how do front strut cartridges attach to strut?
06-27-2001, 04:03 AM
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how do front strut cartridges attach to strut?
so i ordered a pair of struts and they look a bit different than the diagram in the bently. I know a few of you have done this job already so i was hoping for some assistance. The bently diagram shows (i think) that the strut cartridge(a.k.a. shock) screws into the strut mount (at the bottom), but the struts that i have (boge) are not threaded (the piston is, but not the body). any info is appreciated... thanks.
mike
'94 90q
mike
'94 90q
06-27-2001, 04:42 AM
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The strut mount has a cap on it....
unscrew the Cap, not an easy ask RobK.
I used a pair of channel locks and a large steel pipe for leverage.
With the Cap off the strut cartridge will slide right out. If the Boge shocks have spacers (look like washers) you must place them inside the
strut mount before dropping in the cartridge.
On my 100cs I did the whole job without jacking up the car or removing the springs.
Remove the top strut catridge bolt.
Mark the position of the upper strut mount and remove the inner three bolts.
lift off the strut mounting plate.
Remove the bump stop
From between the springs use a pair of channel locks and a suitable hollow steel pipe for leaverage to remove the strut cap.
With the strut cap removed pull out the cartridge and install the new one. Avoid getting grease, dirt on the piston. If spacers were provided put them in first.
replace the strut cap and use thread lock to avoid it backing off two weeks later.
replace the bump stop
realign the upper strut mounting plate and torque the bolts to correct spec's.
replace the strut cartridge bolt.
This is the procedure for a 92 100cs. It may be different on your car. If you have to remove the springs I recommend you let a professional handle it. Even with good spring compressors it can be dangerous.
Sam.
I used a pair of channel locks and a large steel pipe for leverage.
With the Cap off the strut cartridge will slide right out. If the Boge shocks have spacers (look like washers) you must place them inside the
strut mount before dropping in the cartridge.
On my 100cs I did the whole job without jacking up the car or removing the springs.
Remove the top strut catridge bolt.
Mark the position of the upper strut mount and remove the inner three bolts.
lift off the strut mounting plate.
Remove the bump stop
From between the springs use a pair of channel locks and a suitable hollow steel pipe for leaverage to remove the strut cap.
With the strut cap removed pull out the cartridge and install the new one. Avoid getting grease, dirt on the piston. If spacers were provided put them in first.
replace the strut cap and use thread lock to avoid it backing off two weeks later.
replace the bump stop
realign the upper strut mounting plate and torque the bolts to correct spec's.
replace the strut cartridge bolt.
This is the procedure for a 92 100cs. It may be different on your car. If you have to remove the springs I recommend you let a professional handle it. Even with good spring compressors it can be dangerous.
Sam.
06-27-2001, 05:12 AM
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You will have to remove the entire assembly from the car . . .
Once the assembly is removed, then you have to compress the spring with a spring compressor tool. This can be dangerous without the right tool, or if you are careless, as you are compressing a spring that is strong enough to hold the car up.
After that, then (and only then) you can remove the 22mm nut from the top of the strut cartridge. This will allow you to carefully dissemble everything and then remove the strut cartridge from the mount, including the compressed spring.
As BAA says, the cap that holds the cartridge onto the assembly is often difficult to remove. My strut cartridges came with new caps, so I didn't need the existing ones that were rusted onto the assemblies. I have a dremel-type tool with a cutoff griding bit, and I carefully ground deep grooves into the caps until they popped off (being careful not to grind into the assembly at the same time.
- Kevin
After that, then (and only then) you can remove the 22mm nut from the top of the strut cartridge. This will allow you to carefully dissemble everything and then remove the strut cartridge from the mount, including the compressed spring.
As BAA says, the cap that holds the cartridge onto the assembly is often difficult to remove. My strut cartridges came with new caps, so I didn't need the existing ones that were rusted onto the assemblies. I have a dremel-type tool with a cutoff griding bit, and I carefully ground deep grooves into the caps until they popped off (being careful not to grind into the assembly at the same time.
- Kevin
06-27-2001, 05:40 AM
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Re: how do front strut cartridges attach to strut?
Don't know if your 90, being newer than mine, has the same setup. I think it has diff. control arms.
Anyway I replaced mine a few weeks back with kybs.
Do all the same as kevstar said. Mine was differant than the 100, thats why I say kevstar.
TO get the strut cap off you may need to use heat also, it helps alot but be careful and do not use to put the cap back on as the new strut will be affected by the heat and can explode.
This cap is right where the piston or strut ram comes out of the housing. You should be able to get a "rent-a-tool" spring collapser somewhere. I mean if I can get it her in Newfoundland anybody can. And save your self alot of money.
Money that could be better spent on new strut bumpers and new boots, which come in a strut kit. About 15 bucks.
