Strut mount

[rmoconnor41]

Morning.
This issue flagged up from a different post.
I attach a photo of the offside strut mount.

what is the process to get this replaced?

Is it expensive?

vehicle is booked in to replace the factory fitted (1999) rear shocks. Should I delay that and do the strut mounts instead?

Thanks

 

[AntStark]

They are cheap, labour is the expensive bit of replacement. ..I’d get it done at the same time whilst it’s there. You’re going to have a brand new car at this rate

 

[Rudyrov]

If you are capable, you can purchase preloaded struts, which means the spring comes premounted to the strut so replacement is much like replacing shock absorbers.

 

[Danny172]

Where from?

 

[AirOps]

I have not seen any preloaded struts (shocks, springs, and mount ) sold in the US, probably due to there not being a ready supply of stock springs. The strut "mounting bearing" will run from $25 - $60 each, the labor to disassemble and replace the mount would be 1 - 1.5 hrs labor each. The biggest problem will be the "while it's apart might as well replace XXX!", which will increase the parts bill but not impact the labor side as much. Replacing the mount will require a spring compressor, which can be rented from many auto parts stores or rental centers.

 

[Andyboy]

It's an easy job, about 1.5 hours all in. Two 18mm strut to hub bolts, an 18mm nut and bolt just above those, disconnect the ABS and brake pad warning light cables from the retaining brackets, three 13 mm top nuts and feed the strut down and out. You may also need to disconnect the anti roll bar bracket from the lower wishbone, a single 13mm nut. Compress the spring, top 21/22 mm nut and the top mount comes off.

I did two yesterday.

 

[mrscalex]

IMO it would be a wasted opportunity not to at least check the rebound on the struts and be prepared to replace them. But there’s a very good case to replace them anyway if they are original or long-standing replacements.

 

[Andyboy]

Tbf the car looks very clean - E36 dampers seem to last a long time so if they are not rusty and/or leaking I'd say they were OK still. It's certainly worth checking the dust boots and bump stops as tatty ones are a good indicator of worn out dampers.

 

[rmoconnor41]

The car drives well. It was a gift so cost me nothing.
However there is a finite amount of work I can do on it as the vehicle will never be worth much.
It needs the gear box pins sorting out and rear bushes and shocks . The a/c leaks.

 

[mrscalex]

Tbf the car looks very clean - E36 dampers seem to last a long time so if they are not rusty and/or leaking I'd say they were OK still. It's certainly worth checking the dust boots and bump stops as tatty ones are a good indicator of worn out dampers.

I've pulled many dampers off front and rear. You really can't say what's still providing a damping effect by looking at them on the car. They need to be tested by hand off the car. And even that's not fool-proof which is why many on here would routinely replace when apart. Driving round on clapped out dampers is not something I'd want to do as it's a safety issue. But obviously up to you - it's just I'm curious why you would be concerned about the top mount and not the damper itself.

 

[Andyboy]

To satisfy your rabid curiosity, I'm not concerned at all. It's not my car...

But yes, the OP must insist on four new dampers to compliment the top mount that is clearly damaged. Safety is everyone's prime concern and that mantra must be followed to the letter.

 

[mrscalex]

To satisfy your rabid curiosity, I'm not concerned at all. It's not my car...

But yes, the OP must insist on four new dampers to compliment the top mount that is clearly damaged. Safety is everyone's prime concern and that mantra must be followed to the letter.

Was meant for OP rather than yourself.