I've just noticed that the nearside shock absorber mounting thing looks bent. I do remember hitting a pot hole a few weeks back and it made a very unhealthy noise but the car seems otherwise fine.

Offside (looks normal):

Imageshack - goodfront

Imageshack - goodside

Nearside (looks off-centre):

Imageshack - badfront

Imageshack - badside

Is this something to be concerned about?

that does look a bit odd!

Alas it does.

The 'good' side looks almost completely centred compared to the 'bad' side :eek:

you can't just "wack" it back in?

If I was you I'd get the top mount checked on that side.

you can't just "wack" it back in?

Great advise there..........:eek:

I would definately suggest a check up of the strut and fittings. Probably the ARB link,wishbone area and strut to hub area needs inspecting.

Yeah the top mount could have collapsed, or like you say something may be bent. Get the wheel off and have a butchers.....

Don't these things move depending on where your parked? Or did I just imagine that? Try moving the car and checking again, if its still the same best get it checked

Don't these things move depending on where your parked? Or did I just imagine that? Try moving the car and checking again, if its still the same best get it checked

You are right, but not normally that much. If you imagine the top mount as a sort of pivot point, then you can understand how the top hat articulates as the strut angle changes. That one in the photo looks a bit too articulated though!!

Thanks for the replies. I'll check if it still looks that bent when i'm parked somewhere else and if it is get it booked into a garage.

That is definitely not right - get the strut off and strip the top mount down - I'm guessing it's fubar'd!!

I wouldn't drive that until you get it checked out - if it fails completely I reckon the strut shaft could go through the bonnet, and if it dislocates under de-compression (i.e. over a hump back bridge or similar) it could end up anywhere - either way not good!!