Re: Replace strut bearing with struts?

[AUDIDUDI@delphi.com]

> I'm bout to replace all struts on my 87 5kcsTQ with 190k miles. I'm
> looking for a concensus on whether to replace strut bearings(original),
> regardless of there condition, or only if "worn".

Keep in mind that, up front, you can change the inserts without removing the
struts from the car.  If you plan to replace the strut bearings, you'll need
to pull the struts off the car and use a spring compressor to get at 'em...

That said, I'd recommend that you do so.  I'd also recommend you replace the
rubber strut bushing that mounts to the fender (I've had two of these go bad
and separate in the past year ... of course, this might have been the result
of our desert heat/smog attacking the rubber and not typical of what happens
elsewhere).  By the way, these springs are a bear to compress with the usual
hack-mechanic type of spring compressor ... remember to clamp a pair of Vice
Grips on the "downhill" side of each clamp to keep them from rotating around
to meet each other as you tighten them down.  This happened to me once and I
had to go buy another set of compressors in order to get the first set off!

Lastly, if your strut bearings/inserts/upper strut bearings are bad, you may
also consider replacing your anti-roll bar mounts and control arms, too.  It
has been my experience that while these will last a good long time, the ride
quality and performance subtly deteriorates over time and by 100k, you'll be
surprised at how much better the car will drive with a fresh set.  They're a
bit pricey, though, so you might want to give Linda @ Carlsen a call or Dave
at GPR...

Have fun!

     _             _              _
    / l       l o l  \       l o l  \  _   _ o  _   _   AudiDudi@delphi.com
   /__l l l / l l l  l l l / l l l /  / l /  l l \ / _  Jeffrey Goggin
  /   l l_l \_l l l__/ l_l \_l l l  \ \_l \_ l l l \_l  Scottsdale, Arizona