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Strut mount? Clunk and squeak noises

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Old Mar 29, 2005 | 11:35 AM
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Unhappy Strut mount? Clunk and squeak noises

The front end noise is driving me crazy!

Have replaced the strut bars and it has improved.
Removed the poly sway bar bushings and that has eliminated 80% of the squeak.

I still have a clunk and slight squeak when driving over a drainage ditch that is 2" or so deep. It occurs at extension of the front not compression.

My thought is that the spring is somehow shifting and is either hitting the metal part of the strut mount or ??? Your thoughts?

When the strut mounts wears...what symptoms does it have?
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Old Mar 31, 2005 | 04:24 AM
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I had a defective strut mount and you get a nasty grinding, clunking noise that is hard on the ears.

It could also be the strut shaft nut is not tightened down to the torque specifications.

It would be hard for your springs to be moving around in there.

Pop your hood, go to drives side in front of engine, grab a solid piece of metal and push up and down as hard as you can, if you hear a grinding noise near the strut mount, theres your problem.
Repeat for passenger side.
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Old Mar 31, 2005 | 06:57 PM
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Thanks for the suggestion...I'll wiggle on it and see what occurs.

I tightened the strut nut and it's to spec...I think it was like 24 foot #'s. The strut mounting bolts are also to spec. Checked the lower strut mount bolt and it's there also. This is one of those noises that while not constant does rear itself to be a reminder that something isn't right.
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Old Mar 31, 2005 | 10:53 PM
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Do you have the air suspension or regular struts? Im guessing regular.

Do you have bigger than stock wheels? If so, it might be stressing some of the lower suspension parts.
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