[V8] FW: Me the Audi Mech: what a varied life!

[Tony and Lillie]

One note on using anything on the strut piston. If you make marks on there, 
it will eventually damage the top seal, and the strut itself will live a 
shorter life than it should. If you must, clamp down on the very top of the 
piston, as this area goes into the body less often. I find that with a good 
impact and about 140-150psi of air pressure, I don't need to hold the strut 
piston in place at all.

However, when removing the old one, obviously making marks on it really 
doesn't matter, as you are throwing it out. But, on the new ones, aviod it 
if at all possible.

Tony

----- Original Message ----- 
Subject: Re: [V8] FW: Me the Audi Mech: what a varied life!


>I heartily 2nd the impact wrench idea.  Those top nuts will spin right off,
> no allen wrench necessary.  I don't use channel locks though, I use pipe
> wrench which clamps down on whatever you apply it to as you apply force. 
> I
> didn't think to use any rubber inserts, my parts show some serious teeth
> marks, but I figure that's mostly cosmetic and under there, no biggie to 
> me.
> In the future however, I will employ some rubber because if it can be done
> w/o the damage, then why not.
>
> I was a bit disappointed that I had waited so long to try this
> through-the-top method on front shocks.  It is that easy.  The only thing
> that makes it seem a bit like a kludge is with gas-pressurized shocks 
> which
> make extraction a little difficult since they extend fully and then are a
> bit long to fit out and clear the hood nicely.
>
> Ed
>