fade41

After a couple months of front strut installation of new struts, mounts, bumper and boots I'm getting a creaking noise when turning steering wheel... I'm wondering if it is the cold wet weather?
Anyone have the top center strut bolt specifications for my model as I know the wrong torque could cause this?

LeX2K

Need more info, give us an itemized list of parts you installed including who made the parts.

fade41

I installed Kyb struts with Monroe strut mounts.
I need torque specifications for the center bolt that goes on top of the strut rod in the center of the strut mount..2003 es300

LeX2K

Would not be surprised if the Monroe mounts are the source of the noise. The torque spec for the nut is 36 lbf·ft if you use a Lexus mount, the Monroe one may be different.

fade41

Thank you..

Maineguy

FYIW, when I took a 1999 ES300 to a local Lexus repair shop, they told me they would NEVER install a customers non-OEM struts because they would end up making noises and the customer would come back to them complaining. I have heard this from other people too. It may just be that the Monroe's, no matter how good they are, just do not work on an ES300.

Oro

+1 on mounts. This is a pretty common issue with these and the Toyota variants (Camry, Avalon). Torqueing them might solve it.

If by chance you kept your OE parts, put the OE mounts back in. They are not high wear items like shocks.

People also report poor success w/KYB mounts, so if you do end up changing I'd recommend biting the bullet on the pricier OE ones and not KYB or other non-Monroe aftermarket ones.

fade41

I'll try to re-torque...
if that fails any opinions on installing the quickstruts from Advance auto parts?

LeX2K

They are junk IMO too many stories of them clunking, the strut bearing failing, the ride height too high and a bunch of other nonsense. KYB makes an excellent strut (although the ride is not as soft as OEM) they are high quality. If you still have the original mounts inspect them and if good I would put them back in.

BTW when a strut nut is loose you usually get clunking noises not creaking. When assembling a strut it's easy not to get the top of the strut shaft keyed into the mount, you'll know if this is the case the nut will turn and never tighten.

Oro

+1, loose nut is "clunk".

The KYB struts you got are about the best IMO for this application; I have about 10k on a set right now and really like them. I'd focus on diagnosing and sorting out the mount issue. All quick strut options contain non-OE mounts and people report problems w/them.

fade41

yes it is more of the clunk spring sound

LeX2K

Put a socket on the top nut and see if it rotates. It's hard to over torque the nut because of the rubber effect of the mount, in fact I don't think it's possible you'll destroy the mount first.

fade41

update...
loosened center bolt free.. and when I tightened the nut the rubber in the mount also rotates and spins with the nut. does this mean the mount is busted now!

LeX2K

Are you sure the rubber part itself is spinning? If so then the mount is toast, I would imagine Monroe has some sort of warranty. But honestly when it comes to the strut mount there is no substitute for the genuine part.