SweetBadger 94 Posted October 6, 2006 I'm running standard suspension on my MI at the moment and have found it fine for road and occasional track use, albeit a little understeery when applying power. After a few knocking noises from the front end I've replaced both wishbones and wheelbearings and thats put a stop to that but I've now got the creaky top mount sound when I steer and I think the near side shock is starting to loose a bit of fluid. I'm on a strict budget at the mo so my question is what is the cheapest/most effective way of sorting out the top mount bearings? And is it possible within my budget to upgrade the shocks or should I just replace them with standard items? Any suggestions? Thanks, Alex Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boldy205 75 Posted October 6, 2006 i would immagine the cheapist to be something like billy inserts? then new top mounts from a factor, GSF, Euro car parts etc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SweetBadger 94 Posted October 6, 2006 Looking at ECP they have the top mount bearings and top mount kit listed: SASIC n/a 337735080 FRONT STRUT BEARING KIT 205/309/405. Kit £23.89 SASIC n/a 609545000 TOP STRUT MOUNT BEARING .FRONT BEARING £7.77 Can you just replace the bearing as I'm guessing that's what's causing the creaking or it it best to buy the kit? Anyone know exactly what is included in the kit? Looking at the prices of uprated dampers new I think I'm going to have to either look at getting a second hand pair or stick with oe ones, didn't realise they're that expensive . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pug_ham 244 3 Cars Posted October 6, 2006 The bearing can be bought seperately from GSF if you get ones for a ZX or Berlingo for about £8 each iirc. N45710 STRUT TOP BEARING 106/205/206/306/307/309/405/PARTNER ALL MODELS~~USE N45710~~ 7.25 I would expect its the same as SASIC n/a 609545000 TOP STRUT MOUNT BEARING .FRONT BEARING £7.77 This is most likely what is making the creaking noises imo. Shocks are the hard part as you'll have to spend money for some decent ones,although iirc the standard black billies aren't that expensive. Graham. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SweetBadger 94 Posted October 6, 2006 The bearing can be bought seperately from GSF if you get ones for a ZX or Berlingo for about £8 each iirc. N45710 STRUT TOP BEARING 106/205/206/306/307/309/405/PARTNER ALL MODELS~~USE N45710~~ 7.25 I would expect its the same as SASIC n/a 609545000 TOP STRUT MOUNT BEARING .FRONT BEARING £7.77 This is most likely what is making the creaking noises imo. Shocks are the hard part as you'll have to spend money for some decent ones,although iirc the standard black billies aren't that expensive. Graham. Yep, looking at ECP they do Bilstein standard shocks for £34 + vat, so for a couple of them with the bearing kits brings the total to about £100 . The boggo BOGE/SACHS shocks are £12.57 though (suspiciously cheap!)... Anyone tried the standard Bilsteins vs these? What do you get with the Bilsteins for the extra cash? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pug_ham 244 3 Cars Posted October 7, 2006 I had the bilstein blacks on my car for a while & although I haven't driven a standard oe shocked one much to compare they give a slightly better ride imo. What do you get with the Bilsteins for the extra cash? The bilstein name & a smoother ride. I've got some that have done approx 10k, if you are interested drop me a pm & we'll discuss money. Graham. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nick 3 Posted October 7, 2006 There was a recent thread on creaky steering and the majority of responses on that found that it was the drop links making the noise. It's well worth changing the top mounts but don't be dissapointed if it still creaks. Do a search for "droplinks" and there is a lot of info' on the creaking. Nick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
