There is a bigger side and a smaller side. Which side faces up? Does anyone know? I need a definite answer.

 

Kinda off topic but is there any place to buy just the bearing?Everywhere i look is the whole strut mount.And do they make one thats not plastic lol and Im pretty sure theres numbers on one side only,thats up on mine

 

Well there is a side that's white in color and the other side is more "see-through". Also the all white side is larger/thicker.

 

this way.
got it?

 

another picture.

get them at crate engine depot. around 40 dollars

 

Okay thank you so much. I have them installed upside down then... Weird thing is I never flipped them, so they were upside down from the factory?? They seeme loosed when I tried to put them as you show in the picture.

I'll flip them though. Thanks again I appreciate it.

 

It seems though you have a shim for the bottom plate in the picture... Is it still the same on the cobalt? I don't have any shims... If I flip it how you have it, it is loose in the recess....

 

the smaller side bottom?

 

That's what John said.. I can't see the loose side sitting in the recess being right. I know the strut mount setup is different in IRLs, I believe anyway. I'm not questioning him but at my shop I've searched on AllData Pro, it never even so much as mentions the orientation of the bearing. Also everyone I've asked with experience in MacPherson struts said the smaller (more loose) side in the recess wouldn't be right if one fits loose and one is snug. Loose side in recess = play, vibration, noise, quicker wear. Period.

I am not "preaching" or trying to argue or prove anyone wrong. I am simply giving my experience and $.02

 

And for record - Even the guys at CED told me there is no specific orientation.

 

every strut I have taken apart that is the way the bearing sits. Early cobalts had a black lower half, underneath and the bearing also has a mesh looking underneath that sits on the cobalt spring hat.

the spacer is because the only piks I had handy on photobucket were of the Redline mod we have to do with hardened shims to enable fitting smaller cobalt od springs on an Ion with a different top strut mount.