Complete spring seat failure or something else?

[S602005]

So my 2005 S60 has been clunking going over flat pavement. The CV was done about a month ago, and that hasn't resolved it. It doesn't squeak, which makes me doubt that my problem is the same as what I've seen others run into as I've searched this and other forums. The very top nut and washer of the driver's side strut can be seen to rotate around the rim of the strut mount, and there's about two inches of vertical play when I press down on the fender. It moves and chunks when I kick the tire. I've been listening to this clunk for a while and it only just occurred to me that the strut mounts could be the issue. I'm fairly certain this is dangerous to drive, but this particular failure mode is something I haven't found in posts from others. What's wrong with my car? Video link:

[oragex]

Definitely. I'm not sure how are you going to remove the strut assy from there... If I'm not wrong, the spring is no more secured now while still compressed by the car weight. Maybe try compressing the spring while still on the car. Driving like this, the strut rod will bump into the hood over street bumps.

Go with Sachs by all means, it's like $20 each side on FCP or IPD. The part for XC90 fits and it's more durable

[jonesg]

Definitely. I'm not sure how are you going to remove the strut assy from there... If I'm not wrong, the spring is no more secured now while still compressed by the car weight. Maybe try compressing the spring while still on the car. Driving like this, the strut rod will bump into the hood over street bumps.

Go with Sachs by all means, it's like $20 each side on FCP or IPD. The part for XC90 fits and it's more durable

What about remove the wheel, put a jack under the brake disk and compress the strut, then spring compressors.?

[oragex]

Jacking the car under the hub it's not safe- the car can easily slip off when working on the spring. The car needs to be jacked really safe and solid because installing and compressing the spring won't be an easy task, and the upper body, arms and head will constantly be inside the wheel well.

[JRL]

If you can turn the top nut, the spring seat is shot, (more than 1/4", it has a little free play).
Simple fact of life and a very simple check

[precopster]

Strut mount failure- TOTAL. Buy some spring compressors and remove the spring.

An impact wrench with a 21mm socket may be useful here as there is too much play to loosen the top nut even with full weight on the wheel.

[bugeye]

I just replaced a broken spring in our 2004 XC70, ~ 135,000 miles.
You have a major suspension failure. I would not drive risking additional damage. Suggest replacing struts, springs and all related components. I could not compress the spring with two quality spring compressors. I took all the parts to a mechanic to assemble the strut assemblies. I then reinstalled into the car. Should you try to do yourself, do not use cheap spring compressors. The stored energy in a compressed spring can cause significant damage if abruptly released. Be safe.

[precopster]

I don't replace the engine when the alternator has failed so why replace anything else unless it's removed and tested? Good shock absorbers are expensive.

Pretty simple check for rebound and compression once the shock absorber is removed. Also remove and inspect bump stops and shock protectors (they look like bellows)

Unless you want to line the parts suppliers pockets with money instead of yours....

[tryingbe]

Known to happen.

[tryingbe]

I'm not sure how are you going to remove the strut assy from there.

Easy? With car jacked and wheel off, takes off the two strut to knuckle bolts, 3 top bolts, and brake hose bolt and the entire strut assembly is free.

Driving like this, the strut rod will bump into the hood over street bumps.

Unless the washer underneath the spring seat is no longer there, what you said cannot happen.