Re: Sub frame bushings

[paul.heneghan@bbc.co.uk (Heneghan,Paul)]

Thanks for the reply Ian.

>Hi Paul

>Couple of points here.

>1.  I have just (3 weeks ago) replaced all the front subframe bushes, both
>front strut top bearings and both side gearbox mountings in my '84 urq.
>This is exactly the same as how it would be done in my '88 90q, there is no
>difference whatsoever.  If you want I can post you as much detail as I can
>remember on the procedure.  Its not hard, just physical.

Just three questions for the moment.
a)	Can you tell by levering the subframe if the bushes are bad?
b)	Do you need to remove the subframe to replace these?
c)	Do the bushes need to be hydraulically pressed in and out?

>2.  Are you sure it is the Sub-Frame bushes you need to replace?
>I ask no 2 as I replaced mine because of the same symptoms you are
>describing, only to find it wasn't the problem.  The problem on my car is
>one of the front springs is slightly elongated in the lowest coil.  This
>means the spring can move (about 5mm) on the spring seat under load. This
>makes a decisive 'clunk' at odd intervals during very low speed driving and
>turning. 

I had this problem on my 80q.  When I bought the car it had two broken 
 front springs.  The original replacements (cheap and cheerful) used to 
 shift slightly when turning and produced a clunk.  The replacements I 
 have now (PI) are fine.

>It took me two weeks of elimenating everything else, and finally
>removing and disassembling the strut to find the problem.  I have now
>shoved it down the priority list to be fixed later.  The spring cannot
>effect the wheel geometry whilst it is moving, and it will not come off, so
>I can fix it later and move on to more pressing problems.
>
>Another possible cause is the front brake caliper having elongated carrier
>holes.  Ask Phil Payne for the specifics on how to diagnose/eliminate this.
>
>Hope the above helps
>
>Ian Gregory

I.m getting the alignment sorted out in a couple of weeks (probably at 
 BRM in Leamington).  I'll get the mechanic to check out the subframe 
 bushes then and advise me what to do.

Paul
paul.heneghan@bbc.co.uk
1984 Audi 80 quattro
1983 Audi 100 Avant