Struts, Strut Mounts, Tie Ends, Sway Bar: LONG, Lot of Pics...
08-09-2003, 06:52 PM
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Struts, Strut Mounts, Tie Ends, Sway Bar: LONG, Lot of Pics...
Alright, so I finally started to check out the struts and stuff because my car pulls to the right and "slides" to the right when I brake hard.
And yes, I know I'm kinda clueless about some of this, that's because I've never done this myself... hopefully I'll learn when I have to fix some of this. Sorry if it's long.
First on the long list of stuff....
Here's the left end of the front sway bar and it's link. Just tighten it down? And would that be what slides the car to the right when I brake?
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55991/front_left_sway_bar_link.jpg">
Here's the right side of the sway bar.... should I replace that cracked bushing or is it fine?
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55991/front_right_sway_bar_link.jpg">
Second:
Both Tie Ends feel fine, no slop etc. but this one looks a little bent? is that how it's supposed to be or do I need a new tie end?
And how do I check if the tie rods are ok? they're hard to reach/get at.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55991/front_left_tie_end.jpg">
Third:
My left front strut mount moves up and down from the hood oint of view.... that means I need new mounts correct?
And this cover guard or whatever slid down I'm assuming because of it.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55991/front_left_strut.jpg">
My front right strut mount doesn't move up and down, but I'm thinking that may be because the sway bar isn't loose on that side.. Well anyways here's what it looks like from top. that rubber ring is pinched on the close side but loose on the far side like it's tilted? need a new mount??
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55991/front_right_strut_mount.jpg">
And yes, I know I'm kinda clueless about some of this, that's because I've never done this myself... hopefully I'll learn when I have to fix some of this. Sorry if it's long.
First on the long list of stuff....
Here's the left end of the front sway bar and it's link. Just tighten it down? And would that be what slides the car to the right when I brake?
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55991/front_left_sway_bar_link.jpg">
Here's the right side of the sway bar.... should I replace that cracked bushing or is it fine?
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55991/front_right_sway_bar_link.jpg">
Second:
Both Tie Ends feel fine, no slop etc. but this one looks a little bent? is that how it's supposed to be or do I need a new tie end?
And how do I check if the tie rods are ok? they're hard to reach/get at.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55991/front_left_tie_end.jpg">
Third:
My left front strut mount moves up and down from the hood oint of view.... that means I need new mounts correct?
And this cover guard or whatever slid down I'm assuming because of it.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55991/front_left_strut.jpg">
My front right strut mount doesn't move up and down, but I'm thinking that may be because the sway bar isn't loose on that side.. Well anyways here's what it looks like from top. that rubber ring is pinched on the close side but loose on the far side like it's tilted? need a new mount??
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55991/front_right_strut_mount.jpg">
08-09-2003, 07:06 PM
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Just out of the blue... Is that Fram oil filter still on your car?
I guess its not the desired filter for the oiling system. Somthing about a valve inside the OE (Bosch or Mahle) filter.
As far as buying strut mounts, I would stay clear of Blau. ("upgraded mounts") I can't imagine what made them think the price they charge for those things is of any benifit.
As far as buying strut mounts, I would stay clear of Blau. ("upgraded mounts") I can't imagine what made them think the price they charge for those things is of any benifit.
08-09-2003, 07:11 PM
#3
FRAM's are fine. Ran dozens of them on my Audi's never had a single problem! ;O)
Why there even Audi Professional Racing teams running FRAM's!
How about Napa Gold Filters? They were rated above all other filters? ;O)
How about Napa Gold Filters? They were rated above all other filters? ;O)
08-09-2003, 08:09 PM
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FRAM sux.....there is next to nothing inside there for filtering media....
cant say anything about the X2 filters.....i just use the Purolator plus filters.....the blue ones....with the heavy anti drain back valve....
08-09-2003, 08:18 PM
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I was led to belive they don't have a certain valve system inside.
I can't seem to find the info right now. I still am going to use a Bosch filter. I like Bosch, they employ my cusin. And are you actually using a FRAM right now on your car/s? (bigger filter than stock?)
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08-09-2003, 09:05 PM
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Heres my go at them
First pic. Does it still have the nut under the A-arm to secure it? If yes then try to get that thing back together. I don't think it has anything to do with the car pulling to one side.
Second and third pic. They are fine. I wouldn't worry if that were my car.
Forth pic. Thats just a dust sleeve. Its supposed to move up and down like that.
Fifth pic. That doesn't look good to me. I might be miss leading you here. But the metal bowl like thing looks bent.
Second and third pic. They are fine. I wouldn't worry if that were my car.
Forth pic. Thats just a dust sleeve. Its supposed to move up and down like that.
Fifth pic. That doesn't look good to me. I might be miss leading you here. But the metal bowl like thing looks bent.
08-09-2003, 09:09 PM
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Oil Filter Study
This guy did his own study, cutting apart and measuring the filter media, examining the check valves, etc. He decided that WIX, Purolator, AC Delco & Bosch (same Mfgr), (WIX makes NAPA) were better filters, from the materials they were made from.
Mann filters are often found on Ebay or can be ordered online from many sources, one of which is www.RockAuto.com.<ul><li><a href="http://www.frankhunt.com/FRANK/corvette/articles/oilfilterstudy/oilfilterstudy-german.html#ph2870a">http://www.frankhunt.com/FRANK/corvette/articles/oilfilterstudy/oilfilterstudy-german.html#ph2870a</a></li></ul>
Mann filters are often found on Ebay or can be ordered online from many sources, one of which is www.RockAuto.com.<ul><li><a href="http://www.frankhunt.com/FRANK/corvette/articles/oilfilterstudy/oilfilterstudy-german.html#ph2870a">http://www.frankhunt.com/FRANK/corvette/articles/oilfilterstudy/oilfilterstudy-german.html#ph2870a</a></li></ul>