Strut question Need Help!

[mtnbob]

I need help. I replaced my front struts, springs, and bushings in my 86 MKII Golf I am using MKIII springs with MKIII spring mounts. I must have done something wrong though. The left side is fine, but the right side is clunking on rough roads. When I take off the plastic strut mount cover, I can push down and turn the metal piece under it. The bolts are all tight, in fact the nut is tightened down further on the bad side than the good side. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated

Thanks

Robert

[Doug]

Did you replace the top strut mount mount bearings that are in the strut bearing top mount piece that rides on top of the shaft of the strut cartridge? Talk about overusing a word! Sounds like maybe not with the typical clunking that accompanies the worn assembly.

[mtnbob]

I replaced the top strut mount bearings but used the ones for a MKII. Not sure if that is the problem. It also seems like the spring is binding when I turn sharply in a parking lot

[Doug]

I am assuming that a Mk3 is a post 91 model? I know that a lot of changes were made at that time and without a parts breakdown fiche it is next to impossible to stay ahead of them. So why did you use the Mk2 bearings in the Mk3 carrier? Was that so you could fit the Mk3 springs? Maybe you need to get the Mk3 bearings, if they are different, or check to see that fender to spring clearance is acceptable. Seems to me there is a bushing that is important so that you don't excessively load the bearing when tightening the assembly together. Is that compatable with the Mk3 mount system?

[dennis]

I replaced the top strut mount bearings but used the ones for a MKII. Not sure if that is the problem. It also seems like the spring is binding when I turn sharply in a parking lot

Not looking at a parts illustration right now but I think I remember something about a spacer between the spring seat and bearing?
 

[mtnbob]

Sounds like I better take it off and check it out   Maybe I put the spacer on the wrong side or something.

[dennis]

Maybe. If the spring is binding somthing is going on.

[mtnbob]

Once I get the layer of ice off my car I will

[dennis]

Yeah I hear you. All that friggin salt is driving me nuts. I can hear the Caddy rusting over the tunes.

[mtnbob]

I am lucky, there is little or no road salt use in South Carolina Get your next Caddy from SC, GA, AL, or FL and it will last you  a little longer

[dennis]

Not too much in TN either. Headed to TN.