Assuming you got the same struts I did, they've been gone for so long that
you've probably forgotten what good struts feel like. :)

The easy test for shocks/struts is to 'bounce' the car (jumping on the
bumper or the like) and see if the suspension oscillates after you let go -
it should settle quickly to the 'neutral' point (neither extended nor
compressed) without 'bouncing' up and down at all... if that makes any
sense. On the road, worn struts would tend to make the car 'jump' to the
side when you hit a bump on a curve, and result in a lack of control on a
very rough road - because the tire is spending a lot of time 'in the air'
instead of in contact with the road! If you're a conservative driver by
nature(and have good roads), you might not notice the lack of damping (until
you really need it, and then it's too late!)

"smoother" is a relative thing - firmer struts will make the car handle
better, but you will probably feel the bumps more. That's the only
complaint I have about my Bilsteins - on a real bad patch of road I can
really feel it. However more expensive struts can theoretically help in
this regard by providing variable damping - they would damp less on small
bumps and more on big ones(or is it the other way around?).

As for replacing all the front end components... I'm exploring that question
right now.

Tad

On Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 6:25 AM, Tim <gotmoldohio@...> wrote:

> My 2001 TDI has 124,000 on it. Other than this mileage, how would I
> know I need new struts? Will replacing them make the car ride
> smoother? I realize they can affect tire wear--In the last 20,000
> I've seen no abnormal tire wear problems. There is no oil leaking on
> the outside of the struts that I can see either.
>
> On a related topic, if I replaced all wearable parts in the front end
> (struts, ball joints, bushings, etc.), would the car ride and handle
> like new? How much would all of that likely cost, assuming I used the
> Bilstein struts recommended?
>
> Thanks for comments or experiences.
>
> TIM/
>
> --- In VW-TDI@yahoogroups.com, "schwarz088" <polecat73@...> wrote:
> >
> > At 125,000 miles my '98 NB TDI is overdue for strut (front) change.
> I have seen the entire
> > assembly- including a new spring, bearing etc.- available in the
> past. This would make the
> > change a bit easier, but I can't find the entire assembly available
> anywhere. German Auto
> > Parts had them in the past but not any more. Does anybody know
> where the entire
> > assemble might still be available? The rear shocks need changing
> too, but this job looks a
> > bit easier. Thanks, Don
> >
>
>
>
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