I posted a clip of an annoying, worsening front O/S rattle I was getting over the slightest of uneven roads. Thanks to folk on this forum, I think we've narrowed it down to a worn top mount.

My question is, do I need top mounts & top mount bearings? The reason I ask, I went on ECP, about to buy 2x top mounts and then out of price curiosity, went over to GSF who offered me both the strut mount and the strut top bearing. I've got someone to fit the parts for me later in the month but want to ensure I have all the parts I need!

Thanks in advance...

As a general rule I replace assosciated parts at the same time when doing a job, nothing worse than having to redo work you already did for the sake of a few quids worth of parts that could easily have been done at the same time.

Either way it's apersonal choice

how can you diagnose the top mount bearings are worn

I can't diagnose them apart from by the sound I'm getting suggesting a perished part. The mechanic says he'll. have to take the shock out regardless, so may as well fit new parts at the same time. Everything obvious has been checked and replaced, bushes and drop links for example.

I see your point Avalon, for an extra £20 it's just worth it.

I learned that lesson the hard way, now I always look at what else can easily be done at the same time, if the cost is minimal then I figure the time I save by not having to arse about later is worth it. If I was paying to have the work done it'd be the same as in this case it'll add zero to the labour bill vs. having to pay labour to do almost the same job again later.

That's great advice.

I would only add to that by suggesting that its not worth skimping on really cheap parts that could be worse than what you are removing (and not broken, with the old adage of not broken so don't fix it)

I made that mistake and bought from an OEM equivalent quality Fiat supplier once, the water pump was crap and actually ****ed out water as soon as the car started.

The genuine Fiat part however was fine and probably only a tenner difference. For my time wasted alone I'd have spent 5 times that for the right part.

Just to piggy back on this thread then, on that basis when I have new lowering springs and new shocks in I ought ta really change the top mounts etc? I've not had any of these noise issues yet myself

I posted a clip of an annoying, worsening front O/S rattle I was getting over the slightest of uneven roads. Thanks to folk on this forum, I think we've narrowed it down to a worn top mount.

My question is, do I need top mounts & top mount bearings? The reason I ask, I went on ECP, about to buy 2x top mounts and then out of price curiosity, went over to GSF who offered me both the strut mount and the strut top bearing. I've got someone to fit the parts for me later in the month but want to ensure I have all the parts I need!

Thanks in advance...

Before you do the job my friend check the hard plastic pad situated between the bonnet hinge bolts, twist and remove.

I had a similar noise, nearly drove me mad, replaced all sorts un-necessarily and these little pads were the problem all along.

Costs you nothing but could save you plenty.

If it's not them all it takes is 1 minute to do, and they can be replaced as quickly if needed or wanted.

Hope you have more luck than I had.