stevenmurray

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/37382/airchisel.jpg"></center><p>Shop was swapping components from my bent strut housing to new junk yard unbent - and then out comes the air chisel. I think I would have prefered if he used a pipe wrench. Did the guy do bad? I'm thinking of filing it down as it don't want any tears in the accordian plastic.

fusilier

jeez. impacts like that can really muss up the tolerances on the piston seal

stevenmurray

It's not like I went to iffy lube. Bruno's shop is probably a hour away - but he probably would have made me leave the parts - so it would have cost me 4 hours driving plus $20 in tolls. Maybe he would have said he only works on complete cars - or he's just too busy. I'm trying to leave the work to the pros - but it hasn't been working for me.
One quattro body shop - I'd like them to take care of some inner fender rust - I spoke to his brother and they wouldn't touch the car unless a full restore was done. They don't want their name associated with my car, or any car that is not a 'wow'.
Now Mr. Airchisel may have mumbled that with the arm coming out of the strut tube in the middle - maybe he didn't think there was enough distance on the strut tube to clamp it in his vice.

urq20vt

While he probably didn't do any damage to the strut itself, it is easier to do it correctly, even if you don't have the right tool. EVERY shop has a BMF channel lock pliers or large pipe wrench, and that could be used. Using an air chisel isn't an idea that would even pop into my head, as it would be too easy to ding the threads and destroy the strut housing, or hit the shaft and destroy the insert.

I bought the correct tool 17 years ago for the struts in '86 5Ks that I had then (after being quoted $800 to swap struts). I have used it countless times, and loaned it out countless more. If you have an ur quattro, and plan on doing the suspension at some time, I would highly recommend getting one.

stevenmurray

Yep - Tighten with the chisel. .

gmbchef

Using these, I can show you how to do this type of work yourself, that way you'll be an informed consumer. It really isn't that difficult, and it will let the shop know that you know the dealio. Oh, are you going to the MoT on June 18th?

GlenT

It's a shame you have to find out that they aren't as carefull with your property as you hoped by them making a mess of it.

stevenmurray

I brought a wheel bearing kit with me.

But he said he didn't have the time, I'd have to leave the parts. He said my wheel bearing seemed OK anyway. I'd imagine I'd have to buy a lot of tools if I want to start pressing in bearings myself. Perhaps I'm lucky he didn't do the bearing.

Boston seems iffy - once I get this strut back in I know I have a bad wheel bearing on the right side and a cv joint boot keeps popping off on the right inner.
I didn't pre-register for boston - 20% that I'll just show up that day.

stevenmurray

Looks like I'll be visiting the closer one again.

urq20vt

Perhaps there is a reason that this shop wasn't as busy.