Org. Top mount removal help!

**TheDane** · 02-11-2005, 20:41

Hello guys

I have these MK2 RS2 struts which I'm trying to remove the original top mouts from. The problem is that I have compressed the spring, and loosend the top nut/cranked retainer, but the nut wont come off

cause the piston rod turns with it!

This can't be normal can it? So can anybody help me with this problem. And BTW can't tighten the nut either, just turns the piston rod the other way.

Thanks in advance, cause you guys allways comes through for me

CheeRS

The Dane

**Retromotorsport** · 02-11-2005, 21:56

Dont supose you have an air gun there.... if not release the spring clamps and undo the nut a little DO NOT UNDO IT ALL THE WAY... clamp spring again and try to remove the nut all the way.

**TheDane** · 02-11-2005, 22:03

No have sadly not got an air gun, yet! But will have to get one at a time.

Okay Retro will try that. Is the piston rod supposed to just turn around in the struts?

The Dane

**markb** · 02-11-2005, 22:03

edited to remove stupid and potentially fatal idea with grinder and spring clamps!:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

**Willid1** · 02-11-2005, 22:10

The Ford MK 2 workshop manual says (very helpfully)

"Remove piston rod nut and dismantle assembly"

In the MK 1 manual it mentions not clamping the piston rod while undoing the nut, and that there is a flat section on the top of the rod to help grip it.

If I remember it's almost impossible to get anything on the flat section and get a spanner on the nut as they are both in the well formed by the top of the suspension mount.

There should be a flat section on the top part of the piston rod that locks into the top spring cup. - see picture

You should be able to clamp the top spring cup then undo the nut. The fact you say its turning the piston rod doesn't sound right.

HTH

David

**TheDane** · 02-11-2005, 22:58

Yeah sounds a bit helpful, will have to look at it again tomorrow.

No I would think the piston rod didn't turn, and I have no clue why it does

The Dane

**Retromotorsport** · 03-11-2005, 08:48

Its the spring that stops the rod turning, by gripping the spring cup and locking it into the rod's flat.

If my idea dosnt work, drop the whole lot into the car, and undo, do up, undo the nut a few times with the weight of the car on it, before putting the nut back on a few threads and removing from car again.

Of cause if you dont put the nut back on and jack the car up the springs will be slowly released and the leg may well fall out of the top mount and damage your wings... so dont forget to put the nut on...