Gaz gold spring sticking, top mount bearing?

grb184

Club Member
I have an issue with my steering being very heavy and my mechanic has said that the springs on my Gaz gold coilovers are sticking/jumping as the wheel is turned. He suspects it may be a top mount upper bearing..so heres the question and please excuse me for being a numpty......

As I understand it the original struts have to be sent to Gaz for conversion do they retain the original upper bearings, and if so do I just order new stock bearings?, what else should I replace at the same time.

If not what do I need?

Is there anything else that might cause this issue that has happened on others cars?

Don't really want to spend money chasing the issue if someone already has the solution to hand

Thanks

Graham
 

Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
What you are suggesting is that the top spring 'cup' is not rotating. Could it be 'clamped' when the suspension is bolted up?

The car needs jacking up and inspecting as the steering wheel is turned. If it's ok double check when it is on it's wheels.
 

grb184

Club Member
Rob, thanks, the video I have only shows the bottom of the spring not rotating when the steering is rotated, I believe this was taken when up on a ramp. I take it the cup you are referring to is the part at the top of the spring as in the attached picture?

Do you know if there is a bearing above the cup as per the stock setup?
 

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grb184

Club Member
Thanks I assume to be safe I should replace the rubber top mounting, the bearing and the rubber bump stop as well?
 

Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
Rob, thanks, the video I have only shows the bottom of the spring not rotating when the steering is rotated, I believe this was taken when up on a ramp. I take it the cup you are referring to is the part at the top of the spring as in the attached picture?

Do you know if there is a bearing above the cup as per the stock setup?


Can you upload the video on youtube or similar for us to see?
 

MaximG

Well-Known Forum User
I didn’t realise you could use the original top mounts. It’s one of the things that put me off changing my suspension.
 

johnymd

Club Member
When GAZ did mine I gave then the Ground Control top mounts and they fitted them to the struts. What did you ask for when they built the struts. They would have either modified your original mounts or used their own ones. You need to talk to them. Not sure if they will be open or not.
 

grb184

Club Member
When GAZ did mine I gave then the Ground Control top mounts and they fitted them to the struts. What did you ask for when they built the struts. They would have either modified your original mounts or used their own ones. You need to talk to them. Not sure if they will be open or not.
Thanks, they are on a car I have just acquired when I talked to the previous owner he said they didn’t specify top mounts when he originally bought them direct from Gaz
 

grb184

Club Member
Thanks, they are on a car I have just acquired when I talked to the previous owner he said they didn’t specify top mounts when he originally bought them direct from Gaz
Just heard back from GAZ, and they have said the following:

"It looks like the correct top collett, it should be a conical one to suit the original mounts.
It sounds like you could need replacement top mounts, or you could try greasing up the bearings to ensure they’re moving freely"

So, does anyone have any recommendations for new top mounts and top hats or do I go down the current OEM route?

Thanks all in advance
 

Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
Just heard back from GAZ, and they have said the following:

"It looks like the correct top collett, it should be a conical one to suit the original mounts.
It sounds like you could need replacement top mounts, or you could try greasing up the bearings to ensure they’re moving freely"

So, does anyone have any recommendations for new top mounts and top hats or do I go down the current OEM route?

Thanks all in advance

I suggest you take off the side that's seized, see what you have and what the problem is. Then 'post-up' on here and we can help with the fix. I wouldn't buy anything yet. If you can't do that ask your mechanic to do the same.

The video didn't tell me anything it was too short and difficult to see.
 
have you jacked the front of the car up and lowered the spring down to see what is fitted if anything? should take you about 20Mins and you'll see what you're dealing with.
 
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