Struts

[Toast54]

I'm in the process of pulling the struts on an 87 924S so I can replace the inserts. I'm probably going to go with KYB as I read Gabriels aren't worth installing. Will the strut mounts also need to be replaced? The drawings I see actually have two items called "mounts", one being a bearing surrounded by rubber (944 343 071 00) and the other resembling a flange which appears to be NLA.
Thanks for any input

[v2rocket_aka944]

no you don't need to replace those, typically.

[Alexb944]

if you do need new ones you can use vw fox strut bushings to replace with yours.

[onZedge]

When you disassemble your struts, remove the "bearing surrounded by rubber".
It will push out because it is not bonded to the "flange".
Place a straight edge across the top and take a measurement from the bottom of the straight edge to the top of the bearing housing.
Measurement new is around 10mm - if you have less than 5mm, I would consider replacing.
I say consider because they cost about $100 each.

[onZedge]

I have had the Monroe 901941 VW Fox mounts installed for about 6 months now (******** has them for $2.98 each).
When i disassemble my struts to install the new Bilstein B6's, I will report on how they actually held up on a 924S.
Regardless, they will not be reinstalled (just an experiment) and will be replaced by polyurethane strut mount bushings (yes, another experiment).
Unfortunately the 535i threw a "Brake Light Circuit" fault message, so I had to troubleshoot that instead of installing struts on the 924S.

[Toast54]

12.98, (which is what I see the Monroe's for) certainly beats 94.00. Now that I have the struts out (whew!!) per Clark's, I'm taking them to a shop to replace the innards rather than use a spring compressor. Worth it for peace of mind, I think.
Thanks for the input, folks

[DannoXYZ]

You can actually use the car as spring-compressor.

AutoZone also has tool-rental programme for free. Their spring-compressor is actually decent.

[Slam]

It's actually easier and safer without a spring compressor. There are lots of tutorials on how to do the strut change, so Google is your friend. You will NEED a rattle gun to remove the upper strut mount nut. It's a locking nut, so one use only.

Linky: http://www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?t=33966&highlight=

[ernie9944]

Originally Posted by Toast54

I'm in the process of pulling the struts on an 87 924S so I can replace the inserts. I'm probably going to go with KYB as I read Gabriels aren't worth installing. Will the strut mounts also need to be replaced? The drawings I see actually have two items called "mounts", one being a bearing surrounded by rubber (944 343 071 00) and the other resembling a flange which appears to be NLA.
Thanks for any input

Never mind KYB ....Go with Sachs, agreed that they will cost a little more, but beleive me you won't regret it ....From someone who has been there & back Take care Ernie

[djnolan]

Originally Posted by Slam

You will NEED a rattle gun to remove the upper strut mount nut.

A deep offset wrench will also work...

[Jfrahm]

You can also grind a couple flats on an old socket and turn it with an adjustable wrench.

[v2rocket_aka944]

even easier...
use an oxygen sensor socket on the strut nut.

[onZedge]

If the top of the strut shaft has a hex socket, use an allen key to hold the shaft, and tighten the nut with a 22mm oxygen sensor socket:

[v2rocket_aka944]

Originally Posted by onZedge

If the top of the strut shaft has a hex socket, use an allen key to hold the shaft, and tighten the nut with a 22mm oxygen sensor socket:

[onZedge]

Great minds think alike!

[Slam]

BTDT. From Vice-Grips on the strut itself to stop it rotating, to deep offset box-end wrenches like the one pictured, I've tried plenty of different ways not only to get that top nut off but also to torque it down properly. In the end, the rattle gun made life so much easier. And faster.

YMMV

[djnolan]

The vice grip method will loosen up every time, the strut rod metal is too hard to grip so you won't be able to get the nut tight enough. It takes two wrenches to tighten it enough if doing it with hand tools, one on the nut and one on the strut rod top hex or allen. So if you don't have a rattle gun you can get an offset wrench for $10 on Amazon and have piece of mind.