As every spring - I try to start working with the car. This is no exception. Suspension struts are primary target for this spring. So - day in the garage, and old strut is out:
Comparison old vs refurbished. No essential differences. Rubber in the coil is to rise car nose a bit as those white springs were way too weak.
Let's continue with assembly of coil over. Everything fits nicely. Added some engine oil for better thermal contact between strut and shock absorber. I know, that antifreeze is safer and better. But I don't like it. It's sweet, it's hard to wash :(. Engine oil should do this application just fine. Comparison of old and "new" strut assemblies:
Some work, and everything is put in place. Time to tighten CV joint bolt. Few turns and it's no longer turning. WTF? Hub is no longer turning (on gearbox gears free motion). WTF!!!!!. Short inspection revealed the obvious. ABS and non-ABS struts are different not only with sensor mounting. ABS strut has additional groove to fit CV joint teeth, and non-abs - hasn't. See for yourself (rusty one is ABS):
Just another FAIL. But now I'm used to it :). It's just another challenge. Now I will search for suitable CV joints. Hope someone has them to seel. Saga continues...
New one - notice, that ABS teeth are missing:
And assembled strut in the car with the wheel on (still hanging in the air). Sorry for picture quality, but camera refused to focus - too dark in the garage with doors closed (because of the rain).
Haven't tried to move the car, as it was raining as hell outside. It feels stiffer, when you push it however not so stiff as I would expected. As new spring is installed car rised about 2cm above normal. Hope spring will settle at night and I will get nice drop :). We'll see what tomorrow will bring.
