Replacing Rubber Insulator On Top Of Macpherson Strut

[Galaxy_Quest]

Hi All,

 

I'm new to this forum so a big hello firstly :lol:

 

Im trying to get you Gal through its MOT (early Mk 2 on a W-plate). On the fail sheet it says that there is "nearside macpherson strut excessive movement at the upper attachment" ...and the same for the offside. After a conversation with the garage, I think this is a reference to the rubber insulator fitted to the strut top mount.

 

Does anyone know how to replace it, where i can buy them or is there a guide kicking about....

 

Any help most welcome :lol:

 

Cheers

[speck]

got mine from fords about

[Neils TDi again]

Hi All,

 

I'm new to this forum so a big hello firstly ;)

 

Im trying to get you Gal through its MOT (early Mk 2 on a W-plate). On the fail sheet it says that there is "nearside macpherson strut excessive movement at the upper attachment" ...and the same for the offside. After a conversation with the garage, I think this is a reference to the rubber insulator fitted to the strut top mount.

 

Does anyone know how to replace it, where i can buy them or is there a guide kicking about....

 

Any help most welcome ;)

 

Cheers

 

 

Even with a new rubber at the top there will still be "excessive play" when the vehicle is lifted on a four point lift, there is a set of specific notes for this type of vehicle for the MOT inspector regarding the floating nature of the strut. It should only be checked when the vehicle is in its normal driving configuration eg on the wheels.

 

I will dig them out and post them here.

 

2.5 Front Suspension, Wheel Bearings and Drive Shafts 2.5

[Galaxy_Quest]

Even with a new rubber at the top there will still be "excessive play" when the vehicle is lifted on a four point lift, there is a set of specific notes for this type of vehicle for the MOT inspector regarding the floating nature of the strut. It should only be checked when the vehicle is in its normal driving configuration eg on the wheels.

 

I will dig them out and post them here.

 

2.5 Front Suspension, Wheel Bearings and Drive Shafts 2.5

[NikpV]

Think Neil was implying that the garage may not have tested the car correctly and gave detail of how the testting should be done according to Vosa. May be worth you asking the garage how the testing was done - of cousre they may have done it correctly and still found excessive play !!

[Andrew T]

[Put simply, you need to find out if the MOT station tested your vehicle correctly, i.e. in accordance with the criteria posted above. If necessary print this thread out and show it to them. I've had a similar "discussion" with a Ford dealer, who after a second examination agreed said there was no problem and said "oh it's the same as a VWs suspension isn't it" ? Fills you with confidence doesn't it ?

[Galaxy_Quest]

[Put simply, you need to find out if the MOT station tested your vehicle correctly, i.e. in accordance with the criteria posted above. If necessary print this thread out and show it to them. I've had a similar "discussion" with a Ford dealer, who after a second examination agreed said there was no problem and said "oh it's the same as a VWs suspension isn't it" ? Fills you with confidence doesn't it ?

 

 

Are you guys saying there may well be nothing wrong ?

 

How will it be if i go back saying "oi... u hevent checked my car properly" dont get me wrong, once we had a service at our local fords where the checklist was ticked off but in fact nothing was actually done.... talk about dodgy!!! We only found out when we needed to replace a tyre at Kwik Fit and they showed us the brakes were fooked !!!

[NikpV]

Its a possibility - I would check with then by asking how they checked it and then show the printout from the post above and see what they say .....

[mumof4]

you can stay and watch the mot being done..i did wen mine went for its mot at the end of feb.i asked him to show me anything that was wrong, which he did.

[Galaxy_Quest]

you can stay and watch the mot being done..i did wen mine went for its mot at the end of feb.i asked him to show me anything that was wrong, which he did.

 

Thanks guys,

 

I will go there tomorrow when the parts arrive in the post!

 

Not sure about challenging a local garage.. i will feel like a numnut. But here goes then ! The list means nothing to me but it should to them right?

 

;)

[Galaxy_Quest]

Neil or any others,

 

What is it im looking for from the VOSA website:

 

Link to VOSA site (as above)

 

Which was the link that was posted above. Is there some special mention of the method of testing the Gal as compared to a "normal" car?

 

Thanks,

 

:16:

[Neils TDi again]

Neil or any others,

 

What is it im looking for from the VOSA website:

 

Link to VOSA site (as above)

 

Which was the link that was posted above. Is there some special mention of the method of testing the Gal as compared to a "normal" car?

