RussB

<center><img src="http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/L303027476OES.JPG"></center><p>
Before I replaced my 88 5000CSTQ's (with approx 165,000 miles) front shock dust sleeves, <img src="http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/thumb/L303824199.JPG"> a mechanic friend inspected the strut mounts and mentioned that their rubber inserts looked cracked and torn (evident only when viewed closely while jacking car up and down) and advised me to replace them. They're cheap (~$10 ea from any Worldpac distributor), so I followed his advice. They're easy to replace.

I'm amazed at the improvement in the car's ride. It almost feels like I've installed new strut inserts. The car's now better controlled over bumps. I guess that the shagged out mounts that were on the car were the car's originals and that the mounts' rubber inserts were moving up, down, and even sideways way too much -- effectively not working the front shocks except over big excursions. Now I'm feeling the effect of the strut inserts . . . and it is good.

BTW my car's four shocks were replaced about five years ago, but the invoices that were supplied by the P.O. make no mention of having replaced the strut mounts. I imagine that replacing the strut mounts on a high mileage car which still has its worn-out original strut inserts won't have such a great effect as I experienced.



My next task: address the rear suspension.

Pushbutton_auto

So on a 400,000 km car, maybe not ?

RussB

If the strut inserts ("shocks") <img src="http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/thumb/L300534586BOG.JPG"> are the original ones with 400,000 kilometers on them, you prolly won't experience such a great improvement, since it's time to replace the strut inserts. If the strut inserts are newer, but the strut mounts are original, then it's worth a try.

The cracks in the rubber on my old strut mounts weren't easy to see.

birdmanmt

i bought some of them about two years ago from a worldpac vendor. within 6 months they had torn out again. maybe i got a bad batch who knows.

got another set from the same place. those were toast with in less than a year. got the next set from the audi dealership, still waiting to see how long they'll last, no cracks yet and it's been about 8-10 months now. the worldpac one's showed cracks after 1-2 months. i think they were about $22 from the dealership.

i also hear the v8 one's are beefier and a bit of an upgrade? anyone know for sure?

Adam Mowafy

I'm getting the V8 mounts for mine. I've been told they are beefier, better made, and bolt right in.

RussB

Thanks for the headzup. I'll keep a watch on 'em since they're from Worldpac.

Will Ng

Hmmm, interesting. Although I replaced my mounts when I installed new struts. I've noticed the rubber inserts flexed vertically when I bounced the suspension...quite noticeable. My right front suspension has been more harsh over bumps than the driver's side. I've replaced everything except the steering rack (which seems tight) and the passenger engine mount.
I guess I can't assume the year-old mount is still good given the experiences with the worldpac part.

birdmanmt

i doubt you will....cost from dealer is 123.53 each. regular old t44 one's were $32.86. go figure

alpinab7

Aren't most of Worldpacs parts OEM???

Tom Serrago

After one ride, I'm convinced! Great bang for the buck!