Hi. I have just replaced a front spring and lined up the top bearing as suggested. Still off the car I can turn the top bearing 45 degrees each way it then becomes quite stiff. Is this normal? The top of the spring obviously exerts Hugh pressure on the seat and the angle will probably not be perpendicular to the shaft of the damper. Should I expect some stiffness or should the thing spin freely? All replies appreciated.

bearing should turn freely! the spring puts pressure on the bottom race of the bearing, the top part should be under no stress!!

Thanks for the reply. I took the thing apart and assembled the strut top on the strut with no spring. It turns out the the thrust bearing spins freely but the top mounting is designed to produce a "wobble" for want of a better word. Part of the mounting (on the outer side) is thicker than the inner side to provide a tilt. When bolted down on the spring this has the effect of tightening the thrust bearing when the steering angle gets towards its normal limit. I can only think this helps self centering? Regards and thanks again.
Allan

There you go, did not know that, I have done quite a few top strut mounts in my day and never came across that!! That must be why the manual states the mounting studs must be located in a certain position!!!

The last minute of this 3 1/2 minute video shows a strut mount flexing significantly with the turning of the steering wheel, and hence the turning of the whole strut assembly. It gives appreciation for the important function of strut mounts, the "abuse" they take, and why we need to periodically replace them.


KYB Americas | What Strut Mounts & Boots Do