Strut Mount Questions

[Denny]

I have a few questions here:

1. How does one compress the spring? Do I have the right tool? I can't figure out how to get this tool to work...

2. What happened here? When I pulled out the strut, a metal ring fell off. Is it a washer or should it be attached?

Metal ring

3. If that's a piece of the mount, did I get the right part??

 

[pjtoledo]

That tool is used inside the spring where the SHOCK ABSORBER goes. It does not work on strut suspensions. On the rears, I just sit on the top mount and work very carefully. Is that piece that fell out a big chunk of lead? It's there to dampen vibrations in the rear only. Likewise, the rubber hose stuff on the coils keeps the springs from ringing.
On the front I have used the 2 scrfew style of spring compressor, but I have to admit I'm real nervous when using one of those. Might be better to take the strut assembly to a shop with a cage style strut compressor. They can compress the spring, hit the top nut with an impact, then hand it back to you in about 15 seconds.


Perry

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

1. NO. You need a proper set of coil spring compressors, designed specifically for strut mounted coils.

I have THESE

2. Not sure. I have seen pics of Gen 2's with thick metal "insulators". My Gen 1 did not have them.

3. Looks correct. Do you have a part number for the mounts you purchased?

 

[Denny]

Thanks Kenny. I looked at the tool and the strut and thought it couldn't be right. The mount is Monroe #909154. Perry, I'd love to take into a shop, but I'm attempting to save a quick buck here

 

[Denny]

Got the right tool today. Will attempt to replace the mount tomorrow. Do I need to replace that metal vibration dampener or can I go without it? I don't think the parts depo at my dealer is open on Sundays nor do I think this would be a part easily found in the aftermarket?

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

Good deal. Just be careful with the compressors. Do the ones you have have the pin locks on them? Mine are actually rated for use with an impact gun, but I still opt to just use a 1/2 ratchet and deep socket instead. Slowly compressing the coil, working from side to side.

As for the dampeners...
You should be fine without it. Just so long as the mounts can be assembled properly without them.

 

[pjtoledo]

Dittos on the dampners, they are there to get that last 1% of noise/harshness/vibration (NHV), under control.

Perry

hey Denny, that cruise I'm hosting on April 1st is right off I 75. Ya'll gonna come?

 

[Rockledge]

My '94 had those dampners on the top pf the rear struts, as well. Funny thing is, there's no mention of them in the Ford Manual. So I ended up re-using them when I changed out the struts in back. I suppose I was just following the general rule that whatever comes off ought to go back on.

 

[Denny]

Dittos on the dampners, they are there to get that last 1% of noise/harshness/vibration (NHV), under control.

Perry

hey Denny, that cruise I'm hosting on April 1st is right off I 75. Ya'll gonna come?

LOL, what part of 75? It's a very long stretch of freeway

 

[ShadetreeSHOguy]

LOL, what part of 75? It's a very long stretch of freeway

agreed, what part?

 

[Denny]

D'oh, found out the hard way that the strut mount is installed in one particular way

 

[Denny]

WHOOHOOOO!!!!! It's all wrapped up! No more clunking!!!