[Vwdiesel] Struts and Strut Bearings

[Roger Brown]

Nate Wall wrote:
>
> 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?

I do my own, get a strut compressor (I've used the same one on 3 different VWs over 20 years).  Never used a special tool for
the top nut, if you have air tools, that'll work fine.  If not, I use an open end box wrench that fits the big nut then a small
wrench on the inside.  Or you can get the nested socket set, just be sure to get one with the right combination of parts, there
are a lot of variations.

Strut bearings can be made to last a long time if properly set up:
	http://4crawler.cruiserpages.com/Diesel/CheapTricks/index.shtml#StrutBearing

and on the struts, KYBs are wonderful and they have a great warrantee, I've had to replace two and they will send me a new one
(w/ 50% CC deposit), then I ship back the defective one and they refund the deposit and the cost of return shipping.

--
    Roger