Replacing front suspension top mounts and bearings

[jcullen88]

Hi all,

The previous owner replaced the stock suspension with fairly cheap AP coilovers but has cut a corner and not replaced the top mounts and bearings. Have just ordered some from SERE motors so should arrive soon, but just wondered if it was just a case of undoing the top of the coilover and dropping it down to fit the new parts?

Just seems too easy if thats the case...all advice would be very much appreciated!

Jamie

 

[Willie]

On coilovers the bush and bearing are bolted to the top of the coilover.
If you can get enough droop by disconnecting the ARB, wishbone and perhaps the track rod ends you might get away with not removing the coilover from the hub carrier.
If not you can also drop the subframe a bit to give you extra droop.

Or you can go stright for the coilover remove, then you will have access

 

[Faisal]

nice one willie! i will be attempting this over the next few days when i get my coilovers+topmounts through

 

[Slimy]

I'd take the whole thing off the car, it's alot easier. The fixing nut for the bush is quite deeply set inside the bush, and is hard enough to access when it's off the car. And I can't remember whether you need spring compressors, I'm 80% sure there is a second nut for the springs?

If you also try and do it without taking it off the car, there is a possibility that you will pull the driveshaft out of one or more CV joints. One person on here managed to pop an outer joint, and I had trouble with an inner one.

I haven't dropped a subframe so I don't know whether that is easier or not.

 

[jcullen88]

Cheers guys for both replies. Weather permitting will be attempting it over the weekend so fingers cross it will all go to plan. Have DPJ's step-by-step guide on how to fit the coilovers so that will help a great deal as well.

 

[steve2k6]

Just had mine to a garage as had a creeking noise and considerably noisier going round right bends and roundabouts. Garage said the top suspension mounts were worn and needed replacing and quoted 50 quid per side including fitting. Whats your thoughts on the quote as does'nt seem to bad to me as was told its quite awkward to replace as is best to remove the full strut and bolts tend to seize/shear causing more hassle than its worth if you havent got the gear i.e hydraulic lift for access, blow torch to apply heat etc. Anyone know how much the top mounts are to buy as if its easier to fit then will do it myself.

Also whats happened to VagCat as dont appear to be able to get into catalogue?

regards Ste

 

[Slimy]

Vagcat appears to have been killed off, there is a russian version that is occasionally working;

http://etka.auto2.ru/

£50 a side is a fair price, I'd be happy with that. I had an ARB mounting bolt shear on me, had to get a new wishbone and bolt. The job isn't difficult, but something can go wrong that can leave you stuck.

I think the bushes are about £8 each or something like that?

 

[jcullen88]

Just bought mine from SERE for £45 (excl VAT) and that included both mounts and both bearings. Much cheaper than the dealers were quoting. Still not sure whether to attempt it myself or get it done at a garage. The mate that will be helping me builds muscle cars but he doesn't know much about modern cars, so not sure if he will be much help.

 

[GREG_R84]

Euro car parts 21.30p for the top mount and bearing. Part number 669440010

 

[Bigjohn84]

Euro car parts 21.30p for the top mount and bearing. Part number 669440010

Is that for both

 

[undertacher]

That post was 6 years a go.

Sent by me.

 

[Bigjohn84]

It Dosnt matter if it was 10 year ago, the thread is hear so I'll ask