Rubber Strut Top Mounts

[XcOM]

Hi guys,

I went to go fit my strut brace, when I was undoing one of my bolts it started spinning and wasn't undoing, the nut that is pressed in to the strut top mount has come loose, I can't remove or do it back up as it's a round nut.

I know I am going to need to replace this but I don't have the tools or the knowhow to get it done before I go to France.

I found the replacements for about £8 for non Volvo ones, I am going to speak to the garage tomorrow, what I want to know is this, do you guys think I should try and get them to replace them for free, as they shouldn't be perishing at only 7 years old? or should I just bite the bullet and pay for it.

I was going to get new springs fitted at the same time, so when I go in they will in effect be fitting Apex lowering springs (35mm should be OK shouldn't it?) strut brace and two front top mount's (Was going to get both done as they are both perished)

Note to self, drive carefully and gingerly till the mount is replaced.

[cjj]

Can you not just 'hold' the thread in place whilst you nip up the nut? For example, by cutting in a keyway on the nipple at the top, it might give you enough to hold the thread steady with a flathead screwdriver.

Top mounts are a consumable item, and with many makes & models you'd be lucky to get 7 years out of them. They're made of rubber and will deteriorate based on driving conditions, so just the same as a clutch, tyres, wipers, bump stops etc. I very much doubt you'll convince anyone to pay for them, but up to you if you try.

I imagine they'd point to your removal of the nut as consequential, as the problem didn't really exist before that point, I guess.


One nut missing off a top mount will have next to no difference anyway. I've driven round on one before in previous cars.

[XcOM]

I did think that, I also thought of trying to marr it to get something to grab on to, but because of where it is I can't get to it, just hoping they don't try to charge me a fortune to remove it, I might just cut it off before I take it in.

[cjj]

Originally Posted by XcOM

I did think that, I also thought of trying to marr it to get something to grab on to, but because of where it is I can't get to it, just hoping they don't try to charge me a fortune to remove it, I might just cut it off before I take it in.

You essentially remove the shock absorber to remove the top mount, so cutting the thread off makes no difference.

[850Chris]

Out of interest, what are the symptoms of worn / failed top mounts? Reason for asking is that whilst my car is driving normally, its recently developed a 'creak' from the engine bay when coming to a stop - particularly noticeable in stop/start traffic. Thinking it could be top mounts?

[Bungo]

Originally Posted by 850Chris

Out of interest, what are the symptoms of worn / failed top mounts? Reason for asking is that whilst my car is driving normally, its recently developed a 'creak' from the engine bay when coming to a stop - particularly noticeable in stop/start traffic. Thinking it could be top mounts?

I'd say it's definitely suspension related, broken spring, strut or mount.

[XcOM]

Yea when the mounts ware out they tend to start squeeking as do most suspension parts as there moving,

If you take your wheel off and look up you can see it, poke it with a screw-driver, it should be firm, if not then it's perishing, or cracked then get it replaced.