'85 4ksq