strut tool, again??

[ATTDCS!TMBWPO1!sjagernaut@dcstm1.attmail.com (Stephen Jagernauth)]

 "Ron Angert" <rangert@ntas1.rdp.vt.edu>  wrote:

>    Thanks to this list I have the source to buy a strut tool.  When I
>called the company a lady there told me that it was a 22mm special
>wrench.
>Could someone tell me the function of this thing, and if someone has one
>that no longer needs it I am willing to buy it.  I was quoted $36 plus
>$4 shipping.  Does this sound right?

You do NOT need to buy the special tool for the top 22mm nut encapulating 
the inset Allen (7mm?) top of the strut insert.   I used a 22mm box wrench 
and a regular Allen wrench but you will get more torque with the special 
tool.   BTW, Snap-On carries THAT tool for $10.   I used a pipe on both 
wrenches to get more torque.  I stripped 1 insert (the Allen head) and ended 
up cutting the nut off since the new inserts comes with nuts.

Be careful, Ivana from Zelenda only sells the tools, she doesn't know the 
application.  I bought a wrong tool this way.    Anyone wants 2 new unused 
Audi spring compressor tools: 2070 and 2070/1 for compressing springs and 
removing struts outside the car?  New cost is $89, will sell for $60.

The tool you DO need is tool #2069 "damper wrench" which is a long hollow 
pipe with a large Allen head on the end.  This removes the strut cap.  Cost 
$35.   I wrote up some tips less than 2 weeks ago.  Check the archives or 
let me know and I'll send it again.   Definitely worth it in time savings.

>As I understand it this tool allows changing the strut cartridges
>withour taking the front end apart, weight on wheels.  Will this method
>allow one to put in new strut boots too?

Yes, boots and bump stops but not strut bearings.

>Is this something that will require alignment afterwards?

Yes.  See tips on marking struts to approximate alignment until you get it 
aligned.

I have a Zelenda tool catalog so I can look up any tool as needed.  Bentley 
is not always clear on application of special tools or maybe it's just me.

Hope this helps,

Steve Jagernauth sjagernauth@attmail.com