Cabrio top gas struts- why do they break?
Posted
#1585429
(In Topic #215258)
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/3image.jpg)
Settling In
![theCrowe in the usergroup ‘Regular’ theCrowe in the usergroup ‘Regular’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/m4O9bNA.png)
Got me some broken struts
So before I go and put new ones in I just wanted to know if anyone has any advice for keeping them from breaking?
You know, whatever caused the original ones to break will likely do the same to any new ones I fit unless I sort it out first.
Any ideas?
Thanks Dave
You know, whatever caused the original ones to break will likely do the same to any new ones I fit unless I sort it out first.
Any ideas?
Thanks Dave
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images/ocf_default_avatars/default_set/horse.png)
Settled In
![vwoldmad1 in the usergroup ‘Local’ vwoldmad1 in the usergroup ‘Local’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/ylV8bhM.png)
why do you think they will break again ??
they may have just been warn out or did they snap?
they may have just been warn out or did they snap?
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/blue.png)
Local Hero
![Briano1234 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’ Briano1234 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/2T6Iw1M8.png)
theCrowe said
So before I go and put new ones in I just wanted to know if anyone has any advice for keeping them from breaking?
You know, whatever caused the original ones to break will likely do the same to any new ones I fit unless I sort it out first.
Any ideas?
Thanks Dave
Seals dry out, folks don't oil pivot points on the top, and well they wear out.
Brackets can bend the mounts and that will cause the strut rods bend…..
What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?
They all start with GOOD Grounds.
Where are my DIY Links?
They all start with GOOD Grounds.
Where are my DIY Links?
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/3image.jpg)
Settling In
![theCrowe in the usergroup ‘Regular’ theCrowe in the usergroup ‘Regular’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/m4O9bNA.png)
Yes, they both snapped at the bottom joint. And it feels like I can't compress them at all. But then again there is a lot of force in those things so I'm not sure if id be able to compress them anyway.
Just wondering if they broke because they were jammed open or if the frame bent them out of shape. Or if the frame is now damaged by the jammed open struts bending it til they broke.
Just wondered is this a common thing and what normally happens?
Just wondering if they broke because they were jammed open or if the frame bent them out of shape. Or if the frame is now damaged by the jammed open struts bending it til they broke.
Just wondered is this a common thing and what normally happens?
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/blue.png)
Local Hero
![Briano1234 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’ Briano1234 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/2T6Iw1M8.png)
you have to use a screw driver through the holes and press firmly against a brick to move them,,,, they are rated at 150 psi….
They can cause frame issues…. but if using a mate to assist you in opening and closing the hood the frame comes down against the a pillar seal evenly no damage was done.
If you oil all the pivots of the frame and the rear window pivots at the bottom, it will ease your opening and closing…. a rusty pivot can really make it ruff.
lubing the frame.
Convertible Top
They can cause frame issues…. but if using a mate to assist you in opening and closing the hood the frame comes down against the a pillar seal evenly no damage was done.
If you oil all the pivots of the frame and the rear window pivots at the bottom, it will ease your opening and closing…. a rusty pivot can really make it ruff.
lubing the frame.
Convertible Top
What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?
They all start with GOOD Grounds.
Where are my DIY Links?
They all start with GOOD Grounds.
Where are my DIY Links?
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/pie100.png)
MOTY 2013
![rubjonny in the usergroup ‘Local hero’ rubjonny in the usergroup ‘Local hero’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/2T6Iw1M8.png)
main thing is check all the hinges move freely and are not bent. on my cabrio most of the joints seized and lower 2 brackets all out of shape. lots of penetrating oil and wiggling, and a bit of love in a vice sorted it all out.
then its just a case of keep up a regular check/lube shedule to make sure all is well. and if at any time the hood feels stiffer than usual to fold down dont force it, check first
then its just a case of keep up a regular check/lube shedule to make sure all is well. and if at any time the hood feels stiffer than usual to fold down dont force it, check first
![;)](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images/ocf_emoticons/wink.png)
Hello my name is John and I'm a dub addict.
My wiring diagrams and other documents have moved here:
VAG Documents & Downloads
You'll need to sign into google/gmail for the link to work! (its free!)
My wiring diagrams and other documents have moved here:
VAG Documents & Downloads
You'll need to sign into google/gmail for the link to work! (its free!)
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/blue.png)
Local Hero
![Briano1234 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’ Briano1234 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/2T6Iw1M8.png)
One word, if it don't fold easily, DON'T FORCE IT. It is harder than hades to straighten a bent frame.
What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?
They all start with GOOD Grounds.
Where are my DIY Links?
They all start with GOOD Grounds.
Where are my DIY Links?
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/3image.jpg)
Settling In
![theCrowe in the usergroup ‘Regular’ theCrowe in the usergroup ‘Regular’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/m4O9bNA.png)
Thanks guys. I'll get some oil round those joints and keep her sweet. I dont think the frame is bent at all. It moves smoothly enough. Just heavy to lift without struts.
Any advice on where to get better struts or are VW's not so tough ones the only option in the UK?
Any advice on where to get better struts or are VW's not so tough ones the only option in the UK?
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/blue.png)
Local Hero
![Briano1234 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’ Briano1234 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/2T6Iw1M8.png)
mcmasters out of the USA has them in many different poundages.
What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?
They all start with GOOD Grounds.
Where are my DIY Links?
They all start with GOOD Grounds.
Where are my DIY Links?
0 guests and 0 members have just viewed this: None.