Are 90-91 rear strut topmounts the same as 92 up?

Redlined · Post by **Redlined** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 8:01 pm

Some time back I noted on the forums a thumping noise comming for the passenger rear quarter when cornering and going over bumps.

The general Consensus was the strut shaft was broken at the bolt.

Finaly got up an extra $130 and ordered the strut. following a comedy of errors and an additional $200, I find out that not only is the strut bad but the top mount as well. Wich is what caused the strut to fail in the first place.

Tried to order a new topmount. First they got me a front topmount. Then told me there is no listing for the rear peice on 90-91 models but is available on 92+ models.

Im hoping I can order a newer peice and avoid having to go Junkyard diving.

Anyone (vrg3) able to help here?

Thanks in advance.

vrg3 · Post by **vrg3** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 8:15 pm

Yes, they're different. I think this has been discussed in several threads talking about the differences between pre- and post-facelift suspensions.

Pre-facelift top mounts have the spring perches built in, and the perches are smaller because pre-facelift springs are smaller at the top.

You probably shouldn't be replacing just one strut anyway, though, so maybe you should just replace both rear assemblies. If you switch to post-facelift parts the struts and the top mounts will be cheaper.

Or spend a little more and buy azn2nr's AGXes with Whiteline springs?

Redlined · Post by **Redlined** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 3:55 pm

Currently working for near minimum wage while looking for a real job and my ex gets half my paycheck in the form of childsupport so replacing all (or even just the back) struts is simply not going to happen.

I wasnt happy about haveing to just replace the one side but not alot else I could do.

anywho. dust in the wind and all that. looks like im down to diving Junkyards.

Thanks for the info. ill keep my eyes open for a postfacelift Doner car.

vrg3 · Post by **vrg3** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 3:59 pm

If you're going to a junkyard, you could probably just take the entire strut-and-spring-and-top-mount assembly without spending too much. If you do that, then I would imagine any first-gen Legacy would be a compatible donor. First-gen Imprezas parts would physically fit too, but the spring and strut are probably inappropriate.

Good luck.

Redlined · Post by **Redlined** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 4:07 pm

Another quick question. Are the rear topmounts different left to right? ((ie is the driver side different from the passenger side)).

Will the valving and spring rates be semi correct if I grab a whole assembly out of a post facelift car? ((My car is a 4 door and plan only using 4door parts as im reasonably sure wagon parts are going to be different.

vrg3 · Post by **vrg3** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 4:19 pm

Pre-facelift ones are different left-to-right, yes.

I believe the valving and spring rates will be sorta mostly correct. But since you're not replacing both sides you're going to end up with an imbalance anyway. Drive gingerly and carefully!

Redlined · Post by **Redlined** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 4:36 pm

Are post facelift topmounts different also?

*sigh* hate to think one of my cars is going to be *imbalanced* I used to have a couple of the most stable Chrysler A-bodies in the NW.

but at this juncture there is nothing more to be done. Its the differance between "drive to work" and "walk to work".

vrg3 · Post by **vrg3** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 4:52 pm

I hear you -- do what you have to do.

Post-facelift top mounts are the same left-to-right.

Hm, I should point out I've just been talking about AWD models this whole time. I don't know about FWD models, but I think everything might be different, so look for AWD donors.

If you have some time you can look through the parts sheets:

http://www.graphics.cornell.edu/~v/springs/

Redlined · Post by **Redlined** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 5:02 pm

Ive been assuming AWD vehicles. I also think the FWD stuff would be different.

Redlined · Post by **Redlined** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 7:07 pm

found a junklot with a 90 legacy sedan AWD. sold me the strut from strut to topmount for $40.

Put my car back together in about a 1/2 hour.

unfortunatly all my breakfluid leaked out so gonna be another day till she's 100%.

The new strut is in the trunk. ill wait till I can replace both rear before I install it.

vrg3 · Post by **vrg3** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 7:16 pm

Great.

Here's a tip for the brake lines in the future -- you can avoid undoing any brake fittings if you cut a little slit in the brake line bracket on the strut. Cut it with a hacksaw or a Dremel or something, and then you can bend it to get the brake line in or out.

Redlined · Post by **Redlined** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 7:27 pm

hehe love the tip. Wish id known that when I started. but I do now.

Thanks again!

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Are 90-91 rear strut topmounts the same as 92 up?

Are 90-91 rear strut topmounts the same as 92 up?