 

Thanks,

 

;)

 

 

The quoted part of the post describes the "special test" conditions actually these are just real life configurations which are normally ignored at MOT stations as the original handbook required the vehicle to be elevated from the ground to test the suspension and steering.

 

 

For vehicles with suspension types figures 3, 3a and 4 shown on Suspension Type Diagram, lower the front wheels so that they

 

bear the weight of the vehicle, and

 

are resting on turn plates which enable the wheels to be turned freely lock to lock or

 

if ATL approved resting on wheel play detectors

[Galaxy_Quest]

Neil / guys / gals,

 

Ok.. so i went to the garage and questioned them on the Gal MOT.

 

Apparently, it was done as per "usual" just as u suspected. I politely pointed out the MOT check list and the VOSA standard reminding him that he stated that the rubber struts ends were "collapsed".

 

He was completely defensive and said he "stands by the MOT" - he first said they lift the car with wheels off ground and check the steering... then he said they use an ATL... either way he is going to chat to the "lad" who did the MOT and im calling him on Monday.

 

What if he has done it wrong and wont recognise it... meanwhile ive spent

[NikpV]

isn't there an appeal if incorrect procedure used ??

[Galaxy_Quest]

isn't there an appeal if incorrect procedure used ??

 

I dont know mate!

 

Anyone else know ?

[NikpV]

have a look on the failure certificate

[Dave-G]

You could take it to another mot station, preferably a modern one, and explain your problem to them before you book it in for a new test. Ok - you lost your money on the last one..... erm - and could again if it IS faulty.

 

You'd be amazed at how many garages will try to prove they are better than Joe Bloggs round the corner - it's human instict to try and get you to go there next time.

[Galaxy_Quest]

Update:

 

Have changed the brake pads (separate thread under technical about the brake pressure 'issues').

 

Car has gone back to the MOT garage today, they looked at it according to the new test guidelines posted on here and they assure me that the rubber strut ends are collapsed. They want

Edited March 14, 2007 by Avenger

[Galaxy_Quest]

Just looked at the TIS manual...

 

Can you replace the rubber strut insulator (connects to engine bay housing) without taking the whole thing apart? The TIS only shows its removal as part of removing and installing a new suspension.

 

 

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/2107/untitledyf5.jpg

Edited March 14, 2007 by Avenger

[Andrew T]

I'd still be dubious that this needs doing. My Struts are still original at six years old and nearly 150K, yours are youngsters in comparison. I've been reading this site for nearly 3 years and rarely (if ever) recall anyone replacing them. Misdiagnosis has been mentioned more than once though. Do you know of a VW specialist who'd have a look at it ? They would be very familiar with this problem.

[Galaxy_Quest]

I'd still be dubious that this needs doing. My Struts are still original at six years old and nearly 150K, yours are youngsters in comparison. I've been reading this site for nearly 3 years and rarely (if ever) recall anyone replacing them. Misdiagnosis has been mentioned more than once though. Do you know of a VW specialist who'd have a look at it ? They would be very familiar with this problem.

 

 

It was today when the garage phoned to me to say they (the macpherson strut tops) are definately knackered and that I should come down and inspect the car if i wasnt sure.

 

[A] I wouldnt know what im looking at from under the car as the unit is part in and out of the enging housing from the TIS, but I could blag it... can anyone tell me what im looking for even... apparently he said they are "collapsed" i dont know what that means... it sounds a bit bullshtty to be honest

 

and He has had a careful warning from me about the standard of their MOT and what is the right checklist to use.

 

Doesnt mean hes doing it right though i accept.

 

I'm wondering if it really is a one hour per corner job as he is saying it is... and finally we live in a heavy heavy speed bump area. Had the car for 5 years and its had non stop speed bump pounding at the rate of 5k+ miles per year (and then another 5k motorway miles a year).

 

If the work is a cup of tea i should do it myself and not pay

Edited March 14, 2007 by Avenger

[Galaxy_Quest]

I'd still be dubious that this needs doing. My Struts are still original at six years old and nearly 150K, yours are youngsters in comparison. I've been reading this site for nearly 3 years and rarely (if ever) recall anyone replacing them. Misdiagnosis has been mentioned more than once though. Do you know of a VW specialist who'd have a look at it ? They would be very familiar with this problem.

 

 

PS - i called the local Ford garage to find out the cost of the parts which i then sourced online... they said that the strut tops (the rubber mounts with the bearing thingy inside) are a regular issue... although there again i dont trust them one as far as i could pick up the whole dealership and throw it