[Vwdiesel] Struts and Strut Bearings

[Nate Wall]

Its time to replace the struts and strut top bearings
in the '85 Jetta TD. Upon hitting bumps in the road,
even small ones, the struts bang and clunk a lot. The
ride is also extremely stiff and hard. I have a
lifetime warranty at NTB on these, but I bet they will
not want to honor it, like the last time. Its also
time for the Jetta's annual safety inspection and I
think I will ask the inspector to closely inspect the
struts, and if he rejects the car on that basis, that
should give me some leverage with NTB. Questions:

1. Who here replaces their struts and bearings
themselves? Is it worth it? I'd have to buy or rent a
spring compressor and get the special strut sockets
that are needed.

2.  What is a good brand of strut cartridge insert and
strut bearing? A couple times before I had the strut
bearings replaced only to begin knocking immediately
upon going over bumps. Last time, the lasted in excess
of 80 K miles before making any noise. Its kind of hit
or miss.

3. Should the coil springs be replaced? (do they get
weak?) I think the Parts Place has complete strut
assemblies w/ new springs already assembled. Any
thoughts about buying these and changing them out
myself?

Thanks

--Nate




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