Top Mounts - Silly Question

[blondster1983]

How easy is it to change top mounts? I know the rough procedure but wanted to make sure I have the right tools before I start!

I have fitted new shocks before on an older car of mine, but when doing that you need the spring compressors etc. I don't foresee needing this for the puma.

To change the front mounts I figure would be as follows:

Loosen wheel nuts, jack up car.

Remove wheel

Undo suspension strut top fixings

undo drop link from strut.

Unclip brake line from strut

Undo strut lower fixing

Remove strut with top mount attached.

Fit new top mount to strut
Reverse to refit.

Have I missed anything? Are here any specialist tools I'd need to attempt this? Or will a socket set, screwdriver and my fair hands do the job?

Are there any things that are likely to cause me to trip up?

Appreciate any help you people can give! Won't be attempting this for a while, but when I do I want to reduce the chances of me not being able to reassemble the car again!

M

 

[V220]

The bearing in the top mount is held behind a nut which also holds spring down so you would need spring compressors to take the weight off the nut while you undo it and replace the bearing. Be careful though as you can snap the tops off the shockers if the nuts are well at home like I did lol

 

[jacko]

the top mount nut is recessed inside that horrible steel lump....can be a pig to get a spanner on. easy if youv got an impact or air gun tho

 

[blondster1983]

Hmmm, more planning is required methinks...

Thanks v much for the help everyone. Its a really decent forum, this...

 

[YOG]

The pinch-bolt securing the hub to the bottom of the damper may be rusted tight. I would give it a good soaking with penetrating oil a week before removing, and also where the damper enters the hub.
When the bolt is removed, use a lever (or large screwdriver) in the slot and lever it apart slightly to help with removing the damper. You may need to resort to a soft-faced hammer to remove the hub from the damper end.
If the bolts look badly rusted, it may be worth getting new ones before starting the work.

 

[blondster1983]

Many thanks mate, much appreciated

 

[water-bug55]

http://www.projectpuma.com/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=8119" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Hope that helps

 

[ScubaSteve]

loosen but dont undo fully the top mount nut whilst the car is on the floor the shock piston will be less inclined to spin with the weight on it

impact gun is easiest failing that its allen key and swan neck spanner

 

[syne]

18mm offset/swan neck spanner,
Took me two hours and 8 shops to find one of those bloody things today(sunday trading grr)

 

[Ian G]

As per Steve's reply, do the top mount nuts while there's still weight on them.

Preferably a windy but allen key and a goose neck are your second best bet.

Socket set or a normal spanner won't do it unless you're very lucky, twice.