Have i killed it .......

[enc]

.... strut top mount bearing that is !?

I never power wash a car engine but yesterday i power washed around the strutt top mount to clean the copious amounts of crap from there.
afterwards i maneuvered the car around the drive and heard a terrible creaking from the exact area i power washed ....

Am wondering if water could have got into the bearing ?

Defiantly only from the side i power washed and definitely not there before.

This is the area power washed particularly into the grill covering the strut top .....

 

[leshkin]

What powerwash washes away, WD40 fixes To be honest though, I have no idea

 

[XFi]

Quite likely that water may have got into the bearing. Relatively easy to change with the right tools. It's normally a cheap, part but while you are at it you may as well change the top mount rubber as well.

 

[enc]

Quite likely that water may have got into the bearing. Relatively easy to change with the right tools. It's normally a cheap, part but while you are at it you may as well change the top mount rubber as well.

Yep that's what I feared :-(

 

[enc]

Right, this aint going away :-/

I think to change it myself MIGHT just be within my capabilities but by the time I have bought the parts, spring clamps, and strut spreader tool ... Is it worth the hassle ?? yes o would then have the tools (I did have a pair of spring clamps but **** knows where they are )

Btw, had 2 quotes to supply and fit
Quote 1 was £150 or £250 for both sides.

Quote two was for £75 one side only.

Both VAG specialist and will use non OEM parts.

Maybe use OEM parts and have a go myself ?? Looked at a few how too's and could be a pain !

Decision desisions !??

 

[Dan-Jnr]

VAG specialist using non OEM parts, how can they be specialists?

 

[enc]

VAG specialist using non OEM parts, how can they be specialists?

they only repai \VAG group cars

 

[smurfworth]

Struts will come out in seconds using a spreader tool. Got mine from eBay for around 8 quid.

It's an easy job really but then again I have done suspension changes 4 times on my 8p chassis cars

 

[enc]

I guess it must have been on the way out anyway and my power washing was the nail in the coffin.
Anyways, the Audi is with my local VAG specialist who have been assessing the damage.
The mount has indeed collapsed and subsequently broken the spring.

Pondering my options ive decided to replace both front top mounts, replace both front springs with OEM items. as the suspension is down and the dampers look to be the originals on 80k miles both front dampers will be replaced with Boge gas items.
Just what i need coming up to Xmas... that Forge alloy gear knob will have to wait