Re: Odd noises

[zm@mhcnet.att.com]

> 
> Various strange clunks when I steer my '88 5000 CST at low speeds.  I had
> the car checked at the local dealership (all the places I've tried are
> expensive, and the dealer is at least walking distance from work) and
> they blamed worn strut bushings: "they're not expensive, but they take a
> lot of time and trouble to replace."  Plausible?
> 
> Mark.
> 

Yes. My '87 5000 CS TQ also makes a rumbling noise (not quite clunks)
when I turn the steering wheel substantially when the car is stationary
or moving slowly. I thought it was coming from the hydraulic steering
mechanism but the mechanic at the Audi dealer who
drove my car said that it was the strut bearings. He said that this is
a typical noise these bearings make when they are worn and he recognized it
right away. He said that these bearings allow the spring/strut assembly to
turn smoothly when the steering wheel is turned. He added that he has seen
cars with bad strut bearings go for a long time without any problem or
adverse effect. He recommended that I replace them only when I had to
take apart the strut assembly for other work when needed. He felt that
the problem was not serious enough considering the labor (and $$$) involved.

By the way, I was at the dealership to install new front strut inserts
(Boge TurboGas as recommended by others on this list). They charged me
$75 (labor) to replace the strut inserts - it is so simple with the special
Audi tool. The car rides beautifully with the new struts; the Boge TurboGas
are an excellent combination of handling and ride.

Zafer