Looseness (lash) at top of strut stroke?

In my 2004 Aveo, when changing wheels this weekend, there is approximately 1/2" of lash when vehicle weight is removed from the strut (jacking from the rocker panel lift point), the strut bearing becomes disengaged from strut bucket and rests against the stamped retainer on the inside of the engine bay. It also appears that nothing holds the strut into the bucket positively (many vehicles have 3-4 screws that hold the bearing to the top of the bucket). Is this type of top of stroke lash normal? or an indication of VERY worn strut bushings. Even then, it only appears as though the friction holds the bearing in the bucket?

Thanks for any help, I have searched as best as possible for a resolution in the archives.

This is normal. When I had that issue on my wifes I replaced the bushings and they looked tight for a day. Even recommended the same to someone here on the forum. Couple days later it looked just as loose, it just needed to settle. Aveos have a floating suspension. Short of adding a custom bushing on the top its just gonna do that. Dumb design. Its supposed to reduce vibration.

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Originally Posted by arlenn

In my 2004 Aveo, when changing wheels this weekend, there is approximately 1/2" of lash when vehicle weight is removed from the strut (jacking from the rocker panel lift point), the strut bearing becomes disengaged from strut bucket and rests against the stamped retainer on the inside of the engine bay. It also appears that nothing holds the strut into the bucket positively (many vehicles have 3-4 screws that hold the bearing to the top of the bucket). Is this type of top of stroke lash normal? or an indication of VERY worn strut bushings. Even then, it only appears as though the friction holds the bearing in the bucket?

Thanks for any help, I have searched as best as possible for a resolution in the archives.

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