hey guys, is there supposed to be a gap in this area....if not, what would be causing this...thanks in advance... amx1800

 

There is a strut mount bearing and also a bushing under that nut, both of which probably need to be replaced. If you push up and down on your fender watch the top of the strut for any movement, if so, it is time to replace the bearing and bushing. How many miles are on this car? Do you know if the bearings or bushing have ever been replaced or the struts. Do you notice a hollow popping noise/sound when you car travels over bumps?

 

Another way to check this is to open your hood put a 2X4 or something similar infront of that tire and have some one drive over it while you watch the top of the strut for movement and listen for a clunk. You can do the same thing to the other side to compare. Most likely you will need to change the strut mounts and bushings. Happened to my V70. You will need a strut/spring compressor to change the mounts and bushing.

 

I've read previously that the bearings rarely fail, and the strut mount (big rubber thing) is a regular fail point. The way I was taught to check was to try and rotate the top of the strut. If it rotates much more than 90 degrees it is no longer good. I did this type check on my daughters 99 S70 and it worked well to tell us the mount had failed.

The assembley with spring comes out as one, then use the spring compressor to finish the dissassembly. Air tools make this a very easy job. Can't remember if the 02's have the funny cross shaped nut on top, but if so use a plumber's pipe wrench to grab it.

Jerry