front strut mounts, refurb

[robertmnorton]

Hi all, having done the preliminary inspections for forthcoming MOT on the '00 VSX in June, front strut mounts now transferred over from the '95 Excl. Both 2.1 auto's. Units have now been received in Lithuania for refurb. Shipped via UPS using Interparcel as agent, £23, quoted refurb cost Euro 160 + vat for the pair, return shipping Euro 31 + vat. I know some members have already used this repairer with no issues reported so I'm hoping this will be it for a few years more. My mounts were in much the same condition as Stewarts, but with increasing stringency of the MOT's decided that with a spare set available it was prudent to get them done. Will let you all know on the return.
robertm

[xmexclusive]

Hi RobertM

When I sent my strut heads a couple of years ago the VAT rate was 21%.
A small difference I had not thought about when buying from EU countries.

John

[robertmnorton]

Hi John, yes, the quoted vat rate was 21%, adds a bit on, but on the positive the £ is strong against the Euro currently. How are the ones you had done holding up? Is this a robust and long term option, given they are no longer available new ? I exhausted all the UK elastomer bonding companies. There were 2 that claimed to be able to tool up at circa £2000, then unit cost would depend on numbers, but "unlikely" to be below £400-£500 per unit.
robertm

[xmexclusive]

Hi Robert

I had a protracted series of technical exchanges with Kingas to understand his process for rebuilding strut heads before I sent my first 7 off to him.
I came to the conclusion that the process was sound with design standards maintained.
The rebuild heads met my expectations.
There have been no problems so far from the heads in service.
I expect them to last for at least 20 years.
I am reasonably certain that the polymer used will give a better service life than the original rubber.
I believe the original steel baseplate of the strut heads all had significant surface contamination from the manufacturing process.
I am certain this is the prime cause for rusting and and rubber debonding of the original XM heads.
The rebuild process paid particular attention to repair and preparation of the baseplates so I do not expect to see any in service polymer debonding as the rubber does.
As a result of these improvements I do not expect rusting to be a problem with these rebuilt heads.

Unless your car is considered short life I would recommend replacing the two strut head "O" ring rubber seals when the rebuilt heads are fitted.
The exist "O" rings will have been in use for around 15 years and been disturbed by removal of the heads and the work done on them.
Citroen still currently supply the "O" rings but that may change in the future.

John

[robertmnorton]

Hi John, many thanks for info, will drop into Citroen and order the seals as advised. I've received confirmation that work has started on them but I'm finding the swift code provided for payment transfer is not recognised by my bank. Waiting for a resolution from Irmantas, unless you still have the details on your invoice you could forward.
robertm

[DrTim]

This is all interesting given my current predicament o/s strp top mount failed MOT and MOT out 6th April and nowhere to offroad it (Mannie from 2CV's hinted he MIGHT be able to arrange some offroading bless him but they have no offroad space on site).

Can I ask what is the turn around time for refurbishing in LIthuania and do they have any stock of refurbished ones? I sent them a message on facebook bt their web site only claims to have an english version.

I the meantime looing for something cheap to run around in and still have some money to fix the XM rather than scrap it:-( Its only just tcked over 80k.

Finally are S1 and S2 strut tops mounts interchangeable?

regards

[xmexclusive]

Hi Tim

There are a number of different size strut heads for XM's.
Some Mk2's had a larger strut so the hole in the strut head is larger too.
The only refurb ones I have on hand are these larger ones.

John

[DrTim]

John,

Thanks for the reply.

I have been catching up on the developments re strut top mounts here and in club-xm.co.uk.

I have found your detailed posting there at http://www.club-xm.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p...t=2302&start=30 on how to identify which strut tops mine has. Someone else seemed to think because it's an R reg TCT it would have the larger mounts but it was one of those I think that was made in 96 and only sold in 98. That said I have an inkling that they do seem a tad larger on the VSX than those on the Prestige. The car is at the garage now I'll get them to check.

If it is indeed a larger one I need (its o/s surprise surprise) would perchance you be willing to work out a way I could get one of your refurbed ones to get my car on the road (mot is out 6th april) in the reasonably near future?

It is with Bristol 2CV's a citroen specialist at present they may be able to find somewhere to off road it but I am not sure how long term that would be and also I am not really sure how long I can last without a car before I have to look at using up the budget I have for the XM on something cheap and presumably nasty to run arund town (which is all I am really up to now still after the events of 2010).

Best regards

[robertmnorton]

Hi all, just an update, strut mounts in return shipping, should arrive next week.
robertm

[robertmnorton]

Hi all, re-furbed strut mounts received yesterday. The refinish is excellent and the re-work includes modification to prevent penetration of the strut rod in event of mechanical failure of the metal work or tearing of the elastomer, with a 2 year warranty on failure due workmanship or material. All in all a worthwhile investment ensuring another mot item pass and extended life of the vehicle. Including return shipping costs, banking charges and vat, total £210, also supplied new sphere seals. All dealings with Elastomer.eu via their managing director Irmantas Galinis has been straight forward, helpful and efficient. Allow 4 weeks for turnaround including 1 week each way shipping.
robertm

[citroens]

Hi,
There is a fellow by the name of Brian Primmer in Leistershire, he rebuilds strut mounts.
He is part of another group, but he may also be a member at CCC.
I recently bought a pair of new strut mounts, but they are for the non-hydractive.