Battery disconnect to change strut mounts?

[John97Tdi]

Hi, after playing 'what's that noise' for some time I've eventually decided the strut mounts/spring seats are the source of the problem ( big visible cracks in the rubber of the spring seat were a bit of a clue) So when/if it ever stops raining I'll be taking off the struts to replace them. The car is a 55 plate XC70 D5 and is fitted with the 4C system. Is it electrically safe to just pull the plugs for the shock( as I've seen on a monroe video) or should I err on the side of caution and disconnect the battery first?

Cheers

John

[Paul Wildsmith]

I'd err if I were you!

[oragex]

As above, in doubt better disconnect. Have the key in POS II when disconnecting and connecting back, to be safe. Also careful not to pull on the ABS sensor wire near the sensor, even just a little, if you remove them, undo the small bolt, then press the sensor up with a flat screw driver from the bottom.

The strut mount may not need replaced if still turning well, for the spring seats be sure to put only Sachs, Genuine, or Rein in there, most other brands are good for 6-12 months

[John97Tdi]

Thanks for the replies - err it is! As to the mounts and seats, in addition to the cracks and noises mentioned, the steering feels a bit 'notchy' at times so I'm hoping changing them both will address that as well - but I won't really know how bad they are until the struts are off the car. As to the brand I'm 'experimenting' with SKF so if you don't read of me whinging about them in a few months time assume they are OK.

Cheers

John

[Dancake]

Do not put the key in position II before disconnecting the battery. You do not want the SRS system to be energised.

[John97Tdi]

OK, two mutually exclusive pieces of advice on pos II to disconnect/connect the battery! I must admit to substantial ignorance on such matters but surely if the car systems when in pos II are drawing power the fairly brutal action of dis and re connecting the battery inevitably causes more of a voltage spike than if the systems were unpowered?

Any definitive answers gratefully received!

Cheers

John

[davebb]

Originally Posted by oragex

As above, in doubt better disconnect. Have the key in POS II when disconnecting and connecting back, to be safe. Also careful not to pull on the ABS sensor wire near the sensor, even just a little, if you remove them, undo the small bolt, then press the sensor up with a flat screw driver from the bottom.

The strut mount may not need replaced if still turning well, for the spring seats be sure to put only Sachs, Genuine, or Rein in there, most other brands are good for 6-12 months

Hi are the Sachs seats/tops as good as the Genuine
Thanks Dave

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by John97Tdi

definitive answers gratefully received!

Key off/removed for battery negative lead removal.
Key Pos II for battery negative lead installation.

That said, battery unhooking not required for strut removal/4C sensor removal.

[Sojournermike]

Originally Posted by cheshired5

Key off/removed for battery negative lead removal.
Key Pos II for battery negative lead installation.

That said, battery unhooking not required for strut removal/4C sensor removal.

That’s interesting - any reason for this? Also, disconnect/reconnect neg (earth) or positive first?

Cheers

Mike

[Dancake]

Negative is first off last on