excess play in off-side front mount and bearing

[oldman]

All,
I had my car serviced and they said that it was ok, but would fail MOT which is in June.
Forgot at the time to note the advisory down, so called them and was told it said this...

As a snob off sorts, i will get both sides done. If one goes the other is sure to follow at some point!

However,
What is this?
do they mean bushes? and if so the top ones where you would attach the strut brace?
Does anybody do uprated better ones than standard?

sorry for the lots of questions. i like driving and cars, just no idea on mechanics of a car.

 

[james walker]

probably mean the top mount bearing and rubber mount on the struts.

no need for uprated, just replace to oem spec, id do both sides aswell.

only roubd 20quid for the mounts and bearings, and a easy job to do yasen..

 

[Willie]

As above, OEM spec is fine, you should notice that you don't feel the small imperfections on the road after doing these.
Are you getting much banging when going over bumps?

 

[james walker]

i replaced mine and felt alot better tbh.

still bumpy, but it is lowered.

is there a gap between the strut and the mount, there will be a small gap, but shouldnt be much, mine had about 4cm gap, now it is practically flush

 

[oldman]

thanks m0rk for moving to more suitable location.

gents,
thanks for input.
out comes etka then to locate correct parts, and if oem is enough will order those.

not noticed any knocking/banging when go over bumps, but am a sod for trying to drive round them when ever possible.
there is a gap, not sure how big but always been there.
never had an issues with it.

james, you mention easy job to do.
know of any guides that will help?

also, was my description and assumption on what it is correctish?

 

[james walker]

sound correct to me mate...

you have to remove the suspension strut to get them out though.

jack car up, put on axle stands

undo top mount nut
undo bottom nut that goes through the wheel bearing housing..
put a cold chisel into the bearing housing to split the joint
undo anti roll bar mount onto the hub.
the whole hub will drop alowing you to take the strut out.

it will be tight, get a rubber mallet and tap/whack under the strut to get it out.

spring compressors onto the springs
undo the top nut that hold the bearing on.
take bearing off and top mount

replacing is reverse of undoing

when you reattach, spray the mount/bearing with white grease, also spray in the spring, where it mounts

jobs a good un.

easy as, 1 hour per side max

 

[oldman]

cheers.
i will have a chat with mate who's a tad more competent than me, but seems simple enough!!

 

[oldman]

just an update really.
had the work done by a local garage as stealer, quite literally, wanted £275 inc parts & labour.

Well the parts are, for future ref
1J0412249 bearing x2 5.60 each ( 1J0 412 249 )
1J0412331 strut mounting x2 9.10 each ( 1J0 412 331 )
labour 120inc vat
saved a bargain £150, and who said dealerships don't try to rob you blind