Mk2 Suspention Top Mounts

[wingers]

I have just bought my first galaxy and i knew there was a clunk noise from the suspention on the test drive so thought bottom arms/ drop links but turns out to be the top mounts the haynes manual says i have to undo the hub nuts and remove the hub to remove the strut but i have never done that before when removing the struts on previous cars is it nessesary or can i get them out without doing that?

 

Other thing is i know the galaxys are prone for driveshafts failing would i just be better to replace them now if i have to remove the hub from the driveshaft and save my time in the long run?

 

As its only got 89k on it is it common for this part to fail at this sort of mileage?

[chrispb123456]

Hi and welcome

Are you sure you need to change the top mounts? there will still be a lot of play (lift) when new ones are fitted.

The drop links are the most common part to change, however I did remove my struts by removing the pinch bolt and knocking the hub downwards and also levering down on the wishbone arm then finally remove the strut top nut.

 

As for the drive shafts failing it's the o/s intermediate shaft splines that usually fail, look for the tell tale red dust around the joint, it's a good idea to take off that shaft and repack with grease, this will add years to the life of that joint.

 

Of course if there's any signs of damage or perishing to the joint gaiters then replacement is certainly worth considering.

[sparky Paul]

Not common at all.

 

However, it's very common to mis-diagnose clonky noises as top strut mounts. There a great deal of free movement at the top, with weight off the strut, you should be able to move the strut up and down about half an inch, and it will move sideways too. That is quite normal, the top bush seats once weight is back on the wheel.

 

Most common cause of knocking front suspension is ARB droplinks, Galaxy is very prone to this problem.

 

OOPS! not quick enough. :D

Edited May 27, 2012 by sparky Paul

[wingers]

When it was jacked up the wheel dropped then stopped then dropped again about 2-3" and had alot of movement up and down i was told by the garage it looks like the bearing has collapsed but the steering is fine no jerkyness or anything like that i have bought the strut mounts and bearings as they were only

[Bigjeeze]

When it was jacked up the wheel dropped then stopped then dropped again about 2-3" and had alot of movement up and down i was told by the garage it looks like the bearing has collapsed but the steering is fine no jerkyness or anything like that i have bought the strut mounts and bearings as they were only

[seatkid]

We've seen it time and time again..... Misdiagnosis of top strut mounts, not appreciating the "floating" design.

 

Good luck removing the top nuts - they are buggers to remove if rusted up.

 

Of course the logical thing to do, is to change the droplinks (20 mins per side), then take it for a test drive and when you realise the problem has gone, either take those strut bearings back or put them away for another day....