Re: 4000q front strut tops

[Huw Powell <audi@mediaone.net>]

> > I'm talking about the metal 'caps' the center the top of the front struts.
> > This metal cap is under the black plastic covers on the strut tops, and is
> > what the large nut that holds the strut in bolts onto.
> >
> > On my 4000q, the metal 'cap' sits about the hight of my finger above the
> > fender. When I jack up the car, the strut goes down that half inch, before
> > starting to lift with the car.
> >
> > It strikes me that this extra bit of height is not a good thing, especially
> > when doing 'brisk' navigational rallies, where there is sometimes
> > opportunity of 'negative weight' on the struts.

1. when the wheels are cocked to one side, those caps have to shift
angle - they must have room to move.

2. Good point about "negative weight", but basically that cap is what
stops the strut from falling out completely (or at least becoming
horribly misaligned), isn't it?  In other words it makes sure when the
car "lands", the strut bearing is still somewhere near the place for it
in the top of the tower.

3. Getting the front wheels airborne may be fun but I bet dealing with
it isn't in the brief given to the suspension designers of a street
car...

4.  What do Audi's rally cars look like in that area?

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi/

82 Audi Coupe; 84 4kq; 85 Coupe GT; 73 F250