Re: Suspension Rebuild Tips?

["Fred Munro" <munrof@isys.ca>]

-----Original Message-----
From: Tony Lum <tlum@flash.net>
To: quattro@coimbra.ans.net <quattro@coimbra.ans.net>
Date: Monday, June 29, 1998 11:52 AM
Subject: Suspension Rebuild Tips?


>Hi gang,
>
>Neophyte suspension rebuilder desires hot tips from suspension pros (ref:
>5000s).
>
>1.) Can wheel bearings be installed with the strut in place, or must the
>strut come off?  I would be using a 3 jaw puller with right diameter tubes.
> Getting the bearing into the strut's probably easy, I'm thinking about
>getting the hub back into the inner race.
>
>2.) After pressing out stuff like tie rod ends and ball joints how are they
>re-inserted? Pressed in with tools? Or just use some silicon grease and
>adequate muscle?  Seriously lacking the latter, I rather work smart than
>hard (leaves more beer time!).
>
>TIA,
>
>
>
>-Tony


Hi Tony;

    The Bentley says the front strut has to come off, but there is a tool
available which allows you to remove and install the front bearings with the
strut in place. If you cobble something together to do this yourself, be
very careful where you are applying the pressure. When you are putting the
hub back into the inner race, the pressure goes on the inner race, and when
you are pressing the bearing into the housing, the pressure goes on the
outer race. It's very easy to damage these bearings if they are pressed in
incorrectly. They can also be damaged if the car is moved before the hub nut
is torqued.

    Ball joints and tie rod ends are installed by seating the taper and
tightening the nut. The taper keeps the threaded part of the joint from
turning in the seat. If it does turn, a few love taps with a plastic mallet
usually seats them. If you slather the seat with anti-seize to make them
easier to remove next time, you may never get them tightened - but you will
be entertained!

HTH

Fred Munro
'91 200q  255k km