When I had new struts put in years ago the top part sat a bit higher; the mechanic kinda shrugged it off. Drove fine. I had them replaced last year, and they sat much higher. I'd say recently the ride has gotten much rougher, but then again I've been spending much more time in my softer-riding Tundra. Anyhow, why does the strut sit so high? I thought it was supposed to be in whatever pocket that is; it looks like the top rubber bit has a lip that ought to be in that metal pocket.
Strut Question
- Thread starter supton
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Are u just messing with us? That sure doesn't look right. If you bounce test the car does that move up and down? Cause it sure doesn't look solidly mounted
I imagine there must be some rubber below the sheet metal that has crumbled away? All the struts I've ever seen have 3 or 4 bolts that connect the upper mount to the body. You should jack up a corner just so the tire is taking the weight of the suspension and see how much play there is. Your VW board buddies must've seen this before as well.
Originally Posted By: tomcat27
Are u just messing with us? That sure doesn't look right. If you bounce test the car does that move up and down? Cause it sure doesn't look solidly mounted
It moves. Some. Really have to lean on it. Ride height I think is still normal, but I didn't bother measuring it when I first bought the car vs today.
It's also been like this for a year now.
Are u just messing with us? That sure doesn't look right. If you bounce test the car does that move up and down? Cause it sure doesn't look solidly mounted
It moves. Some. Really have to lean on it. Ride height I think is still normal, but I didn't bother measuring it when I first bought the car vs today.
It's also been like this for a year now.
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
I imagine there must be some rubber below the sheet metal that has crumbled away? All the struts I've ever seen have 3 or 4 bolts that connect the upper mount to the body. You should jack up a corner just so the tire is taking the weight of the suspension and see how much play there is. Your VW board buddies must've seen this before as well.
I'll jack it up this weekend, and also get an opinion on the VW forum.
I imagine there must be some rubber below the sheet metal that has crumbled away? All the struts I've ever seen have 3 or 4 bolts that connect the upper mount to the body. You should jack up a corner just so the tire is taking the weight of the suspension and see how much play there is. Your VW board buddies must've seen this before as well.
I'll jack it up this weekend, and also get an opinion on the VW forum.
Originally Posted By: supton
Originally Posted By: tomcat27
Are u just messing with us? That sure doesn't look right. If you bounce test the car does that move up and down? Cause it sure doesn't look solidly mounted
It moves. Some. Really have to lean on it. Ride height I think is still normal, but I didn't bother measuring it when I first bought the car vs today.
It's also been like this for a year now.
Need to clarify that: I don't think the top of the strut moves (misread the question).
Originally Posted By: tomcat27
Are u just messing with us? That sure doesn't look right. If you bounce test the car does that move up and down? Cause it sure doesn't look solidly mounted
It moves. Some. Really have to lean on it. Ride height I think is still normal, but I didn't bother measuring it when I first bought the car vs today.
It's also been like this for a year now.
Need to clarify that: I don't think the top of the strut moves (misread the question).
We see this issue on a weekly basis on Volkswagens. It is one of three things: Rubber strut mount is worn; rubber strut mount has collapsed; or the sheet metal of the shock tower has expanded.
On A4 Jettas it is usually the second option; the strut mount has collapsed.
On B1 Pointers it is usually the third option, especially on taxis, not so much on private automobiles. I don't recommend strut mount replacement until the gap has reached 1cm [3/8"] for this reason, if the sheet metal has expanded a new mount will end up with the same free play, not improving much.
This issue doesn't cause much of an alignment problem because of the tapered shape of the shock tower, but will cause a thumping noise when driving over potholes or speed bumps.
On A4 Jettas it is usually the second option; the strut mount has collapsed.
On B1 Pointers it is usually the third option, especially on taxis, not so much on private automobiles. I don't recommend strut mount replacement until the gap has reached 1cm [3/8"] for this reason, if the sheet metal has expanded a new mount will end up with the same free play, not improving much.
This issue doesn't cause much of an alignment problem because of the tapered shape of the shock tower, but will cause a thumping noise when driving over potholes or speed bumps.
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