Front Upper Suspension Mounts

[beach]

I noticed today that one of the front upper suspension mounts is cracked. (1993 Gen 5)

They seem like a fairly cheap item to buy.

Anyone know if they are difficult to replace?

Any special tools or method required?

[123crazy]

u will have to compress the spring.. and take the mount off. and mount the new once.. so ur better of changing whole suspension while ur taking the mount off.. thats what i would do.

[Old_El_Paseo]

expect about 45 minutes to remove each shock if you have the right tools ( impact wrench would really help here to remove the shock bolts.
then about 45 minutes per shock to compress it and replace parts.
While youre there, make sure to inspect the top plate bearing, check if it moves smoothly. if not replace it, if it does, its a good idea to clean it with brake cleaner, then regrease it with standard bearing grease.
if you decide to replace the sock themselves ( the piston ), make sure you replace both. if theyre in good condition, you might as well keep em if budget is not great.
if you unsure about a procedure, get the crappy hayces ( chiltons ) book.

NEVER UNSCREW THE BOLT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE UPPER SHOCK BEFORE YOU COMPRESS THE SPRING !!

[mrlieu]

just remove the top bolt, but aim the strut at the neighbor you most dislike.

[garrisonboobs]

Originally Posted by mrlieu

just remove the top bolt, but aim the strut at the neighbor you most dislike.

bahahaha

[beach]

Originally Posted by 123crazy

u will have to compress the spring.. and take the mount off. and mount the new once.. so ur better of changing whole suspension while ur taking the mount off.. thats what i would do.

Thanks for the replies. Very helpful.

Whats the point of changing the whole suspension? To what?

It handles fine as it is. Its my daily driver, not a race car. I'm fortunate that I managed to get a well looked after example that is totally unmolested. I plan on keeping it that way.

[123crazy]

well u r going to be taking it apart. i had the same problem. i didnt know when the previous owner changed the suspension. it was fine. but since i was changing the same part ur changing. i just said fk it. and bout new suspension. i didnt want to have to take apart again later when the suspension went out.