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front strut top mount 850 1994

posted by dwc on Wed Dec 29 17:13 CST 2004
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last visit: Thu Jun 14 04:22 CST 2001

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Hi Group:

Our '94 850 Turbo has a loose right front upper shock mount. From inside the engine bay, I can see the top of the shock move slightly up and down as I press on the front bumper. The movement isn't much, maybe 1/4", and it's accompanied by a loud squeak. So, my question is, what part usually fails; the strut mount, or the spring seat, both, or perhaps something else? I'm trying to guess what I need without pulling the assembly apart first, and I realize that's not always the best idea, but I was hoping that in this case an educated geuess would suffice. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Dean

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front strut top mount 850 1994

posted by someone claiming to be icelandic on Thu Dec 30 03:27 CST 2004 [RELATED]

Hello Dean,

Most certainly it is the rubber spring mount. That is what usually fails. To make sure, grab the round big washer looking piece on top of the strut and try to rotate it. If it does, it is a sure sign of upper spring seat failure. Do this with the car on the ground.
If it is really bad, and due to the age of you car, it might be a good idea to check your struts and also the upper strut mount. This one does not fail all of a sudden, but wears out slowly, allowing for some play of the strut, and creaking noises. You will certainly enjoy the difference in firmness and handling by repacing not only the spring seat but also the strut mount.

Have a great new year!

Icelandic/ Sao Paulo/Brazil

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front strut top mount 850 1994

posted by fixit2003 on Thu Dec 30 06:10 CST 2004
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The strut bushing can also wear out. This usually causes a thumping or rattle type sound when going over bumps. My experience is that even good struts on the 850 will show some up and down shaft movement when the front of the car is pushed down. Because of the large spring pressure there's really no way to tell unless you take it apart. If it's just a squeek then a little rubber lubricant may solve the problem.

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front strut top mount 850 1994

posted by dwc on Thu Dec 30 07:35 CST 2004
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last visit: Thu Jun 14 04:22 CST 2001

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You guys may both be correct. I can rotate the top of the strut easily, but the noise is certainly more than a squeak, as there are some thumps and rattles, too, over bumps. I guess I'll order both parts for both sides, get the job done properly, and then I won't have to worry about it for a while. Either of you know if re-alignment is necessary after such a job?

Thanks for your advice.

Dean

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front strut top mount 850 1994

posted by someone claiming to be icelandic on Thu Dec 30 09:23 CST 2004 [RELATED]

So your spring seat is really bad. Yes, you will have to to make a re-alignment. Whenever struts are removed, re- alignment is a must. If you are going to have somebody do it for you, and in case you have not done that recently, consider replacing the struts also, as the labor is going to be the same.
Good luck and a great 2005!

Icelandic

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