Do I need to remove shock/spring to replace front top mounts?

[Ninj]

Just that please.  I dont have the car here to remind myself but is it necessary to compress the springs and drop the strut out to replace the top mount bearings? Or does the to plate come off and the top mount sit on top of it?

Thanks - easy question for someone 

[nikkiy9]

yes you need to remove the srtut to get enough space to remove the strut top, i done this 2 weeks ago

[Ninj]

Cool mate, thats how I pictured it 

Im assuming: loosen the top nuts (easier said than done I gather), fit the spring compressors to take the weight off and drop the whole assembly out?

Thanks again

[Wayne]

Im assuming: loosen the top nuts (easier said than done I gather), fit the spring compressors to take the weight off and drop the whole assembly out?

Yes but you don't need spring compressors to remove the complete unit.

[Screech16v]

Im assuming: loosen the top nuts (easier said than done I gather), fit the spring compressors to take the weight off and drop the whole assembly out?

Yes but you don't need spring compressors to remove the complete unit.

+1

[gasketface]

Remove top nut first using a rachet gun and then replace nut a few turns.Jack up car,remove wheel and remove two bolts at bottom of strut that go through hub.These use an 18mm socket.Remove bracket that holds on brake hose (10mm spanner/socket) and remove abs lead from bracket (if fitted).

Then remove top nut and drop whole strut out.Use clamps to compress spring and then remove second nut at top which holds top mount/bearing in place.

Refitting is reverse of above but bear in mind you will need to reset your camber.Good luck.

[Ninj]

Ta very much guys.

With ref to camber, how accurate can you get it by scribing around the bottom bolts and just tightening back to that position after re assembly?  Cant be far out Id wager?

Sounds like well worth stopping by my local garage for a quick blast with the air gun.

[billabong]

If you've got lowered springs on you might find that you dont need to remove the bottom two bolts, just undo the top nut and jack the car up, might give you enough room to get the old one off. Ive done this before

[AudiA8Quattro]

Do the job properly, remove the whole strut.

[Wayne]

Do the job properly, remove the whole strut.

 much easier