Re: Installing front struts...

[AUDIDUDI@delphi.com]

> I've never heard of this method.
> Can you leave the axle in the hub
> this way?  What else comes off?
> The top bearing, the tie rod,
> and the sway bar?  how does the top of
> the strut clear the fender, or do you
> drop the new cartridge down the hole
> in the fender?  Thanks.

It only works on the 5k ... 4ks and TQCs still have to be changed the usual
way.  You unbolt the upper strut bearing mount (the rubber piece with three
bolt holes) and remove it, which leaves the spring still supporting the car
but the strut insert free to be removed.  There's a special tool that makes
this easier but a large pair of slip-joint pliers will fit in between coils
and allow you to unscrew the strut insert locating nut.  It isn't difficult
and doesn't take long (maybe 30 minutes total for both sides) but you can't
replace the strut bearing, either.

     _             _              _
    / 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