Also be very careful not to pinch you CV boots as my father did one of mine. I was going to replace both front anyway so it didn't matter to me. Thisis a good time to change them as everything is apart anyway and it don't take that much time or money again about 15 bucks per side.
Also plan on checking on the tie rod ends and ball joints why you are in there.
Do you have new strut mounts? These are the ones on top. These may look good but it just as well to replace them without a doubt.
Check the bushings also. My sway bar bushings were gone also.
Now after all this is done you will have alot of worry free, regards to front end that is, speeding...and taking turns so fast that the muscel car guys go home scratching there head...
mike90q
aol IM gixxery
icq101792224
Anyway I replaced mine a few weeks back with kybs.
Do all the same as kevstar said. Mine was differant than the 100, thats why I say kevstar.
TO get the strut cap off you may need to use heat also, it helps alot but be careful and do not use to put the cap back on as the new strut will be affected by the heat and can explode.
This cap is right where the piston or strut ram comes out of the housing. You should be able to get a "rent-a-tool" spring collapser somewhere. I mean if I can get it her in Newfoundland anybody can. And save your self alot of money.
Money that could be better spent on new strut bumpers and new boots, which come in a strut kit. About 15 bucks.
Also be very careful not to pinch you CV boots as my father did one of mine. I was going to replace both front anyway so it didn't matter to me. Thisis a good time to change them as everything is apart anyway and it don't take that much time or money again about 15 bucks per side.
Also plan on checking on the tie rod ends and ball joints why you are in there.
Do you have new strut mounts? These are the ones on top. These may look good but it just as well to replace them without a doubt.
Check the bushings also. My sway bar bushings were gone also.
Now after all this is done you will have alot of worry free, regards to front end that is, speeding...and taking turns so fast that the muscel car guys go home scratching there head...
mike90q
aol IM gixxery
icq101792224
06-27-2001, 11:31 AM
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thanks, i think i've got it now...
i wasn't aware that there was a cap that holds the cartridge in place... that was the piece that i was missing.
oh, and i've got spring compressors already, new boots, and new upper mounts so i am all set... will check tie rod ends and ball joints when i'm in there.
thanks for all the help
mike
oh, and i've got spring compressors already, new boots, and new upper mounts so i am all set... will check tie rod ends and ball joints when i'm in there.
thanks for all the help
mike
06-27-2001, 12:21 PM
#7
Re: how do front strut cartridges attach to strut?
<center><img src="http://catalog.exist.ru/pic/parts/VAG11969.gif"></center><p>With the cars weight on its wheels loosen nut #33 under cover #35. For this you will need 2 special tools. Normally a 7mm allen wrench and the top strut nut socket. Or a pneumatic impact wrench. Now dont remove the nut completly, leave it on by a couple threads(more to follow later)
Loosen wheel lug bolts, jack car, and remove wheel & tire. Remove nut #34, and you'll need something to remove this balljoint from the strut steering arm. I use a pitman arm puller. Remove nut #16, and remove anti-sway bar(16) link from strut. Remove bolt # 12, there will be 2 of them on you car. Find something to set #10 on top of, and dont let the brake caliper line stretch out.
Also remove bracket which holds the brake lines to the strut & move them out of the way.
Grasp ahold of the strut an now remove nut # 33 by hand.
Be carefull as nut 33 is all that holding the strut from hitting the ground. Once removed you'll need a set of good spring compressors,to compress the spring, inorder to remove nut #31.
Which you will need another special tool for!
Once nut #31 is removed, remove spring with compressors attached, be cautious with the spring.
Then unscrew nut #25. This is the nut which holds the strut insert inside the strut assembly.
They often get stuck. I use a large pipe wrench to remove real stubborn ones. Reverse proceedure to install.
Loosen wheel lug bolts, jack car, and remove wheel & tire. Remove nut #34, and you'll need something to remove this balljoint from the strut steering arm. I use a pitman arm puller. Remove nut #16, and remove anti-sway bar(16) link from strut. Remove bolt # 12, there will be 2 of them on you car. Find something to set #10 on top of, and dont let the brake caliper line stretch out.
Also remove bracket which holds the brake lines to the strut & move them out of the way.
Grasp ahold of the strut an now remove nut # 33 by hand.
Be carefull as nut 33 is all that holding the strut from hitting the ground. Once removed you'll need a set of good spring compressors,to compress the spring, inorder to remove nut #31.
Which you will need another special tool for!
Once nut #31 is removed, remove spring with compressors attached, be cautious with the spring.
Then unscrew nut #25. This is the nut which holds the strut insert inside the strut assembly.
They often get stuck. I use a large pipe wrench to remove real stubborn ones. Reverse proceedure to install.
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