Front strut mount rebuild.

road1will · Post by **road1will** » 25 Oct 2011, 21:25

Hi all,

My XC90 with about 75k has a terrible creaking/popping sound coming from the right front, which I have determined to be the upper spring seat. So, I want to rebuild the upper strut mounts. It seems as if the rubber seat and the bearing both commonly fail. What else should I replace while im in there? I plan on getting the spring seat and bearings from my dealer, but want to make sure I have all the parts I need before tackling the project.

Also, is the special tool for the top nut necessary?

Will

Post by **Juan62** » 26 Oct 2011, 04:32

I would visit www.ipdusa.com website and look at the components of your suspension. They do sell a top nut tool, but you can buy one from Harbor Freight.com

road1will · Post by **road1will** » 26 Oct 2011, 06:38

Thanks, I use IPD a lot and know what all they offer for the front suspenion, I am just trying to figure out exactly what I NEED to replace while I'm doing the job. As far as I can tell, its just the spring seats and bearings.

Also, I know they sell the strut nut tool, but I am asking if It is really neccessary or not. Where on the Harbor Freight site do you see the tool? I tried looking there with no luck.

Post by **precopster** » 26 Oct 2011, 08:42

FCP stock this tool.

road1will · Post by **road1will** » 26 Oct 2011, 09:17

precopster wrote:FCP stock this tool.

I know.

If I can find it @ Harbor Freight, I can save money on shipping as there is location near me.

road1will · Post by **road1will** » 31 Oct 2011, 05:49

Anybody? I know plenty of people out there have done this job, i'm planning to get all my parts today and do the job this weekend!

rmorse · Post by **rmorse** » 31 Oct 2011, 07:22

I always use a hammer and drift. However, I never liked doing it since it seemed super shady.

Post by **Choguy03** » 31 Oct 2011, 07:44

I'm guessing you already got the parts, but this is something that you really can't tell for sure what needs to be replaced unless you look. There are rubber bumpers and a plastic bellow that protect the strut that can sometimes be bad. If anything, just pull the struts off, take a look at what you think needs to be replaced and just order the parts and do the job again. It is not very difficult. Toughest parts is just getting a decent spring compressor and having the right setup and tool to remove the top nut. Keep us posted.

road1will · Post by **road1will** » 31 Oct 2011, 20:35

Thanks for the help guys. I got all the parts i think i'll need today from the local dealer and ordered the strut nut tool from IPD. I've got a older spring compressor, i think i'll probably go pick up a nicer set that has the safety pins to try to avoid an accident.

Post by **Choguy03** » 01 Nov 2011, 07:26

Take some pics and give us a write up! I'm sure others would appreciate it.