[Vwdiesel] Re: [Audi-VW-Diesels] Struts and Strut Bearings

[Nate Wall]

Thanks Gary:

I could do it myself, but in 1992 when struts needed
replacing for the first time, NTB could do it for
about what the parts and tools would have cost me, and
with a lifetime warranty on parts and labor (less an
alignment). If they will honor their warranty, and not
claim the struts and bearings are fine, I'll let them
do it again, but I just do not like the way they beat
up the parts. The last guy really buggered up the
slotted strut nut with an impact gun (I watched this
happen)and beat the hell out of the strut tube when
the collar nut would not release fronn the previous
NTB grease monkey overtightening it. He did put brake
fluid in the strut tubes before inserting the
cartridges. He claimed this helped to disipate heat
generated from strut action. Made sense, but I'd use
oil, since brake fluid absorbs water.

--Nate


--- "Gary, Orlando" <gbangs at cfl.rr.com> wrote:
> Nate,
> You've replaced an engine yourself and yet balk at
> doing your own struts
> and shocks!?  ;)
>
> It is an extremely easy job for the DIY'er.
>
> 1) If you have access to Harbour Freight, they have
> a clam-shell type
> spring compressor for $39. I don't trust the
> individual screw type
> compressors any more. You can probably rent them
> from AutoZone or
> similar for a few dollars. You can do the job
> without that special strut
> socket. The top strut nut comes off easily with an
> impact wrench, and
> the slotted nut comes off with a few jabs with a
> screwdriver. Spring
> compressor is not needed for the rear springs. Just
> remove the shocks
> and lift the rear. The springs will fall out.
>
> 2) Sachs-Boge are OEM. They make a "Turbo-Gas" that
> is popular(an
> upgrade from OEM), and very inexpensive. Get the
> strut bearing
> designated for the A3 VR6 cars. It is my
> understanding that A2 and A3
> will share the same bearing assy. They are much
> sturdier than the stock
> 4 cyl replacements.
>
> 3) Springs do weaken. But I've only heard of Jetta
> rear springs that
> sag. This is your opinion here that will determine
> if you need to
> replace them. What kind of ride do you like? This
> may be an opportune
> time to replace your stockers with Jetta GLI(GTI?)
> or Golf GTI springs.
> They are a little stiffer than standard and should
> be easy enough to
> find in the 'yards.
>
> Good Luck, and you can do this!
>
> -Gary, Orlando
>
>
>
>
> On Tue, 2003-03-04 at 08:45, Nate Wall wrote:
> >
> > 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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