Premature Front Strut Spring Seat Failure? From Ipd

Post by **BlackBart** » 13 Jan 2022, 14:36

Premature Front Strut Spring Seat Failure? Guide from Ipd -

https://www.ipdusa.com/articles/1029/pr ... ?crumbs=a0

Willber · Post by **Willber** » 13 Jan 2022, 23:33

Really good article!

I also had an annoying rattle from one of these washers as I did not tighten the cross nut enough, with the strut off the car, in order for it to butt up against the strut piston properly.

Tightening again when on the car sorted it and then the washer and nut on top of the strut tower stopped it coming loose

Post by **erikv11** » 14 Jan 2022, 00:50

Interesting post by IPD. I would never imagine a shop would screw up so badly as to leave out that part (large stop washer on the strut tower), but it sounds like it happens. Another reason to DIY.

Post by **abscate** » 14 Jan 2022, 01:57

Is it possible to see the washer from underneath to confirm fitment? I think it is

Post by **erikv11** » 15 Jan 2022, 01:03

Must be, yes.

No washer means no bump stop means no bellows means you can see the bottom of the spring seat when peering up the strut tower.

If there is a bump stop ((which you can see from underneath) then there is a washer.

Post by **cn90** » 16 Jan 2022, 12:02

I don't agree with IPD thingy...

The design is basically a steel plate with vulcanized rubber, that is all it is.
BMWs don't use this design and don't have this problem.
BMWs use thicker steel on the top plate.

Anyway, early Volvo strut mounts had thinner steel plate, thus failure.
The HD version (XC90 etc.) is thicker, and less likely to have issue.
Anyway, replace these or refresh suspension every 100K...