TPW

Have any of you replaced strut bearings on your own with spring compressers? Does the allignment always have to be re-done after replacing the strut bearing? Is this a project better left to a shop?

AndrewsQuattros

I think you would have to take the whole assembly out first, which would be those 2 bolts on the top, and then the one screw on the bottom in the spring. Hold the strut really tight with something, and get that middle bolt out. However when I did it, I replaced the strut too, so I got very harsh on the old one to get that middle nut out.

AudiSport4000

On my 4kq that is, last weekend when I did my springs/shocks. DIY job, even I did it, and Im ameture. We did compress the spring, then used the special socket to remove the bearing.
My alignment is set for this Saturday, 1pm

Mike

cbpldc

Nope,
If you're talking about removing the upper strut mount, it's rediculously easy. You don't even have to jack the car up in a type 44 car. First, remove the big bolt in the center. You may need either an 8 or 9 mm wrench to hold the shaft steady and start cranking on the nut with a 22mm wrench. Some of them have an allen head bold in the middle, some have have funny looking head on them. My V8Q had the funny looking head (which could be held with with 8 or 9 mm) and my 200 had the allen head. For the allen head, we cut a 22mm socket so we could fit our allen head wrench in there.

Then remove the 3 bolts holding the strut mount on and pry it up and off the car. The reverse those steps.

Sometimes, holdin the shaft of the cartridge still can be a major PITA, in which case, you'll need to stick a set of vice grips on the shaft under the fender well and hold it still.

I've done this several times and it's super easy.

Chris

TPW

But isn't the strut bearing under the bearing plate? It appears that the whole strut assembly has to be removed fron the car to access it.

cbpldc

Trust me on this. Just remove the center nut and the 3 just to the outside of it. Once pried up, it will pop right out.

Chris