Strut top nut movement while turning

[FireFox31]

Is it normal for the front strut top nut and rubber washer to spin when the front wheels turn? Here's a video of mine turning while moving the wheel lock to lock on a lift. You can also see it pushing upward when I hit the lock and press against it a tad. It's a 2000 V70 on which I assume everything is rusty and failing.

In case this isn't normal, is it catastrophic such as requiring new spring mounts? I would like to replace the entire front spring suspension, but I don't want to weld on to the body. Thanks.

[scot850]

You should be able to look down the side of the top washer and see the top of the spring seat. There is a metal tube insert that should be bonded to the rubber seat. This becomes detached over time allowing it to move. Having said the, normally you see the top washer and nut lifting higher in their seat.

If you have a impact gun, leave the car on the ground and remove the top nut and washer. You can get a much better look at the spring seat condition.

Do you get any groaning when turning from the top of the mount? Does the other side do the same? The groaning may be the spring seat/strut top bearing plate failing.

Neil.

[FireFox31]

I would proactively replace the spring seat due to age regardless of its condition. I thought removing that top nut would allow the spring to decompress and cause a problem? Maybe it's ok if it's on the ground but I'm too nervous about springs to risk it.

I was just surprised to see the entire nut and washer moving as I turned the wheel. I understand that when steering, the whole steering knuckle and strut rotate. But where is the point of movement between the strut assembly and the car itself? Is it in the spring seat?

[scot850]

There is a bearing at the top of the strut. If you decide to replace the spring seats, the Volvo ones are best as they were upgraded from XC90 units as the originals were weak.

The cars weight keeps the spring from decompressing and the 3 strut bolts keep it in place.

Neil.