[johnray]

Hi Gents . I finally got around to changing my front struts on my 96 vitara but the left hand top nut was pretty tight and even with a set of vice grips around the piston i found it hard to undo and in the process i've chewed out a black rubber bush that the top of the piston slides through in the engine bay. Okay so my question is what is this rubber part called and should i change the other one on the right hand side at the same time, even though it wasnt damaged in the changeover. Thanks for your help ray.

[atari4x4]

The part you are talking about is a strut top, there are pics in this thread
http://www.auszookers.com/index.php?nam ... t+top+flip

you can get away with replacing the one side.

[johnray]

ok thanks. whereabouts can i buy one from then and can they be purchased new or only secondhand from wreckers?

[atari4x4]

not sure if you can get non genuine, genuine would be ex japan if they're able to

2nd hand would be the best bet, check out the forsale section

[johnray]

thanks ill give suzistore a ring tomorrow see if they can get me one now changing the strut top is as simple as undoing the three nuts in the engine bay (once the tyre is removed/jackstands/ top nut of piston removed and free etc) and sliding the shit strut top out and the new one in? Thanks ray

[atari4x4]

I find it easier to pull the strut with the strut top attached & chuck it in the vice holding on to the big thin nut & a spanner on the threaded end of the strut shaft.

The big thin nut has a flat on it that locates onto a flat section of the strut shaft to stop it from turning while trying to undo the other nut.

[lee88]

Give Pedders a call they had them in stock for me, i bought them new for my 95 vitara