VB front strut top bearing

[9C1pack]

How do you check if the front strut top bearing is worn and also the ball joint?
I have raised the suspension off the ground and grabbed the top and bottom of the wheel and shook it, but cannot detect any movement. I suspect that because the strut spring is pushing the supension arm downward, every thing is under load and not nice and free so therefore I cannoy detect movement.
I have been told that you can tell if the top bearing is worn by deteration in the rubber, making it bulge upward (viewed from under the bonnet)
Any suggestions?

[foammedia]

Yeah if the plastic cap is raised up off the rubber and there are cracks around it then they are about finished. I replaced them in my VP the other day with the Nolathane ones but!. The Nolathane ones are thicker than factory and will raise you car higher up at the front (about 1.5 or 2cm higher). Also the ride has much less give in it, so much that I'm getting numb hands driving on rough highways and I'm going to have to run less tire pressure. So I'd tell you get to some rubber ones if you can find them (I couldn't)

[haloeight]

yer if theyre the original ones from new i can guarantee they are stuffed

[9C1pack]

Thanks for your help, I was quoted $118 for replacements, they did not say if they where rubber or nolathane though.

[craigvk]

Also the ride has much less give in it, so much that I'm getting numb hands driving on rough highways and I'm going to have to run less tire pressure. So I'd tell you get to some rubber ones if you can find them (I couldn't)

The whole point of Nolathane bushes is to make the joint as tight as possible and Nolathane bushes are the best you can buy. Using ordinary rubbers won't last as long and are too spongy. Nolathane bushes all 'round for me.

[haloeight]

the nolathane ones are a lot better constructed than the OEM ones