Strut Top Mount

[aymen_a22 1]

I think my strut top mount needs to be replaced as if I push down on it there is clicking and a little bit of play, there is also a large amount of noise from the front end when going over speed bumps at any speed. Does anyone know if this is the bearing (I believe this is also called the "Pad" in the haynes manual)?

 

Assuming this is the problem I was wondering if it can be replaced the following way.

 

1) Remove the center "Piston Rod Nut" with the car on the floor.

2) Slowly jack up the car to expand the coil spring.

3) Retract the worn strut top bearing along with all the other parts.

4) Replace the strut top mount/bearing.

5) Slowly lower the car on the jack back into place.

6) Re-tighten the piston rod nut

 

I understand that the correct way is to get a coil spring compressor and remove the strut from the car to do this job however I was just wondering if anyone has tried this.

 

This link shows the procedure for a Volkswagen which I thought could work.

Description - http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?1381025-How-to-replace-front-strut-mount-rubber-without-a-spring-compressor.....long

Pictures - http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?1381025-How-to-replace-front-strut-mount-rubber-without-a-spring-compressor.....long/page5

 

Thanks in advance.

[andyjstone 6]

Nope, AFAIK that won't work, you need to take the strut off the car complete, compress the spring and remove the top plate, bearing and rubber bush (you can't replace the bearing without removing the top plate, which is what holds the spring in place) - probably worth replacing the rubber as well, they hardly cost anything and if the bearing is knackered the rubber probably is too.

[aymen_a22 1]

Ok well is the problem that there is not enough clearance to allow the spring to fully extend before it is taken off the car?

 

Also is there any way I can check the strut top mount?

 

I was going to replace the rubber bush but I do not really know which part that is not to be honest. Section 10.4 of the haynes workshop manual shows the parts associated with the strut however I thought only part 6 (the pad) needed to be replaced.

 

Thanks again

[stebbs 5]

Loosen the top nut by a few turns and leave it till last. Undo your bottom ball joint, undo the drop link, whip the 3 nuts out the top of the strut and it should come down far enough to get a spring compressor around your coils. Nip it up and then undo the nut on the top to release your top mount.

Hope that helps, Tom