Front Strut Top Mounting Plate

[derekod]

I have just replaced both upper strut mounts and bearings but am still surprised with the amount of end float clearance.

Both of the spring mount plates have worn oval in shape and cut into the shocks. 

[sparky Paul]

The up/down movement is quite normal, the design relies on the weight of the car to keep everything in place. The top mount part above the suspension turret is only there to retain everything when the car is jacked up.

 

I don't think it's unusual to see some ovalling of the centre of the top spring seat, but there is some significant damage and deformity to those pictured above - I would guess that's as a result of the faulty bearings. There should be no lateral movement normally as the bottom race of the bearing should sit snugly in a small recess in the spring seat, and obviously the top race is clamped to the shock absorber shaft.

 

Replacement top spring seats are fairly cheap, about a tenner each IIRC.