Author Topic: Strut Top Mount Question..............  (Read 1800 times)

illumin

  • Guest
Strut Top Mount Question..............
« on: 17 August 2005, 14:59 »
Just had a strut top mount replaced, but a little concerned. I noticed yesterday that the circular top visible in the engine bay was able to move round, but the one on the other side wouldn't move at all. Presumed that it had just not been tightened properly so managed to tighten it up with an Allen key and socket.
 
Just wondering now about the nut that holds the top mount onto the strut. Could that be loose and have worked the visible circlular bit loose whilst I was driving along? Or does the second nut HAVE to be tight for the car to be able to go along without the strut falling out? There still seems to be a noise of sort coming from that strut so thinking that the second nut, which is not visible with the strut fitted could be loose/not tightened properly.........

Any advice appreciated.............

GTI-BOY

  • Guest
Re: Strut Top Mount Question..............
« Reply #1 on: 17 August 2005, 16:49 »

 I'm nearly sure that the circular top you're talking about is just to stop the strut from falling out when the car is jacked up, it shouldn't be free spinning (should only move with the steering) I had to use a vice grips and socket to tighten the nut you're speaking of while holding the centre bit with the allen key...

Doesn't hurt to chk that second nut, just a simple case of undoing that top nut and the two 19 nuts and bolts (i think!) on the hub carrier. and dropping out the whole unit, you probably need to use spring clamps to take the pressure off the slotted nut (the second nut you're talking about). I tightened mine with a bent long nose pliars. make sure to torque the two bolts on the hub carrier properly when refitting. Who changed the top mount for you?   

illumin

  • Guest
Re: Strut Top Mount Question..............
« Reply #2 on: 17 August 2005, 21:06 »
Cheers GTI Boy - I hate to admit it but I went to Kwik Fit......................... :tongue:

Offline knobby

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 855
Re: Strut Top Mount Question..............
« Reply #3 on: 17 August 2005, 23:33 »
Why didnt ya do it your self?? easy job!

How much did they charge?

Knobby

Old VW's never die...they just go faster!

GTI-BOY

  • Guest
Re: Strut Top Mount Question..............
« Reply #4 on: 18 August 2005, 09:36 »
Kwik fit? NOOOOOOOOOOOooooo......... The last time I went to kwik fit was to get my new wheels balanced, the idiot that did them used the clip on weights on my alloy wheels instead of putting stick ons on the inside of the rim! where it cant be seen! Now all my wheels have a scrape on them where I removed the clip on ones!!!! It gets worse!!!!!! :angry: When he was putting the wheels back on he used an airgun...he must of held it each wheel nut for 30seconds! I got suspicious when he spent another ten minutes on the back wheels with a torque meter!! He then came in and said "err...your rear hubs need to be changed....err....the threads are worn cos they're old and...err....two bolts keep turning..... :shocked: I flipped  :laugh: and told him that the rear discs (vented and grooved!) were only new and that it was his fault!!!! The muppet! Eventually after escalating the problem to head office, they told me that they would pay for new discs and fitting!! Went out and got much better quality discs and they paid for them.. :smiley:  :evil:  I will never go back to to that shower of ..f#';#*'s!!!!!

Judderi

  • Guest
Re: Strut Top Mount Question..............
« Reply #5 on: 18 August 2005, 13:58 »
Gotta agree with you there. Quick fit tend to by run by yts doll scum school drop out kids.

Offline knobby

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 855
Re: Strut Top Mount Question..............
« Reply #6 on: 18 August 2005, 14:23 »
I gotta say in Kwik Fits defence... When i was replacing my steering rod gaiter i couldnt undo the nut which holds the toe end on so gave them a call and asked what they'd charge.. he said a can of coke from the machine. so took it down there, they put it on the rapes and bobs ya uncle it came undone.. Amazing what you can do with a big spanner and a bit of space! Gave the kid a fiver for a beer and f*cked off to finish the job!

I was well chuffed..

Thats the Alton in Hampshire Store!!

Knobby!

Old VW's never die...they just go faster!

Judderi

  • Guest
Re: Strut Top Mount Question..............
« Reply #7 on: 18 August 2005, 14:30 »
I suppose it varies from store to store. I must admit my local quick fit are good for favors like that but i would never use them for work they advertise to do, its all stuff you can do yourself anyway usually.

Offline Mr Blue

  • Forum addict
  • *
  • Posts: 6,133
Re: Strut Top Mount Question..............
« Reply #8 on: 18 August 2005, 15:27 »
yeh kwik fit are full of drop out kids. I was watching them trying to fit a tyre on an AMG wheel and they scraped the f**k out of it. even scraped it along the floor :laugh:
:)

illumin

  • Guest
Re: Strut Top Mount Question..............
« Reply #9 on: 18 August 2005, 19:05 »
I have to admit that Kwik Fit are a bit crap to say the least. Thing is I haven't really got any tools and they said they could do it. I've had an annoying knocking noise for ages which has virtually disappeared now that the strut mounts have been fixed. They charged me a tenner to do it - the other one was done by a guy at Formula 1 in Northampton, he charged £20 (he did fit a front engine mount as well though). I just can't help spending money.......................