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-   -   R50/53 Front Strut install ?? (https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/r50-r53-hatch-talk-2002-2006/222480-front-strut-install.html)

brokedown 12-29-2011 04:14 PM

Front Strut install ??
 
Thanks to this forum, I was able to drop my sub frame assembly and replace lower, inner ball joints, control arm bushings/brackets and sway bar bushings.

Now, as I come down the home stretch, I'm at the point of installing new front struts and there lies my problem.
Removing the old strut was a breeze......removed the pinch bolt it slipped out without a problem.
Installing the new strut isn't going as smoothly because I can't get it to slide in the steering knuckle. I've sanded down the heaving coating of paint on strut and tried coating the strut with a thin layer of lube.........all to no avail.

So, I'm hoping someone can help by providing a tip or advice on what I may be doing incorrectly.

The plan is to finish this in the morning and then take it to the alignment shop.

Thanks!!

nabeshin 12-30-2011 08:18 AM

What brand of struts are these? Someone with similar should be able to help.

THE ITCH 12-30-2011 08:24 AM

They have spreader tools available in the market. You can get by using a 1/4" socket extention in the pinch bolt slot and twisting to open the knuckel a little.
Steve

brokedown 12-30-2011 04:00 PM

Front Strut Install
 
The job is finished and I learned plenty along the way.
As for the brand of struts, I used Billstein Touring struts.
I ended up using a 3M abrasive disk in my drill and removed the paint from the strut area that slides into the knuckle. Using a file, I dressed the bottom edge of the strut dressing the edge to a 45 degree angle. I then used a drum sander attachment and lightly cleaned up the knuckle. I did use a 1/4 drive extention in the slot to help spread it just a bit. The key is where you position the extention so as to allow full insertion of the strut.
I then dry fit the strut to ensure I wouldn't have any problems. After some fine tuning, the strut slipped in just fine.
My last step was to apply a thin coating of anti seize.

The complete job encompassed changing struts, strut mounts, inner ball joints, lower control arm brackets with new bushings, and sway bar bushings.

I tried the "short cut" method of removing the lc brackets but, it didn't work. So, I dropped the sub frame, etc and went to work.
Personally, that's what I'd recommend to anyone considering doing this install. It's not too bad and to assist me with this I simply kept my laptop on the work bench and referenced several posts that walk you through the process.

I just returned from the alignment shop so I'm good to go for now.
A tire purchase is on the near horizon but need to wait until next payday firsts as funds are a bit low right now.

I like the ride and I really like the fact that I was able to do the work myself......that allowed me to really become familiar with the car.

Thanks to all for providing the various information on this forum!!


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