Strut mount binding - what to do???

[IndyIan]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
I would seriously consider replacing the struts at the same time. But before I did that, I would try to lube the strut bearings. Since you have nothing to lose at this point, hit them with some spray lube (lithium lube IIRC) then drive the car for a few weeks to see if the grease works into the strut bearings good (may take a while in this weather).


Hmmm. Very logical but never considered. Need to have a look. Wonder if I can get grease in there without removing the strut.

Mostly concerned with the safety aspect, since I'm very pleased with the cars ride and handling.

Probably the bearings are something like nylon anyways, and I can't really see how the strut would ever bind enough to limit steering even if you managed to wear out the plastic.

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
I would seriously consider replacing the struts at the same time. But before I did that, I would try to lube the strut bearings. Since you have nothing to lose at this point, hit them with some spray lube (lithium lube IIRC) then drive the car for a few weeks to see if the grease works into the strut bearings good (may take a while in this weather).


Hmmm. Very logical but never considered. Need to have a look. Wonder if I can get grease in there without removing the strut.

Mostly concerned with the safety aspect, since I'm very pleased with the cars ride and handling.


You wont get grease in there. They are steel ball bearings in a metal cage encased and sealed in plastic, when they bind, they most likely cracked and water probably has gotten in and rusted the balls, they are done.

The few companies i know of that make their aftermarket products as good as their OEM are Koni and Bilstein.
AFAIK Sachs has their OEM built and aftermarket line. I remember seeing somewhere on a sheet that had "value line" listed for the aftermarket.

 

[zzyzzx]

Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Probably the bearings are something like nylon anyways

 

[zzyzzx]

Originally Posted By: Trav
when they bind, they most likely cracked and water probably has gotten in and rusted the balls, they are done.


That thought had occurred to me as well, but if that's the case, then just replace the bearings. Sometimes you can do that.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Trav
The few companies i know of that make their aftermarket products as good as their OEM are Koni and Bilstein.
AFAIK Sachs has their OEM built and aftermarket line. I remember seeing somewhere on a sheet that had "value line" listed for the aftermarket.


I think I can get Koni struts for the saab as well. But Ive been happy with bilstein.

I can also get saab OEM ones...

But you think Bilstein? It will double the price of the job at least, even over saab OE. But if its the right route, Ill go that way.

Tire rack has them for $100 less ($250 vs $350 each) than anyplace Ive seen... Should I be worried about buying from them?

 

[zzyzzx]

Personally, I always use Monroe's, but that's just me, since I live in a city where the roads are terrible so I want the softest ride possible. For a SAAB, I am not sure what I would use.

 

[Ewag2983]

Don't know if any of you guys have seen them, but the only strut spring compressors I will use are the type that have u-bolts that attach to the spring itself which makes there pretty much be no way for those things to come off.