just noticed this when I popped the bonnet this morning......do I have to change the strut or is there a bushing I can replace,, and do you need to change both because ya cant have a new bushing or strut on the passenger side and old stuff on driver side ????

Also I think this is why it was making an annoying klunking sound when going up curbs and taking off fast

 

That's the strut top bearing, and not the strut itself. You will have to remove the strut and disassemble it to replace that part. You should also check your strut. Is it leaking (covered with moist dirt down the body)? If not, just replace the strut top. If the other side is completely un-cracked, you don't need to replace it at the same time.

 

Checked the strut no oily dirt just regular dry road dirt actually its pretty clean for 7 yrs old..I guess i need to get a Bently book now to do this Or try and find something about it on the web...and do you need an alignment after you mess with the strut ???

Thanks

 

No, but for safety, you should have a spring compressor to disassemble (and re-assemble) your strut.

 

I didnt see them on your site but I found them on Way`s site for $80+ for 1 side only....then I look on the web and found these

http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts/...ek+Google+Base

for less than half the price ?? they look the same whats with the price difference ?? are Ways a better compound or something..............just wondering

 

still ????????? still really dont know which way to go ....any help will be appreciated

 

Yeah you need a spring compressor or you wont be able to get the struts reassembled. If you are in dought, or have not had an alignment in a long time or have poorly worn tires then should consider an alignment

 

IMO it would be a very good time to consider doing the struts if you have the $$, since it is the same labor....it will save you the time it will take to take it all apart later.
It may be possible to use ratcheting cargo straps instead of a spring compressor compress the springs....I've been told you can do it on a gen1 car, but gen2 springs are stiffer, and need a tool.

 

The parts on the Way site are the OEM replacement. the others are an aftermarket replacement from ZF (BOGE brand name) in Germany. ZF Boge is Europe's largest aftermarket parts manufacturer. I would have no problem using the BOGE part.

 

You can install a stock bushing but there are other better alternatives but of course they cost more. The stock bushing will just crack again.

When my top strut bushing cracked, I replaced them with adjustable camber plates to solve three problems (cracked bushing, mushroomed strut tower, and uneven camber side-to-side). However these are about $490 a set.

A less expensive alternative is fixed camber plate ($180 for a set). It still uses rubber but is stonger and provides additional negative camber that the R53 really needs for better handling. Here is a link:

http://www.waymotorworks.com/ireland...e-r50-r53.html

 

Fixed plates are the way to go. MUCH stronger than OEM and the same price. You'll never have to worry about them again. But you will need an alignment once they are installed.

And if you ever autocross, your turn in will be much better.

Rich

 

Love my fixed camber plates. I had 9/32 toe on each side after install, so get it aligned when you are done.

 

thanks guys the fixed camber looks like its the way to go right now money is a little low