dont know what it could be.

chubz · 06-30-2009, 07:10 PM

so i just got my xb back from the shop.

i got into an accident not to long ago.

most of the front left side was replaced including the strut.
it all looks fine and runs fine but when i hit bumps it sounds like the strut is lose or knocking against something.

i just took out both struts and compared them. the new one is a little taller but i think its just becuase its new and hasnt settled yet.

any ideas what it could be?

rton20s · 06-30-2009, 10:42 PM

If you just had it in a shop and had them performing repair work, take it straight back to them. I am all for doing the work myself, but they need to stand behind their work. If you don't take it back to them, they can't do that.

Having said that, it could very well be one of the lower strut bolts. This is especially possible if they have installed somthing like the Ingall's alignment bolts. They can have the tendency to back off sometimes.

chubz · 07-01-2009, 12:53 AM

i did take it back and the only thing he could think of is the spring got tweaked or something. but it looks fine to me. agian i had the whole strut out today to dubble check it.

idk what it could be.

859Toaster · 07-04-2009, 03:39 PM

check your stabilizer bar end links.... strut mount nut (under dust cover)... spring mounting spot (has to be in close to perfect or it's gonna make noise), and the top 3 bolts.

Lifex · 07-04-2009, 03:43 PM

open your hood and look at the strut top bolt and make sure it is tight because i had a similar problem when hitting bumps it would make a noise like that

whoops stenger beat me to it duh

Kazzak · 07-06-2009, 08:53 PM

When I did my front struts I had the same clunking symptom's. After taking them apart I found out that I did not seat the upper spring mount correctly. The top of the strut right below the threads is NOT round. There are two notches on each side of the strut shaft. The spring mount is also notched and these two have to be lined up so the mount slides down and seats correctly. I don't know how I missed it, but sh*t happens. Finished up the front and rear and everything drives Otay!
This would explain why you have one strut that looks longer. The spring mount is not seated correctly. A quick way to check is count how many threads are showing above the top nut. If the shorter strut has 4 to 5 more threads showing than the longer one I would say the longer struts spring mount was not installed correctly.
If both struts show the same amount of threads than you are back to square one and I have no other ideas.

bBwannabe · 07-07-2009, 12:04 AM

Yeah it could be the springs not seating right.Had the same problems on a friends T-Bird.

chubz · 07-07-2009, 07:40 PM

thank you everybody.

my next day off i think i will pull the strut out and check if the spring is seated right.

chubz · 07-12-2009, 12:54 AM

i just got down pulling the strut out and making sure the spring is sitting right.

the loud knocking noice is still there.

so i switched the struts from side to side and the knocking is now on the other side. the strut that is making the noice is brand new, but there are a few sets of numbers on it and they all match the other strut except for one set of numbers. idk if that would make a difference.

another posibility could be the spring got tweeked.

what do you guys and gals think it could be?

thanks.

Lifex · 07-12-2009, 12:58 AM

did you tighten the top nut of the shock? its under the black cap the sits in the strut mount

Kazzak · 07-12-2009, 12:55 PM

Did you count how many screw threads are sticking up past the top of the top strut nut's and compare the two sides?

chubz · 07-12-2009, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lifex

did you tighten the top nut of the shock? its under the black cap the sits in the strut mount

yeah i tightened it and it matches the otherside too.

Lifex · 07-12-2009, 03:37 PM

ok - well then thats strange - maybe you need a new strut

bbszero · 07-12-2009, 04:10 PM

The spring upper seat has the word "OUT" must be facing out, if not, you'll get some noise in turns and over bumps.

brionxB · 07-16-2009, 03:44 AM

yeah man, i'll be following this thread closely. i'm having a similar problem with my easy street struts. it knocks on the tiniest bumps.

check the top nut, the bolts where the strut meets the rotor, and the spring. another possibility which i highly doubt, was once i was getting a constant knocking noise but it was pretty damn loud. turned out after some tests that i just didn't tighten the lug nuts back to the wheel tightly.

good luck man.
check with the shop too if you can. just explain the sitch to them