Fitting Struts - How Far Into Hubs?

[number2301 1 1 Cars]

So I've been gradually getting my Bilstein Group N stuff on my 1.9 but wasn't sure how far the struts needed to be into the hubs. Its in a good inch and a half by my reckoning but how far do they need to be in?

 

Also, if anyone is familiar with the Bilsteins, they have a raised section on the back with a sort of tongue which I assumed would slide into the gap in the back of the hub. But when I've assembled the whole thing the tongue doesn't line up with the gap. Is this right? If I've done it wrong how do I change the position of the strut in the hub? It seemed like it would only go in the way it did?

 

Cheers

[maxirallye 2]

All the way in, so the base of the strut is level with the base of the hole in the hub. The tounge should fit neatly in the gap in the hub. Twist the strut so it lines up, possibly us a jack on the hub to give it some gentle assistance?

 

Tony

[number2301 1 1 Cars]

Ok I'll give that a go, I think I may have got the top mount out of line. Any tips on getting the top mount in the right place when putting the strut together?

Edited April 29, 2008 by number2301

[nick 3]

The top mount should just swivel round to where ever it needs to be..... if it doesn't you ain't gonna have any steering!

 

Nick

[number2301 1 1 Cars]

Ah, didn't know it would rotate

[ifcho 0]

When fitting struts, does it matter which one goes left and which one goest to the right side?

(its a base model suspension, with GTI struts, so the droplink brackets do not matter).

I am asking because I have a terrible clonking noise from the front struts when driving and I have just recently renewed their bushes (but swapped their places)..

[GLPoomobile 958]

I suspect it does matter as the spring sits off centre around the strut (something to do with spreading the lateral forces IIRC).

[ifcho 0]

I suspect that too I may try and swap them over the weekend...just hope that fixes it...