New K-Tec Solid Top Mounts

[v6Max]

Just a quick note...

K-Tec now have their re-designed solid top-mounts. I've already brought the "old" version which were made by Compbrake but I've bitten the bullet and ordered the new ones because the design does look much better.

They arrived yesterday and they are in a different league to the Compbrake ones. I'll try and fit them this weekend and then include details in my weekly update but a quick run down...

1) They are annodised rather than being plain ally
2) They are a more solid construction that the older style ones
3) They are secured using 3 M8.5mm bolts that will require you to drill your strut tower tops
4) There is more clearance around the damper rod top nut which should negate the problem that some experienced with the older design where the top nut would strike the inner surface of the top mount
5) They have installation instructions <- This will, I'm sure, solve many problems

On point 3; many complaints about the earlier design where around the fact that they could work loose. Some of this was likely down to the fact that without the right tooling they are/were a challenge to tighten properly. However, the bolt through design will elminate this concern completely.

 

[monkey636]

I'm not an expert in these matters, but I am aware solid top mounts are a very good upgrade - my question is though should/can these be fitted front AND rear?

Thanks,

Charlie.

 

[v6Max]

Not really an issue at the rear because your top mounts are not functioning as a bearing (as such) and the standard fit is holding them rigid in the shell.

The issue at the front is that they are a bearing and they turn in sympathy with steering input. The standard mounts are made from rubber which gives the benefit of isolation from the road/bumps etc but also introduces a certain degree of "slop" into things - the solid top mounts don't suffer from this but...

I'm not entirely convinced of their worth for a car which spends most of its time on road; they will make the ride noticeably harder, they will transmit more vibration, they will require more maintenance.

 

[clarkeeuk99]

I am correct in assuming that solid top mounts require more frequent replacement?

Do you think that the added vibration could have negative impact on our areas of the car?

Phil.

 

[v6Max]

The top mounts themselves won't need more frequent replacement but the bearing inside them will. The bearing is secured in place with a large cir-clip and replacement is something that could be a DIY job.

I can't make a definitive statement on the last point - I think the best one could say is "maybe". I'd hazard a guess the most likely point to suffer is the strut tower top where the mount is actually bolted through because you're removing the "damping" effect of the rubber and introducing some jacking forces that are normally absorbed by the rubber.

 

[v6Max]

Quick update; fitted these today...

Will upload pictures tomorrow/Monday but quick summary is that they are much better than the old version. Much more secure fixing to the shell, damper rod protrudes through the nut properly on the KWs.

 

[v6Max]

Picture of fitted top mount:

 

[Jamesv6]

Can you get a pretty cap to cover the threaded thingy in the middle?

They would suit my vee a treat. :thumb

 

[v6Max]

Can you get a pretty cap to cover the threaded thingy in the middle?

They would suit my vee a treat. :thumb

Almost certainly from a plastics company...

 

[Kett]

Mmmmm, nice [smilie=hungry.gif] . The OEMs on the other hand do look a little under-engineered... :s

 

[TRW1]

Received mine yesterday.

 

[Jamesv6]

James surely you would want to show off the "gold " part why cover them :badgrin:

 

[Jamesv6]

Just had a thought! Would a cap/cover serve any benefit in keeping the nut clean?