Top strut: enough spring compression to remove top nut?

goltho · 5th November 2021, 21:07

Schoolboy question. I inadvertently fitted the metal caps facing downwards on the top mounts and didn't notice until I'd reassembled them back on the car with the new springs.

I can't see that it will cause a problem but I'd still like to reverse them. Is the weight of the car enough to compress the springs enough to let me undo the 18mm top nut and flip the caps? I went halfway towards being brave but it didn't feel like it was becoming finger-loose.

trikey · 5th November 2021, 21:11

It will be fine, remove the nut and swap the washer over (I quite prefer the look of them when they sre the wrong way)

goltho · 5th November 2021, 21:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by trikey

It will be fine, remove the nut and swap the washer over (I quite prefer the look of them when they sre the wrong way)

Excellent, cheers for that. <glances at calendar to check it's not April 1st...

> So there's no issue with them the wrong way round?

trikey · 5th November 2021, 21:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by goltho

Excellent, cheers for that. <glances at calendar to check it's not April 1st...

> So there's no issue with them the wrong way round?

Nope, ive done a few thousand miles (20k ish) with the washers the wrong way.

goltho · 5th November 2021, 21:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by trikey

Nope, ive done a few thousand miles (20k ish) with the washers the wrong way.

Even better. I like them better that way too, especially since I don't have to change 'em.

Cheers.

trikey · 5th November 2021, 21:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by goltho

Even better. I like them better that way too, especially since I don't have to change 'em.

Cheers.

Apart from the fact that enthusiasts will comment and tell you they are the wrong way

5th November 2021, 21:07	#1
goltho Can't help myself Rover 75 CDTi 2005 Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Lincoln Posts: 871 Thanks: 469 Thanked 150 Times in 113 Posts	Top strut: enough spring compression to remove top nut? Schoolboy question. I inadvertently fitted the metal caps facing downwards on the top mounts and didn't notice until I'd reassembled them back on the car with the new springs. I can't see that it will cause a problem but I'd still like to reverse them. Is the weight of the car enough to compress the springs enough to let me undo the 18mm top nut and flip the caps? I went halfway towards being brave but it didn't feel like it was becoming finger-loose. __________________ R75 C2 RJBLH Connoisseur CDTi Auto Saloon • Built 08/02/2005 @14:57 hrs: Registered 26/08/2005 • 122nd of 141 built that day • British Racing Green Pearlescent (HFF) • Sandstone leather with black piping (SPJ) • 137,000 miles

5th November 2021, 21:11	#2
trikey Premium Trader Rover 75 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Devon Posts: 33,772 Thanks: 8,837 Thanked 14,831 Times in 8,030 Posts	It will be fine, remove the nut and swap the washer over (I quite prefer the look of them when they sre the wrong way) __________________ Lest we forget..