replacement of modified strut mounts

[Jvan]

My 94 has developed a knocking noise from the front drivers side suspension when going over bumps. After 200,000 miles, not a bad problem. Checking with the service bulletins on the forum, the TSB states that the problem can be solved by installing "modified strut mounts". Are these the same as "top hats"? Are there parts available from Group N or aftermarket that will fit the SVX? What are the "modified strut mounts" from Subaru compared to aftermarket, Group N, if these exist?

[Jvan]

okay since no one has replied, I searched Google and asked the question; yes they are the same. I checked a couple of strut manufacturers and almost all Subaru models use the same part # strut mount but I couldn't find a listing of a strut mount/tophat for our SVX. The question still remains if Group N mounts will fit the SVX?

[aust92pearl]

Originally Posted by Jvan

okay since no one has replied, I searched Google and asked the question; yes they are the same. I checked a couple of strut manufacturers and almost all Subaru models use the same part # strut mount but I couldn't find a listing of a strut mount/tophat for our SVX. The question still remains if Group N mounts will fit the SVX?

dont quote me on it but i think 2 of the bolts line up but the third has to be drilled out to an oval shape or something like that

search for imprezza/wrx suspension swap there should be something in that thread about it

read through this thread
http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...ght=suspension

[sabin]

The only strut mounts made to fit thr Svx are the regular oem ones.

[Jvan]

I'm willing to try to drill a couple of hole if the Group N mount will fit but I've never tried to modify the suspension. Is the upper mount/top hat, assessable from the top of the strut tower or does it need to be installed from the underside. I did have Koni's installed in the front/rear; does this make any difference in the selection of the top hat?

[Jvan]

bump. Can't anyone give me an answer?

[1986nate]

Originally Posted by Jvan

bump. Can't anyone give me an answer?

What answer are you looking for? OEM SVX struts are the only thing that work without modification.

As for modifications, the answers are out there. Do so at your own risk.

[Jvan]

My question is whether the top hat/strut mount is installed from the top of the tower or from below, which would mean disassembling the entire strut mounting. That is something I don't have time to do.

[wawazat??]

The top hat can only be removed from under the tower which means you must drop the strut assembly out of the tower to remove it.
If you had gone so far as to remove the decorative plastic cover from the top of the tower this would have been pretty obvious.

[SVXRide]

Originally Posted by wawazat??

The top hat can only be removed from under the tower which means you must drop the strut assembly out of the tower to remove it.
If you had gone so far as to remove the decorative plastic cover from the top of the tower this would have been pretty obvious.

Todd!

Call me! We need to catch up.

-Bill

[svxfiles]

Originally Posted by wawazat??

The top hat can only be removed from under the tower which means you must drop the strut assembly out of the tower to remove it.
If you had gone so far as to remove the decorative plastic cover from the top of the tower this would have been pretty obvious.

What He said.
Happy New Year Todd, Bill, Nate, Guys.

[Jvan]

Glad I could provide a place for you to meet and exchange NY greetings. You're right, If I HAD REMOVED THE PLASTIC COVERS, i WOULD PROBABLY BEEN ABLE TO SEE FOR MYSELF. HOWEVER, SINCE i COULDN'T REMOVE THE COVERS WITHOUT BREAKING THEM, i DIDN'T SEE UNDERNEATH THEM. CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW THEY ARE REMOVED AND REINSTALLED WITHOUT BREAKING THEM? Sorry about the caps but I didn't notice until I finished.

[svxfiles]

Originally Posted by Jvan

Glad I could provide a place for you to meet and exchange NY greetings. You're right, If I HAD REMOVED THE PLASTIC COVERS, i WOULD PROBABLY BEEN ABLE TO SEE FOR MYSELF. HOWEVER, SINCE i COULDN'T REMOVE THE COVERS WITHOUT BREAKING THEM, i DIDN'T SEE UNDERNEATH THEM. CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW THEY ARE REMOVED AND REINSTALLED WITHOUT BREAKING THEM? Sorry about the caps but I didn't notice until I finished.

IT'S OK!!!!!

All you have to do to pull the plastic covers off, is to pull them strait up and off.
They have very forgiving clips.
But I understand what it is to work on "strange" plastic stuff.
The strut will have to come out of the car and most importantly;
When you undo the top nut the coil spring will SHOOT off the strut like a rocket!

So make sure that you use proper spring clamps. or you or someone else can be dead.....

[Jvan]

Thanks for the info and advice I'll get to it sometime next week. Playoff days, yesterday/today. Go Giants.