Suspension top mount pre-loaded?

[merckx]

Over the weekend I've been working on the front suspension of my van, I've taken off the spring/damper assembly to investigate the deep squeaking noises that I'm getting when I turn the wheel.

 

On top of the spring there's a plate then a needle bearing on top and then another plate which bolts to the engine bay of the van, this will allow he spring to turn.

 

The damper shaft goes through both plates and is obviously held in place by a nut. There is a bearing in the top plate which should allow the damper to rotate wen you turn the wheel.The only thing that I'm not sure about is that it doesn't rotate very easy at all when I turn it by hand.

 

So I'm wondering if this bearing is pre-loaded so that it only rotates freely when the weight of the van is pushing down on it?

[Chris Wilson]

Unless it's something odd they should turn freely, sounds like you need a new top mount unless the bearing is a separate part?

[merckx]

Unless it's something odd they should turn freely, sounds like you need a new top mount unless the bearing is a separate part?

 

Thanks for the reply Chris.

 

Unfortunately you cannot get to the bearing, the two parts are pressed together.

 

More expense.