Elle Macpherson struts

[Marc]

My car failed its MOT because...

"Front (both) macpherson strut has excessive movement at the upper attachment [2.5.A1c]"

As per usual my friend Kenny was collared to have a look (I know sh*t all) and after removing the plastic caps, pushing the car from side to side, jacking the car up and pushing it again was puzzled by the diagnosis.

From the horse's mouth (sorry Kenny)

"With the car on its wheels I yanked the body sideways and saw no movement. I also yanked the top of the shock from under the wheel arch and saw no movement.

With the car jacked up I yanked the wheel back and forth and yanked the shock/spring and saw no movement. Twisting the spring did show some rotational movement of the top mount from within the engine bay. Is this normal?

As I jacked it I believe I did see some vertical movement of the mount from within the engine bay as the wheel started to hang down, but it was dark so I am not 100%. Is this normal?"

If it does still sound like there may be a problem, I'll need to take it somewhere to get it looked at - can anyone recommend a good mechanic who knows their S2s in North London?

Cheers ears

[4WheelDrifter]

It's sound like your top-mounts are shot. Not uncommon on an S2.

[Azman]

New top mounts the order of the day there sir....... Do you get a slight banging noise from the front end when going over small pot holes, bumps etc.....

[Marc]

Cheers guys. No slight banging noises - is that what would give it away?

Having had my mate look at it and not find anything obviously untowards I couldn't help think the garage may exaggerating / inventing the problem.

[raccabuda]

Hi everyone, first post from me.

I've got the same problem and I've just ordered a new pair from quattro corner (thanks, great service), I'm hoping to tackle the job myself when they arrive, will I need any special tools outside of a normal toolbox to do the job?

Thanks in advance, Dave.

[LHD_Kid]

Hi everyone, first post from me.

I've got the same problem and I've just ordered a new pair from quattro corner (thanks, great service), I'm hoping to tackle the job myself when they arrive, will I need any special tools outside of a normal toolbox to do the job?

Thanks in advance, Dave.

Hi,
yes, its not a difficult job, I found I needed a special tool for the top bolt on the strut, as you need to stop the inner part rotating while you remove it, also, you will need the sockety type thing for the next nut down, has 2 little fingers pointing down...
In addition, I found it useful to have a coil spring compressor, not sure if this is necessary, but sure made things easier...
Here is a great guide to the work...

Linky

HTH
Chris

[raccabuda]

Cheers Chris, made a set of spring compressors at work today, I've got access to a good range of engineering eqpt at work, so hopefully I'll be able to knock up the special tools reqd.

The guide helped a lot, gives me an idea what I'm up against.

Thanks a lot mate.