Hi

I seem to remember that the last front strut bearings that I had replaced a few years back were all metal, no plastic in sight.

However, the last 2 sets I got recently from GSF and from local Skoda dealer are both mostly plastic, yet part number is the same. And they're very easy to damage.

Is this a case of Skoda dealer pushing non-genuine parts (there was no part number on the bearings), or has VW changed the design? Has anyone rebuilt front struts lately with VW/Skoda genuine parts? Were the bearings plastic?

Plastic bearings are genuine VW parts (since Golf MkIV was introduced).

Part number 1J0 412 249

Hi

I seem to remember that the last front strut bearings that I had replaced a few years back were all metal, no plastic in sight.

However, the last 2 sets I got recently from GSF and from local Skoda dealer are both mostly plastic, yet part number is the same. And they're very easy to damage.

Is this a case of Skoda dealer pushing non-genuine parts (there was no part number on the bearings), or has VW changed the design? Has anyone rebuilt front struts lately with VW/Skoda genuine parts? Were the bearings plastic?

When I fitted coilovers recently I used new genuine Skoda bearings. They had a metal lower (which sat on the spring cap), and big black plastic upper which covers the top and sides of the bearing (which locates under the rubber top mount).

Seemed fine to me, and they work! Can't recall what the original ones were made from, I can check though.

HTH

Thanks

I compared the Skoda ones and the GSF ones last night. GSF ones have both top and bottom made of plastic. The lower part was already damaged after 500 miles - no surprise as it's working against steel.

Skoda ones have plastic top and metal bottom.

While I like stuff from GSF for their prices, strut bearings are definitely better from the dealer.

On another note, I had the chance to try out the Sealey VS7011 hydraulic spring compressor - and replaced both bearings without removing struts from the car, actually without even taking the wheels off, in under 1 hour all included. Very good tool if a bit unwieldy.

On another note, I had the chance to try out the Sealey VS7011 hydraulic spring compressor - and replaced both bearings without removing struts from the car, actually without even taking the wheels off, in under 1 hour all included. Very good tool if a bit unwieldy.

That is interesting and a useful tip for folks wanting to do this.