CGT rant continued

[DGraber460@aol.com]

Finally got Boge turbo gas struts (and installed) on the "Clunk generator." 
The old strut cartridges were not exhibiting any driving symptoms. Once 
removed I could see that they were in need of replacement (while standing on 
strut- piston could be moved _slightly_ side to side). This would obviously 
produce the offensive and elusive "Clunk" I have been pursuing. The driver 
side was so corroded into the housing I had to use an air hammer,  _large_ 
smiter,  and 45 minutes of gnashing of teeth to extract it. This was then 
followed by another hour of scraping the inside of the strut to allow the 
insertion of the new strut. I had to be very careful to avoid the new 
cartridge stalling (wedged) and only partially inserted. VERY frustrating! 
While finishing up the install, I was tightening the axle nut on the 
passenger side, and finally reproduced a lessor version of the "clunk" from 
the control arm bushing. Up to now the same diagnostic technique yielded 
nothing. Upon test drive, turn in is much better (tighter feel and more 
responsive to input), the "clunk" is greatly reduced, but still there. The 
strut was a major part of the noise, but the bushing which was replaced (by 
me) 18 months ago, is also a contributor. I only recently read the post about 
"loading the front suspension prior to tightening the control arm bushings" 
post and immediately did such. It would seem that this caused the early 
demise of said bushings. Live and learn. Tomorrow the new bushings go in, and 
I will be "clunkless."  If not, there will be an 85 CGT for sale in Denver. 
Happiness is a tight front end (and too much horsepower).
On a totally different note, does anyone know of an Alfa mailing list?

Dennis Graber

PS Steve Eiche; How's your URQ coming along? Ready to sell your red CGT yet?