My '86 245 either broke a strut insert or mount this morning.It lists badly to the left(driver's side)I was driving in the snow and the roads were horrific all of a sudden I felt a huge clunk for the underside.I thought I hit some ice and it bounced up and hit the floor.It could have also happened when my neighbor had to tow me out of the driveway with a chain,but that was from the rear using the tow eyelet.
When I got home the left front was low.It fails the bounce test(won't come up at all).
It's still snowing so I didn't take the wheel off and jack it up yet.What the f*&% happened?
thanks,Phil
--
philvo

Same thing happened to my 1984 245. Broke right infront od a decnt independent mech shop. Called the wife to pick up a used strut assy from our local Volvo pirate and....6 hours later. Back on the road. Now every time Was it, there is a significant blast on the perch and a screw driver to the weep holes.

Your spring perch is probably broken. Don't feel bad, it happens to old BMW's too. The drain holes in the perch get clogged and salt collects, eventually rusting through. You can change out the whole strut for one out of a scrap car or a new perch can be welded on to the strut tube.

Rene

Rene,I just got in from checking it out and that's exactly what happened!The spring seat rusted thru and the bottom of the coil is resting on the rubber brake lines.BUMMER!!
--
philvo

For a working band aid(short term only),compress the spring,push it up where it belongs,then put a muffler clamp or two around the strut.I've seen new retainers welded on but you need to be pretty good.The clamps will keep the spring in place.