Play in new top mounts

[AndyBaur]

I was building up my front struts with new shocks (Spax), & top mounts (Walloth & Nesch) & found there was play even when the top nut was tightened right down.

I assumed it was because I'd cleaned the corrosion off the big bottom washer (BMW is quite specific about its thickness - 2.5mm) so ordered new ones. Even with these fitted there was still free play - the top mount could be rocked slightly. I've used the washers as per the online parts diagram - 38mm on top of spring pan, bearing cup, top mount, washer & finally nut. I've even tried 2 washers under the bearing cup & 2 under the nut & it still rocks.

There's no vertical movement of the mount but it can be rocked from side to side. Is this normal? I would have thought there should be no play at all.

[Jeroen]

Not normal imho, looks to me like of of the many pieces of shyte WN is selling. Only adds to a list that is already loooong

[nas80]

The bearing sounds like its weak..

[AndyBaur]

Either the bore of the W&N top mount is too great or the pin of the Spax shock is too small. Of course I've chucked my old (apparently good) mounts out

[AndyBaur]

UPDATE: I managed to borrow a digital vernier gauge & the damper shaft checks out ok. So does the bore in the top mounts. That leaves the play in the actual bearings. If only I hadn't thrown my old ones out - there was nothing wrong with them

I am right in thinking there should be no play at all in the bearings - they should just rotate smoothly with no wobble apparent?

Looks like you guys might be right about W&N parts, at least as far as top mounts go.

[Peter V.]

The parts that really matter in the car i do not order them at W&N anymore.

Prices are not that great of a difference between BMW and W&N, certainly if you consider the quality of the product.

W&N is good for the small pieces like little moulding brackets etc. Because the BMW dealer often offers them per 100 pieces for example.

[Jeroen]

Yeah but we can already draw i list with abt 100 things from WN that are crap from the start or failed or aged within hours. Flex discs, alternators, bumpers, wheel bolts... the list goes on and on. If your lucky you will get new old stock from BMW from them, otherwise you will receive inferior replica shyte.

[nas80]

Press the bearings out your new ones n replace with a decent set?

Why you buying new parts when you dont need em lol. Thats how u end up skint real fast lol.

[AndyBaur]

I didn't know you could replace the bearings. I guess they must be a standard size if you can do this. Where would you get them from?

[nas80]

Theres gotta be a bearing place near you?

[AndyBaur]

There would appear to be - Godiva Bearings.

I know the top mounts have ball bearings in them but there must be a myriad of variations in size & grade available - how do you know what to ask for?

[Jeroen]

Bring one of the top mounts now you have good and bad examples!

[nas80]

Take your shock assembly to them and see what they got mate.

[AndyBaur]

I meant to update this thread.

W&N gave me a refund with no argument or hesitation. Bit the bullet & got a pair from BMW. Ordered Thurs lunchtime, available Sat morning.

The fitted perfectly with no play at all. The grease seemed much heavier & there was a lot more of it too!

Struts are now back in the car. I just need to do the rears now though I might seize the chance for an MOT first.

[Jeroen]

Glad its solved now and that its clear that WN again... well you know...