13 replies to this topic

[3p141592654]

While under the hood I noticed that there was about a 4-5mm gap between the top retaining cap and the strut mount (I think these are the right names based on the FCP Groton exploded view).

I have read up on the many posts on replacing the front strut mounts, but I have not seen any info
on diagnosing if they are bad other than hearing rattle noises over bumps (my car is not rattling).

Is the gap normal? I don't recall it being there in the past but my memory is not reliable.

[MrWinkey]

Normal

[GTM2U]

Normal

If there is clearance all the way around what's to keep it from clunking when going over bumps?

Cheers,
GTM2U

[Volvo Virgin]

As I can see it and as I understand it,the spring seat/strut mount bushing is bolted to the bottom of the inner fender with the 3 studs/nuts you can see on the top of the inner fender surrounding the top strut mount.The top of the spring sits in the bottom of the spring seat,and the top strut mount comes thru the middle of it where it is secured with the assembly in question.Both are isolated from the metal body by the rubber compound of the seat/bushing.What you are looking at is just the top of the strut mount and the normal grommet/washer/nut assembly.If it is bad you should be able to see fractures in the rubber of the seat itself once you remove the grommet/washer/nut.

Edited by Volvo Virgin, 06 January 2006 - 09:00 PM.

[A pimp named Slickback]

Want to know the super secret, factory trained, works every time way to diagnose broken upper spring seats?

[MrWinkey]

Ok ...the gap is normal but what you need too look for is in the center of that mount (between the gap) look at the rubber around the edges where the strut top enters through it . If it is broken then that is probably the cause of your noise if you have one. Also if you do have noise look at the sway bar end links and squeeze the ball and socket ends for play they should be tight

[3p141592654]

Yes, please!

Want to know the super secret, factory trained, works every time way to diagnose broken upper spring seats?

[MrWinkey]

I just told ya'...however factory trained guys have an ear for it

[A pimp named Slickback]

Yes, please!

Take a 21mm wrench (7/8), put it on the top nut. Turn it to the right (tightening), if the nut has a lot of resistance, and springs back, the seat is just fine. If the wrench will turn the nut, and shock shaft all the way around, the seat is broken. That's how any dealer tech does it.

[3p141592654]

Thanks to everyone that replied. For now, mine pass the test.

I just told ya'...however factory trained guys have an ear for it

[Funkyd]

I'm looking for an entire guide to replace the mount. Also if you're replacing the front mounts on both sides what else should be replaced. I have 118k on 01' t6. I don't see a service schedule and I don't want to touch this for at least another 60k.

[SkyWriter]

Take a 21mm wrench (7/8), put it on the top nut. Turn it to the right (tightening), if the nut has a lot of resistance, and springs back, the seat is just fine. If the wrench will turn the nut, and shock shaft all the way around, the seat is broken. That's how any dealer tech does it.

that's the ticket. you can also turn it by hand when they are totally gone. you should also have noticed a distinct change in the ability of the car to take a bump without clenching your teeth.

[dmelviØØ7]

Take a 21mm wrench (7/8), put it on the top nut. Turn it to the right (tightening), if the nut has a lot of resistance, and springs back, the seat is just fine. If the wrench will turn the nut, and shock shaft all the way around, the seat is broken. That's how any dealer tech does it.

Super secret, I love it. A 30 second check for a gravy job.

[MrWinkey]

Not always ....it could be torn only half way around and making noise but not allowing you to turn the top the whole way around