SamGTi 0 Posted April 4, 2006 When fitted together as a complete front strut, should the top mounts (rubber donuts) fit snug inside the coil spring ? I ask this as I have recently ordered some lowered springs and group N top mounts, both of which are still to be fitted to my car but the diameter of the spring is much wider than the top mount. I thought the top mount fitted between the spring and the strut-top plate in order to cushion it from shock. Is this wrong? At the moment, the rubber donut falls right through the spring and doesn't even touch the sides (!). I hope I am wrong and that the rubber donut should be smaller than the spring, otherwise one of the items I have been sent is wrong! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tagy 1 Posted April 4, 2006 (edited) I just fitted lowering springs and grp N top mount donuts. yes the donut is meant to be smaller, when you take it to bits just replace the old donut with the new one and keep the rest of the bits in order. you might want to change the bearings while your at it if they have never been done. Edited April 4, 2006 by tagy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
888rmb 6 Posted April 4, 2006 Watch when you are tightening the bolts on the three M7 studs on the top mount. One of mine snapped off quite easily and neccesitated removing the strut again to change the top mount. I'm not sure why it snapped, it didn't even seem tight to me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tom_m 0 Posted April 4, 2006 Watch when you are tightening the bolts on the three M7 studs on the top mount. One of mine snapped off quite easily and neccesitated removing the strut again to change the top mount. I'm not sure why it snapped, it didn't even seem tight to me. fatigue, annoying ain't it. you can just drill through the top mount and use a normal nut an bolt, this is what i did when one of mine sheared off. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest smokinslim Posted April 4, 2006 you might want to change the bearings while your at it if they have never been done. Which bit do you mean when you refer to the bearings? Heard of them mentioned before but havent noticed anything that's obviously a bearing when i've had my struts to bits. My 'donuts' are softer than Boy George since i've uprated everything else so i may as well replace the bearings too when they get done. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SamGTi 0 Posted April 4, 2006 Yeah, I realise now that there is a plate between the donut and the spring which they both sit in. Thanks for your replies anyway and yeah, I already know about the weakness in tightening the 3 nuts, one snapped when I fitted my strut brace and I needed a new plate! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tagy 1 Posted April 4, 2006 Which bit do you mean when you refer to the bearings? Heard of them mentioned before but havent noticed anything that's obviously a bearing when i've had my struts to bits. My 'donuts' are softer than Boy George since i've uprated everything else so i may as well replace the bearings too when they get done. It is usually stuck to the metal piece ontop of it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hengti 2 Posted April 4, 2006 deffo fit new bearings! that's the bit that wears - ball bearing race - can account for stiff steering and various 'what's knackered?' noises Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest smokinslim Posted April 4, 2006 nice one cheers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
