Technical Front Suspension Strut Help

[paddycento]

Hi All,

Could someone with a 1.9JTD 3dr Stilo please have a look at the top of their suspensions struts and maybe take a photo for me for comparison.
I have a 3mm gap between the top mount plate (I think eper calls it) and the bodywork as shown in attached Image A and B.

Surely this can't be correct to have a gap as every time I go over a pothole it allows the whole strut to drop which is why I suspect I have such a clunky ride.

The nut can't be tightened any further and part 8 (attached parts diagram) is flush with the top of part 6. I would have thought that part 8 should be flush with the bodywork but it is stopped before it reaches that by the nut.

I have taken the whole strut out and made sure that the nut is tightened down to the end of the thread of the damper so that can't go any further. The bearing (part 10) and and the strut mount (part 5) turn smoothly together.

So any photo's would help or if people have had problems with the front top mounts then help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

[Davren]

It's normal for there to be a gap between the bottom of the rubber covered retaining plate (8) and the top of the suspension turret (picture of mine below). The top suspension rubber mounting (5) is a taper fit in the bottom of the turret. The retaining plate is only there to stop the strut dropping out if the car is jacked up by the body or drops down a deep pot hole.
.

 

[paddycento]

Thanks for your quick reply and for taking the photo for comparison

I seem to have wasted my day by thinking there wasn't meant to be a gap by taking the complete strut out and using spring compressors to hold the spring while I took the mount and bearing off to have a look at it

Never mind suppose you learn something new every day.

On a side note, any ideas what could be causing my original problem which is why I found the gap?... I have a resonance/vibration from the front end (I think) which goes through 2 resonances relating to road speed not engine speed. At 40mph and then again at 65mph. Seems too higher frequency for wheel speed and doesn't change with engine revs nor does it change when I put it into neutral while still going. Not long since wheels have been balanced, and new springs last year (as of now suspension mounts seem fine).
Doesn't seem to be any play in the wheel bearing either.

Thanks again for your help