suspension work (reply)

["Grant Lenahan" <glenahan@notes.cc.bellcore.com>]

Alvin asks:

>>THIRD- I have been advised by my mechanic and my sense of direction that the 
upper strut bearings are no longer in this world -(shot)- and causing poor car 
tracking or steering when driving on the hwy and a curve comes the car will 
begin to steer before I can - it makes you feel that its very loose down there 
in suspensionville there is considerable noisy movement over the slightest 
bump as well. When the FRT wheels are off the ground and I pull or push on the 
side of the tire there is definate movement and noise from the top of the 
strut area at least 1/8-1/4" movement. BUT if I change the STRUT BEARINGS, I 
will want to change the STRUTS,SHOCKS,SPRINGS, and maybe every last BUSHING in 
the front end and rear end as well. HAS ANYONE DONE THIS BEFORE?? My mechanic 
reccommends H&R SPRINGS and KONI STRUTS/SHOCKS. If I replace all of this , 
should I also replace the frt wheel bearings for good measure????  I have not 
had an alignment done because I know they would reccommend everything above . 
Figure at least $250 for springs, $400 for shocks, $150 for bearings, $100 for 
all bushings and a lot of labor, est$1000?? <<

Alvin:

This is a '90 coupe quattro, right?

(1) yep, sounds like strut bearings
(2) $150??? I paid $15/ea
(3) I saw no reason to do springs when I did my shocks.
    however, i already have the factory lowered suspension.
    Why are you replacing the springs?
(4) my bushings are fine at 110k.  I checked when I did shocks, etc.
   i doubt yours are worn out yet.  check with a crowbar.
(5) with stock springs I went with BOGE turbo gas shocks.  I'm
     sure others are fine, but somewhat stiffer and more expensive.
     Up to you, what kind of ride/handline/$$$ tradeoff you wish to make.
(6) labor should be about 4-5 hours for install of 4 shocks w. associated junk,
     and another 1-2 for allignment (required)

Grant