[Vwdiesel] Re: [Audi-VW-Diesels] Re: 85 VW Golf NA - No Go

[Bud]

Found out quite a bit today.  The local FLAPS guys said their parts book 
showed my car had a 4 speed tranny and the R/H drive axel is different 
between a 4 and 5 speed.  As I have a 5 speed the correct axle is 1/4" 
longer.

I got under the car and started loosening up the axle nut and the axel 
pulled away aproximately 1/4" from the bearing.  This axle was defintely 
pre-loaded when the 195 ft-lb torque was added.

They gave me the longer axle and as I installed it, it fit without any 
pre-load.

Took it out for a spin and there's no noise from the front end.

When I turn the car hard right and acelarate I hear no abnormal noise. 
When I turn hard left I hear a clunking sound and it seems like the L/H 
tire/wheel jumps a bit.  Would this be attributed to a bad strut bearing?

I think the car is over due for new shocks/struts.  I've put 68k on the 
car and have no idea if/when the PO changed the shocks/struts.  I'm 
thinking never as they have VW tags and logos on them.

Oh, I just torqued the axle nut 150 ft-lbs.

Bud