Rebuildable Rabbit Front Strut Bearings

On 2006-04-04, none2u > wrote:
> You do not need to use brand new upper spring mounts every time you replace
> the struts. Its nothing more then a piece of steel molded to the spring,
> with a hole in it for the strut to go through. You reuse it all the time
> until it rots , or you get the other springs, then you need the other one.

Hi none2u,
It has been several weeks since I started this thread (but I'm now
getting close to actually starting to build my new struts. (I know, I'm very
slow to action.) Anyway, I decided to completely build the new struts not
using any of my existing strut parts because this rabbit is my daily driver
and I can't afford to disassemble my existing struts and then hit a road
block.
Regarding your post above, is the upper strut mount the part numbered
"7" in the picture at this URL? Also, there are two parts, 1a and 1b, shown in
this picture. Those two parts are really expensive (1stvwparts.com wants $40
apiece for each of them). I'm just planning on skipping those parts. Any
thoughts on that?

Pictu http://www.wild-lands.net/vw/rabbit/84suspension.jpg

Thanks,
Bryan Walton

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"Bryan K. Walton" > wrote:

Why not just buy complete new struts.

I have gotten several pairs from http://partsplaceinc.com/.

$259 for the front pair, complete, all new.

Three bolts each side and you are on your way.

On 2006-04-28, Dave > wrote:
> "Bryan K. Walton" > wrote:
>
> Why not just buy complete new struts.
> I have gotten several pairs from http://partsplaceinc.com/.
> $259 for the front pair, complete, all new.
> Three bolts each side and you are on your way.

Yes, I've received that advise more than once. I admit that
it would be MUCH easier. And part of me, to be honest, wishes
that I had gone that route. I've purchased many parts from
Parts Place before, and I'm very happy with them. But, there
are three reasons why I didn't go that way this time:

1. I wanted to rebuild a set for the experience.
2. I like to support my area parts stores, when possible. And
in this case, the Gabriel brand inserts I purchased had a
lifetime guarantee. Cashing in on such a guarantee, IMHO,
is much easier with a local business.
3. I wanted to replace the standard strut bearings with the
rebuildable kind that came on the 75-76 rabbits.

Cheers!
Bryan

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