Yeah got the 86 Audi 4000csq I just got the mechanics bill back and figured that I should try to do the work my self. Ive never done any sort of suspension work before, and I heard they can be a bitch. The mechanic wants 500 bucks to put new ones on. Im probally gonna buy a set of Bilsteins. Any special tools I need. Any advice?

unless you have a spring compressor, and know how to use it.

You can do it without special tools.
However, you'll need a impact wrench, if you don't have the special tool to remove the top nut.

I do have the special tools, and I don't do cars for a living, but I can replace the front struts in less than 2 hours.

The max a professional should charge you is 2 labor hours.

While at it, check the front top bearings. They are normally shot if it was never done, and you shouldn't pay any extra for the labor.

If you're going to tackle it, get a Bentley.

Good Luck,

CS

I can probally rent one for a decnet price at the local auto zone. Those guys know me buy name now. :)

i sh*t you not. it is VERY important that you use a spring compressor. if you don't believe me, see what happens when and if you get it apart.

You'll need a tool to separate the tie-rod from the strut, mine looks like a big two-prong fork but there are other styles.

Once you get the strut out of the car you need a bench vise to hold the strut while you compress the springs to take them off.

Then you 'll need a BF Pipewrench to take off the cap that holds the strut in the housing.

When you go to put it back into the car, you'll need a special tool to put the strut nut back on while holding the strut shaft still.

Good luck
Dave G.

The labor books call for 7.5 hours to do all 4 shocks/struts. It looks like he's charging you for exactly that. Any half way decent mechanic can put them in in 3 hours. Mine charged me 3.5 hours @ $60 per hour to do my install (I provided the parts), so my labor to install a set of Boge TurboGas was about $200...

Here is what I observe:

1) You are supposed to have the special tool to get the nut off of the top of the assembly. I bought a used set up, but the nut needed to be tightened on one. I simply tapped it around wit a drift.

2) Often, you can bring the removed parts and the new parts to a suspension shop and they will R&R the spring and insert for you. You do the rest of the dirty work.

3) This is when you want to change the tie-rod ends and the ball joints. We had to heat the hell out of one of the tie-rod ends to get it to come off.

4) Once you do this, you will need an alignment.

Aaron

That way you will only be doing this once. I would also buy some upper strut bearings (mounts)while you are at it. Once my car comes back from its clutch install, I'm moving on to the suspension. The H&R are enroute and the Koni's will be here soon.

An impact and a blowtorch are all the tools you need.

On my 87 4000Q, the strut housing and bearing housing are all one piece.
The tie-rods connect to arms that are part of the strut housing. SO, you gotta disconnect the tie-rod from the mounting point on the strut if you want to remove the strut. He's asking about an 86 4000Q so it should be the same. Maybe earlier 4000's are different. This is my first one.

Dave G.

It must be that time of year. Just recently I noticed a klunk coming from drivers front. So today, while out for a smoke, I had a look. There was fluid all over the wheel well and lower control arm. **** I thought, a blown brake line. On further investigation, the strut is completely shot. On the way home I stopped at the local wrench twister and he has me fixed up for Sat morning. We figure 2-3 hours. I've just recently replaced ball joints and tie rod assy's (last month) so that part will be easy. The axel nut and upper nut will be the tricky ones. I never realized it before (I just got my Bentley this week) but the whole strut assy must be removed to replace the cartridges. The price $54 a piece. I live in Canada, so that is what we up here call a hell of a deal!! I figure $200-$250 for parts and labor. I would do it myself but I'm lacking some of the fundamental tools, like a compressor, sring compressor, a garage......

Dan

and they give it back to you when the tool is returned. Don't worry about breaking it, they'll take it back anyway.