The last couple of MOTs on my 1985 Mk2 have had the advisory 'slight play in upper MacPherson strut mounting' or words to that effect.
It's nearly MOT time again so I'm thinking I should do something about it - anyone have any ideas as to the likely cause?
I'm hoping it's something as simple as tightening the spindle retaining nut but suspect it may be a worn bush or something...
Play in strut top mounts
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Hints, tips and guides for repair and modification - the FAQ section on the main website is worth checking first for information relating to common faults and technical help. Useful posts and guides will be added to the FAQ http://www.sciroccoregister.co.uk/scirocco-faq
Hints, tips and guides for repair and modification - the FAQ section on the main website is worth checking first for information relating to common faults and technical help. Useful posts and guides will be added to the FAQ http://www.sciroccoregister.co.uk/scirocco-faq
Re: Play in strut top mounts
you can MOT a car up to 28 days in advance and not loose any time on it.
might as well get it done first before you rush into spending money you don't have to.
theres always a bit of play in them anyway.
might as well get it done first before you rush into spending money you don't have to.
theres always a bit of play in them anyway.
'80 scroc gls, '90 7' drop mk1 pickup, '95 5" drop works van, '91 sierra gt, '80 gs400 cafe racer, '78 yamaha bobber project.
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Nate
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Re: Play in strut top mounts
some testers will advise of play in top mounts even when they're brand new, coz as said, they do have a bit of play in them anyway. are they knocking?
Re: Play in strut top mounts
How would I know if they're knocking? The car is 28 years old after all, I don't know which bits 'should' rattle, and since I've had it for 10 years, I haven't noticed what's changed in that time? ;)
1985 GTL 1.8
Member number 928 (wish I had one)
Member number 928 (wish I had one)
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Nate
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Re: Play in strut top mounts
that's easy, nothing should rattle! top mounts that are deaded will normally give a soft knocking sound driving over rough ground or when you go over a bump on the roadmarcus wrote:How would I know if they're knocking? The car is 28 years old after all, I don't know which bits 'should' rattle, and since I've had it for 10 years, I haven't noticed what's changed in that time? ;)
Re: Play in strut top mounts
Sorry to be dim but how I do I know a rattling sound is coming from the top mounts? How do the MOT testers determine there is play, can I reproduce that test myself to see what they're talking about?
1985 GTL 1.8
Member number 928 (wish I had one)
Member number 928 (wish I had one)
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bengould
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Re: Play in strut top mounts
Jack the front of the car up to take the weight off the wheels and try and wobble the top of the strut. I would say any more than a mm or so is excessive.marcus wrote: can I reproduce that test myself to see what they're talking about?
Ben.
Re: Play in strut top mounts
I'm probably being dim, but where/how should I try and wobble the strut top, from inside the wheelarch by grasping the top end or by removing the strut top cover and trying to move the end? Or sticking a lever under the wheel?
1985 GTL 1.8
Member number 928 (wish I had one)
Member number 928 (wish I had one)
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bengould
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Re: Play in strut top mounts
Grab the top of the strut from inside the wheel arch.marcus wrote:I'm probably being dim, but where/how should I try and wobble the strut top, from inside the wheelarch by grasping the top end or by removing the strut top cover and trying to move the end? Or sticking a lever under the wheel?
Ben.