Is it normal for a MacPherson strut top mount to have a ton of slack?

[striker]

I will try beaking though whilst it's knocking

 

[MetalMonkey]

It wasn't a bad idea to replace those strut bearings anyway as they do tend to wear out.

Drop links and broken pigtails on the springs are very common on these, so that's where I'd be looking first. Could also look at the wishbones. Worth checking the strut to hub carrier bolts are tight too.
If it doesn't clonk when you waggle the steering then the chances are it isn't a TRE.

Are you certain it is coming from the front?
I've come across some strange clonks in the past that sounded like something up front, but actually was an exhaust banging on the bodywork, or something on the rear suspension - but the sound travelled.
Sometimes it helps to have somebody else in the car who can try and track it down while you are driving.

If you have ruled out all possibilities, you could always adopt the continental approach - i.e. shrug and turn the radio up.

 

[James1979]

Are you certain it is coming from the front?
I've come across some strange clonks in the past that sounded like something up front, but actually was an exhaust banging on the bodywork,

Had that issue with my mums Saxo many years back. It took ages to figure it out.

 

[Joe 90]

My kit car mot involved these on saturday. I know its no worse than what i do to it on the road, but it does look cruel to the car

They won't do it any harm. The wheel just slips on it. It could never replicate anywhere near the pressure you could get turning a fast corner with the weight leaning on the wheel.
They are used for MOTing cars all the time. Apart from cars with wire wheels.

 

[Anguz]

They won't do it any harm. The wheel just slips on it. It could never replicate anywhere near the pressure you could get turning a fast corner with the weight leaning on the wheel.
They are used for MOTing cars all the time. Apart from cars with wire wheels.

Mine looks more like tyre distortion... not much slip with grippy almost slicks