Wanted: Volunteers to test product to aid front strut-mounts.

[funked up]

When will these be available to buy my car won’t be seeing th

[Lago Blue]

A recent "Strut-Stop" tester and forum member's comments:

On install:

("After a 50 mile commute today...") "Onto driving impressions;
As you quite rightly predicted, a much quieter ride. Actually, a marked difference and I’m more than happy with it. On turn-in, again a noticeable difference. Steering response is much sharper and it actually feels like there is more mechanical grip when you’re both entering and are in the corner. Even slight tweaks to the steering wheel mid corner now result in a change of direction that is more precise and it feels like the car responds faster to the input. Again, very happy with how It feels – a notable increase in agility."

At 200 miles:

"I've measured the C/W ("cupped washers" -edit) gaps again tonight. They've settled by another 1mm with the same change on the wheel to arch measurement. Removed C/W's to inspect; I'm now resting on the ("Strut-Stops"). I could tell they'd bottomed out when I was driving today. Feels somewhere between fresh mounts and collapsed ones, if that makes sense. Still sharp on the steering but a bit ' dead ' over bumpy surfaces."

Q.: "Dead" in a welcome or an unwelcome way? Is it uncomfortable?

" 'Dead' does indeed mean well damped and welcomed - akin to a dead blow hammer. It's not at all uncomfortable and I reckon it's still feels as positive and direct on turn in as a fresh mount would be. The current difference only being the more solid feel over bumpy stuff when comparing to fresh mounts without ("Strut-Stops")."

[Lago Blue]

Nuvo,

Thanks for prompting me to do an update with your query. I'm happy to say that despite very limited uptake, "Strut-Stops" have been independently used very quietly & successfully to date. I will come back and add to this quick post below this line when time permits.

Added Testing Summary:
a) Prevention of Vertical Collapse:
Where used, the subject product inserts, installed into brand new top-mounts (i.e. strictly the latest OEM Boge/Sachs V6 versions (not the cheapest, just the strongest OEM mount & perhaps best dealer sourced) have prevented the mounts from collapsing. For some folks, this may be all they need/want to know, or have time for.

b) Reduction in Maintenance:
What of course follows from the above is that none of the mounts run with the subject product inserts installed have had to be replaced. The significance of this change will not be lost on those who have despaired at the required frequency of this chore previously.

c) Total Time & Distance in Use:
The lead tester has been running these since Oct 2016. At May 2017, he had approximately12k miles on them. From my own experience, I know this is certainly more than enough time & distance for the mounts to fully settle into a steady-state condition, where further physical changes are unlikely.

d) Further Expected Effects Not Yet Observed &/or Lacking Feedback On:
What I have not yet received comment on is the presence (or absence) of any dynamic mod benefit(s). What is meant here is particularly in the driving of the car, i.e. steering feel while cornering, straight-line stability and the transition between those two, beyond just the above static mechanical improvements; longer term. This is perhaps in part because, the extent to which the fitness state of mounts has its effects in how well both the steering and suspension systems best function, is not well understood; and will just take longer to be fully recognized. However, IMHO it is precisely here where I think this mod, which simply adds some resistance, subtracts some compliance, but most notably nets a more resilient OEM mount & appears to keep it that way; really pays off. Time will tell if others pick up on this. Eventually, beyond these driving benefits, a third group of improvements may also be noted, enhanced alignment durability and improved tire wear among them.

e) Other Factors:
Careful readers of other threads on this subject may recognize another factor which may serve to mask observable dynamic improvements after doing just this mod alone. This may be due to unrecognized mechanical issues elsewhere affecting steering, particularly with the OEM A-arm bushes. The cause of, and cure for, about which I've written at length, is remarkably similar in both fault origin & fix, to this mod but most notably; quite complementary to it after that repair. Depending on your point of view, that can be either depressing or exciting to know there's yet more work to do &/or enhancement to be had!

Lastly, no one has asked for their money back and for the time being, due to limited up-take, I continue to offer them at the "testing" price (even though any need for further testing, save for perhaps competition use, is unlikely), as I'd still like to see more sets out there. My reason for this is quite simple. At some point someone else will talk about their experience (of which I am quite confident will be good) with these and then perhaps - I - won't have to; quite so much. We can only hope.

Lago

[Nuvo]

What was the outcome of these tests?

[Lago Blue]

RXL,

PM sent.

[rxl]

i would have some interest

[Lago Blue]

Wanted: More Volunteers

Progress Report:

My tester has put some months and miles onto these and is happy enough that I would like to repeat my invitation to interested others who might also want to participate. He has passed the period required for the mounts to settle which can take quite some time/distance when they have been reinforced with this mod.

LB

[Lago Blue]

PMs sent.

[s2driveruk]

I'd b happy to help on this and never got as far as a Mance solution but have tried pretty much everything else.

[mcandmar]

I'm interested, I've tried just about every mount available, and rebuilt my mance mounts a couple of times to keep them going so i have a good basis to compare them against. http://www.s2forum.com/forum/showthr...ighlight=mount

[Lago Blue]

Suspension of Disbelief, Part 2.b.

Seeking volunteers to test add-on suspension product made by fellow forum member.

Product is an attempt to approach the functionality of Mance Etheredge's original and renowned "Mount-Saver" product.

Following product purchase at a reduced price, testing will involve sending separate private up-dates back to the maker re:
a.) Installation;
b.) Initial driving impressions; & and
c.) Short & longer term milestones at 100, 500, & 1500 kms., and finally at 6 to 9 months out.

Reduced price offered reflects that maker is asking for participants' help in testing it; and that the product is being made available for that purpose.

Please also see sourcing and description of Strut-Stops (Suspension of Disbelief, part 2.a.) previously >here< at link. (click "Show more" to see full ad) Note: If the ad link is dead please PM me for further info.

Thanks.