Abstract: An upper mounting system for a MacPherson strut includes a shock absorber mount and an air spring mount. The air spring mount is disposed coaxially around the shock absorber mount. A curved spherical interface of the air spring mount permits pivotal movement of the air spring such that it maintains a coaxial relationship with the shock absorber. The curved spherical interface also provides a seal for sealing the gas chamber of the air spring.

Abstract: A circular cylindrical elastomeric member is formed with an annular recess and two spaced apart pockets in communication with the recess. An outer metal tube receives an inner ring in interference fit in the tube bore, the ring having at least one peripheral depression in an outer surface and a pair of spaced apertures through the ring each communicating with a different corresponding aperture forming at least one channel communicating with the pockets and apertures which are congruent with the pockets. The member is axially forced into the ring and outer tube while submerged in an imcompressible hydraulic fluid to radially compress and elongate the member during member insertion and fill the channel and pockets with the fluid. The ring seats in the member recess. An inner tube is then axial forced into the bore of the elastomeric member and locked to the member by the radial compressive forces without vulcanization or a bonding agent.