88 Jetta: trying to localize suspension problem

Did the shop have a wheel alignment done after all the work?

Sounds like your strut bearings are loose and not tightened properly.

Take it back to the shop and show them that the suspension job feels like it is falling apart. Don't use language like, wankers, buggers, poofdas, etc... :)

Thats what I would guess as well. There is a special nut on the front struts that requires a special tool to tighten/loosen (its got two notches in it that the tool rests in).. Alot of times, shops just smack a flathead in the notch adn try to tight it that way. However, that never works.

I agree, my golf with manual steering was too tight when I first installed the strut mounts so I loosened them by unbolting the nut on top and tightened them until it was easier to turn. A while later there was a clunk much like you are describing, I think things may have seated by then. I tightened down the nuts again and the clunk went away and the tight steering didn't reappear . Pop your hood and get someone to turn the wheel, watch to see if you see space appear between the mount and the plate. If there is space I believe that the nuts might not be tight enough, you will need an air gun as a ratchet isn't fast enough to tight them down.

Sounds like the place you took it for repairs really screwed things up. If it was done correctly it wouldn't pull left or right plus shouldn't make clunking noises. As too what's wrong I bet the bearing caps are installed incorrectly and not permitting the struts to rotate on the bearing.

Good luck!

Monsieur Parker -

Not quite - they said after driving it that it shouldnt need an alignment. I took their word and thats why I'm trying to gather info before bringing it back.

I will ask that question. Thanks.

Poofda sounds like a Pokemon character, so I'll try something more abrasive.

The good news is that the springs are super smooth. If I get this shock issue taken care of, I'll be burning up the highway in my sweet '88 Carat. She's not yet had a full life.

Thanks again- Dave

I found the problem. Fazio's Automotive (Milwaukee, WI) incorrectly attached the strut mounts and missed the proper parts on the front strut assembly. As my new and much appreciated VW shop said, "this is just ass-backwards."

Bye all - Dave