Author Topic: TOP OF STRUT MOUNTING LOOSE.......NORMAL????  (Read 2905 times)

June 12, 2021, 08:02:58 pm

ftm1776

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TOP OF STRUT MOUNTING LOOSE.......NORMAL????
« on: June 12, 2021, 08:02:58 pm »
If in between the shown positions, I can move the top of the strut around somewhat. Seems weird that it is not
firmly attached to the body. Is this normal??? I think so, but my tire guy brought it to my attention.
The nuts on top of the struts are tight.

TOP OF STRUT WITH WEIGHT ON TIRE



TOP OF STRUT WITH WEIGHT OFF OF TIRE



SHOWN FOR REFERENCE


Thomas, Original and sole owner since new:
1991 Jetta NA 1.6 diesel, Engine Code ME, 5 speed, AWY transmission, Hydraulic Lifters
293,000 miles
LOOKING FOR A GOOD VW DIESEL ENGINE BUILDER ON THE WEST COAST

Reply #1June 12, 2021, 10:17:15 pm

libbydiesel

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Re: TOP OF STRUT MOUNTING LOOSE.......NORMAL????
« Reply #1 on: June 12, 2021, 10:17:15 pm »
That's actually normal

Reply #2June 16, 2021, 01:59:42 pm

srgtlord

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Re: TOP OF STRUT MOUNTING LOOSE.......NORMAL????
« Reply #2 on: June 16, 2021, 01:59:42 pm »
vw went super cheap on the mk2 strut mounts...

Reply #3June 17, 2021, 11:48:50 pm

fatmobile

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Re: TOP OF STRUT MOUNTING LOOSE.......NORMAL????
« Reply #3 on: June 17, 2021, 11:48:50 pm »
I've always wondered that too.
 Haven't seen any mods that address it.
Tornado red, '91 Golf 4 door,
with a re-ringed, '84 quantum, turbo diesel, MD block

Reply #4June 18, 2021, 06:33:21 pm

thomas m

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Re: TOP OF STRUT MOUNTING LOOSE.......NORMAL????
« Reply #4 on: June 18, 2021, 06:33:21 pm »
What is happening with the wheel alignment when the top of the strut is loose when airborne ??? That's what the alignment guy was questioning. It does seem weird that the top can be moved around....no attachment to the body for some reason????
Then again, my car is older than he is. Old school they call it. No problem for 30 years though and no such comments from other guys at the same shop.
Thomas, Original owner since new:
1991 MK2 Jetta Non-turbo 1.6 diesel, Engine Code ME, 5 speed 020 AWY 04120 transmission, Hydraulic Lifters,
320,000 miles
Location: Vancouver, WA
LOOKING FOR REBUILD OPTIONS IN PORTLAND, OR OR ON THE WEST COAST

Reply #5June 18, 2021, 08:56:39 pm

libbydiesel

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Re: TOP OF STRUT MOUNTING LOOSE.......NORMAL????
« Reply #5 on: June 18, 2021, 08:56:39 pm »
Typically the top strut mount bushing allows axial movement but limits radial movement.  That axial movement doesn't change the alignment geometry any differently than going over bumps or having the spring compress.