On Sat, Aug 14, 2010 at 9:38 AM, Mike "Rocket J Squirrel"
<camping.elliott@gmail.com> wrote:
> David Beierl wrote:

>>
>> The basic cause of the problem is that the part of the hinge that
>> bears on the center tube is much too thing and acts more like a knife
>> than a bearing. �The rather frightening damage shown in the photos
>> happened between 1984 and 2004. �Another cause is that as Scott
>> points out, this stuff never gets preventive lubrication.
>
> I can't find a post from Scott dealing directly with this. I eyeballed
> the situation here and it's not clear where/how one lubricates the
> problem area. And with what.
>
>

Here's some more pics Mr. Squirrel

My struts in pieces and repaired:  http://tinyurl.com/28vumgd

there are more in that album. Just click the arrows.

pics show what may be a similar, or same repair as David did. Just so
you know the copper is not original. I lubed with wheel grease. i
would suggest white grease to anyone with things apart/repaired.

My best guess, all *stock* parts assembled, is that if one sprays some
"stay put" type liquid lube (chain lube?) on the area where the two
arms pivot, it may work it's way into where the top arm pivots on the
the cross bar where it enters through the lower arm. My other best
guess is that lube helps, but since it's such a narrow area rubbing on
that cross bar, the wear will happen regardless.

Neil.

-- 
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines