So the X has twin bearings on top of each front strut. and you can replace each seperately. one bearing takes the spring force and load of the car onto the strut, the other supports the shock absorber.

it was the shock top mount that had failed on the RHS only. It is obvious when it is off the car.

SO far the dealer batted ZERO on diagnosis, on their advice I replaced the control arms, the sway bar links, and the struts. I am no hero for guessing the only other possible part was in fact the problem, but it would have saved a lot of cash to do the right part first.
In the end I have a very new front end.... so at least it might be ok for a while.

 

since it is summer,and I can drive myother car. Iam now dealing with the power seat motors. certainly is a hard one to chase down...I have been in touch with the company that builds the actual motor.
It is Fasco in Eaton Rapids, MI. This is just a couple of hours away from where I live.

Both front seats dont work in the up down direction of the front of the seat.
the problem is there is a plastic worm gear inside the motor that has a few stripped teeth.

I have asked for a way to get just the gears, or the motors. I have also asked if they can tell me what other cars use the same gear. There are just no x types with sport seats in the local scrapyards.

they are telling me that due to "liability" they wont send me new parts. ... I wonder how they accept the liability that their parts broke,,, I would think that a repaired seat is less liable to them than a broken one.

anyway - due to the number of silly americans sueing everyone, I am not getting any goodwill.

They have not given up. they are asking if the seat mechanism company might be more willing to cough up a gear.. since they operate in the UK...