Hi Guys,

I'm new to this forum. My Dads bought me a 1.3 - 4 speed 87 breadvan thats got aftermarket lowered suspension. While we were changing the wheels we noticed play in the strut and axle.

Can't see any rubber bushes at the top (under the bonnet),and was wondering if this is normal, When off the jack seems fine, no wobble at the wheel etc. No play in lower bushings etc.

It's due for MOT in Jan so dont want it to fail. Is there a permisable play limit , up/down / side to side???

I'll post some pics of the car soon, its just come out the paint shop and looks real nice.

Just need some ATS classics 13" if anyone has a set up for sale......

Thanks in advance...

NancyE

Harder suspension makes the top mounts susceptible to deformation. They're fine to use in this condition, it's just the metal structure of them is designed to compress like the surround of a speaker cone. You can replace them, but it'll just happen again.

However, once they're compressed, the top caps then sit with too much of a gap below them. You can probably see a good 5mm gap between the top cap and the turret. This causes the problem you have, and is an MoT fail.

To be honest, these MK2/F top caps are rubbish. The nylon ring gives no margin. Far better top caps for this model are Fiat Punto Bladeback ones (1999-2010 models). I use these top caps. They have less dish and a thick perforated rubber damper - fitting these will remove any such play. Mine cost me a fiver from a breakers yard.

Ok, Thanks, ill get my dad to look round the breakers yard.