RE: Replacing Struts: Need Help..More

[Dan Hall <Daniel.R.Hall@digital.com>]

Paul_Royal@idx.com wrote:
 
>From the 20v page:
>
>""Make sure you replace the upper strut bearings during installation.
>  Use OEM bearings only! Aftermarket ones won't last.""
>
>What is this actually called in the parts bin?
>
>+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
>
>To:   audi-20v
>Hi Folks,
>     I'm hoping to get the new Bilstein HDs in this weekend and will be
>replacing the "strut top bearings."
>Exactly what is it that I'm replacing?  Clair Parts Express just faxed
me
>what appears to be a copy of the fiche.
>My choice of parts in the area in question are:
>893 412 113    Spring Seat
>811 412 365     Threaded Bushing
>8?0 412 323 B   Retainer
>811 412 319     Stop

Paul:

I've always referred to them as strut bearings.  I believe my Bentley
factory service manual either also calls them that, or calls them strut
mounts.

Anyway, maybe the following information will help you or some other
90Q owner in the future.
 
Back in November, I installed Boge Turbogas shocks (part number
32-846-F front, 32-920-F rear), Eibach sport springs (kit # EB1510.140)
and new strut mounts (part number ZBC 412 355 imprinted on the part,
811 412 323C on the package) on all four corners of my 1989 90Q (10V).
I got all of the parts from German Parts and Restoration (GPR) and was
very happy with their price and service.  While installing the parts, I
noted that the rear struts had a blue blaze of paint swabbed on them,
and the inside of the upper rear strut towers were painted blue.  I
actually
noticed the paint on the strut towers because some had stuck to the rear
strut mounts.  Odd, I thought, but I continued, and everything seemed to
install just fine.

During the test ride, I heard clunking noises from the rear, like the
rear
struts weren't seated properly.  Inspection revealed that the original
rear
strut mounts (857 412 355A) were .37" shorter than the replacement strut
mounts, and the replacements were preventing the struts from completely
seating.  After a few installation and removal cycles, with the same
results, I finally removed the new rear strut mounts and reinstalled the
old,
original mounts in the rear.  Problem solved.

The blue paint must have been there to point out that something was
different about the rear struts.  Maybe Audi made a change in the middle
of a production run.  I did this upgrade at about 110K miles on the
clock,
so I'm assuming the struts were the originals.  I guess the moral of
this
story is to compare your old and new strut bearings before you install
them.

BTW, the new front strut bearings installed just fine with no problems
(the
original fronts were part number 412 355B, no prefix).

-Dan Hall