[Vwdiesel] Strut Bearing R&T, the saga continues

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

In a message dated 4/28/2007 7:57:53 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
vwdieselbunny at yahoo.com writes:

> I cannot find anything wrong with the tie rods, etc. 
> As a matter of fact, the tie rods from the threads on
> the steering rack out were brand new in January.  The
> control arm bushings all look okay and I couldn't find
> any movement in them.


  Don't forget that there are INNER tie rod ends that do sometimes 
wear.  Grab the front wheels and 3 and 9 O'Clock positions and semi-
gently wiggle.  Kind of watch the other side and steering wheel as needed.
You can usually hear, see, and feel a wiggle from the inner tie rod ends 
when they're loose.  Subaru's are REALLY notorious for this.  Had it on 
Dad's pu and my Rabbit also.

> 
> Second, if the strut is uninstalled, should there be
> any wiggle ability in the bearing?  Like if I grab the
> two studs that bolt to the fender should it wiggle?
> 
> 
  Often there is kind of a titling wobble.  I forget if you're doing 
an A1 or A2.  The A1 has a spacer about 3/4" long that is often 
"too long" and will allow vertical movement and clunking.  It'll let 
it wobble but usually no self steering symptoms.

  I'd be looking for bad ball joints (would allow camber change).  
Test by putting a bar between the outer CV body and the control 
arm and pry apart, with the tire off the ground, car supported by 
the body.
  Put your foot at 12 O'Clock on your rear tires and push/rock in 
and out.  If you get wobble and clunking then your rear wheel 
bearings are loose or worn.  This will give a worn Chevy suspension
feel and make the car wander and feel like the shocks are bad.
  Tie rod ends and control arm bushings, which you've mostlly 
already checked.  They'd allow a change in toe.  Rear "axle" 
could be loose, bent or broken, not common but possible.  

  If none of those show anything then grab the car and rock it 
around while someone keeps an eye on the tires and steering 
wheel to see what moves and what doesen't. If it's not from the
rear end then one wheel should be capable of some sort of 
movement independant of the other one.
    Loren


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