mikehayes

There is an identical top mount to the Porsche one for a VW. The porsche ones cost $100+ each, the VW ones, when I bought them off rock auto a few months ago, were a whopping 2 dollars each on sale. They were definitely very old stock and they might not have any left, but do a search on here and you'll find the part number. I didn't know about the gaskets when I replaced them, and mine were wrecked, but I just bolted it all back together anyway. No discernable problems due to that.

plumbum

vandal968

Mike, do you know which year/model VW uses the same mounts?

Thanks for the help.

cheers,
c

vandal968

I think I found it. I see a couple of threads that reference the 1988 VW Fox strut mount, P/N: W0133-1635592 Looks like they run about $15/ea.

Awesome tip.

thanks,
c

vandal968

Actually, it looks like this might be a dead-end for me. The VW Fox bushing referenced above appears to fit 924 &944, but it looks like the late cars (including 968) use a different style. There are some pics on this page that show the difference:

https://www.paragon-products.com/Por...unts-s/308.htm

c

mikehayes

Ahh, sorry to get your hopes up. Mine's an early car, I always forget that not everyone's is.

vandal968

If it helps someone with an early car that finds this thread, then it's all worth it.

Appreciate the help.

cheers,
c

vandal968

For the 968 people out there, here are the other parts for refreshing the front struts. I'm not including the shock mounts because they're $450/ea and I'm not replacing mine unless they disintegrate when I take it apart:

951.343.527.00 QTY 2 (Rubber stop (bump stop 968 front strut)) ~$27/ea

951.343.529.01 QTY 2 (Boot (dust cover front strut 968)) ~$18/ea

133.412.367 QTY 2 (sealing ring (front strut 968)) ~$10/ea

All of these items were within a dollar or two of dealer pricing and the dealer is close and offers free expedited shipping (and free cappuccino) so I'm going that way. I'll inventory my other rubber bits while the car is up in the air per SloMo228's advice.

cheers,
c

thomasmryan

you should inspect the bearing in the strut mount. if it isn't smooth, replace the unit. it is possible to remove the seals, clean and lubricate.

vandal968

Can the bearing itself be pressed-out and replaced or is it permanently molded into the rubber?

cheers,
​​​​​​​c

vandal968

Ok, I just pulled apart the driver's side front and I've got a problem. The rubber strut mount is completely shot. Rubber is hard with deep cracks through it (on bottom, only visible once removed) and the bearing is seized-tight. I know the other side is even worse because it's got a crack though the rubber that's visible with it still installed in the car. These mounts run about $450/ea and I don't think I'm ready to drop an extra $900 into the car at this moment on top of the cash I'm already spending for the shocks/struts all around. Is there another option for these mounts? Either aftermarket, or? Second question, I see that camber plates to replace the mounts are nice and cheap, about $100 for a pair. Would that be a reasonable solution, or would they be unbearable on a street-driven car?

HELP!

cheers,
c

thomasmryan

when they say 'there is no substitute', one must be thankful that they are still available. wait until you look at front lower control arms, you would think the exchange rate had hit rock bottom.

compared to the price of M030 mounts, standard suspension is a bargain

vandal968

I just cant' justify spending $900 on two blocks of rubber. This is what I'm considering as a replacement.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/172258453707?ul_noapp=true

Looks like a copy of the Racer's edge MC-3500

http://www.racersedge-inc.com/racers...?open&id=9.3.4

Anyone have a better idea? I want to be able to use the stock springs and not change ride height.

cheers,
c

951and944S

KLA used to make a simple spherical non adjustable replacement for the factory piece.

Search Paragon for KLA strut mount, I know I still saw them there not long ago.

I have a pair of used ones for $100 or I can take a measurement or two that might not display at Paragon if you need to know some specific dimension.

T

vandal968

Is this the one you're talking about?

https://www.paragon-products.com/Por...la_944.019.htm

That could work! I already threw a lowball offer at that eBay auction. If he rejects, or counters, I think I'd like to take you up on yours.

cheers,
c