Strut Top MOT Fail

[bigjeeze]

My MK2 failed it's MOT on a few things - most I am ok with but the tester failed it on the o/s strut excessive movement - yet they failed it last year on this so I replaced the bearing etc so I am at a loss to explain this one. The garage insist there is excessive movement. I can't work out how that is the case. Any ideas?

[drcotts]

Hi bigeez
I dont have a direct answer to the question bit I saw on the past mots of a galaxy I just bought that the garage noticed this movement but on mine  it was only an advisory and it was advised on the previous 2 mots as well

If it was me I would pay the garage who failed it to replace them or at least sort the problem if i could afford it and then take it to them again next year well before the mot was due. That way they wont fail then I bet as it would be under warranty.
I would be interested to see any replies
Thanks
Phill

[Mirez]

When you replaced "the bearing etc" did that include the rubber mount itself? The bearing is really just there to allow the strut to pivot with the steering - its the big rubber cone it sits in that is the mount.

If you did then unless somethings not been done right or has failed prematurely then the garage aren't testing it correctly or are testing it the "traditional" manner and not taking the Galaxy's floating suspension into account.

The Galaxy falls under a special test condition with the maximum acceptable movement being 10mm vertically and 6mm laterally and longitudinally when the vehicle wheels are off the ground. You should be able to measure this yourself fairly easily, if its less then that then I'd ask the garage to phone VOSA for advise.

[drcotts]

Excelent info thanks

[Chrispb]

My MK2 failed it's MOT on a few things - most I am ok with but the tester failed it on the o/s strut excessive movement - yet they failed it last year on this so I replaced the bearing etc so I am at a loss to explain this one. The garage insist there is excessive movement. I can't work out how that is the case. Any ideas?

Hi BJ
I done my top mounts a couple of days ago in preparation  for the MOT, have you seen my how too in the library?  There's a pic comparing the height of an old and new mount.
I now have zero lift when lifting the wheel when suspended and no noticeable lateral movement.

https://www.fordmpv.com/smf2/ford-galaxy-reference-library/ford-galaxy-front-suspension-top-mount-and-bearing-replacement/msg12079/#msg12079/

[bigjeeze]

Thanks all

And Yes Chris I did replace all the components - with Febi parts so unless I have done something wrong I cant' see what the issue is.   I will see if I can lower the whole thing and just replace the rubber again. I can't believe there is anything else that could be wrong.

[sasquartch]

It is easy to replace the rubber with the strut in situ.

Just undo the top nut (hopefully easy as it was removed recently) and the drop link and the strut will drop down enough to lift off the rubber.

I think I used spring compressors as well just to put perhaps an inch of compression on the springs, this made a bit more space but that probably isn't essential.

At least the rubbers are cheap - I paid I think something like 25 quid for a pair of Lemforder parts which included the bearings

[insanitybeard]

Thanks all

And Yes Chris I did replace all the components - with Febi parts so unless I have done something wrong I cant' see what the issue is.   I will see if I can lower the whole thing and just replace the rubber again. I can't believe there is anything else that could be wrong.

There's a thread on t'other site at the mo where sparky Paul was saying his Febi replacement top mounts hadn't lasted well..........

[bigjeeze]

Thanks for that - I have done les than 8k miles since replacing them - if they are not lasting then there is a serious problem with Febi kit!!

[drcotts]

There's a thread on t'other site at the mo where sparky Paul was saying his Febi replacement top mounts hadn't lasted well..........

I was wondering if this was possible so thanks for confirming this
Phil.

[drcotts]

It is easy to replace the rubber with the strut in situ.

Just undo the top nut (hopefully easy as it was removed recently) and the drop link and the strut will drop down enough to lift off the rubber.

I think I used spring compressors as well just to put perhaps an inch of compression on the springs, this made a bit more space but that probably isn't essential.

At least the rubbers are cheap - I paid I think something like 25 quid for a pair of Lemforder parts which included the bearings

I was wondering if this was possible so thanks for confirming.
Phill

[insanitybeard]

Thanks for that - I have done les than 8k miles since replacing them - if they are not lasting then there is a serious problem with Febi kit!!

Somebody else with excessive strut top protrusion/ play having fitted Febi parts here.......

[Mirez]

Interesting, I remember a while back on a KA forum someone was complaining about fitment being really bad of a top bush, turned out they were using a Galaxy top bush. Both the KA and Galaxy use a floating suspension and the parts do look amazingly similar - just a thought in case it's been bought from eBay - plenty of sellers on there with no knowledge of what they are selling!

[sasquartch]

Lemforder parts bought from GSF worked fine for me.