Replaced old struts with new and now a problem! help please

[91canadianlaser]

Front struts needed replaced so i did and just reused the springs. I thought i did everything right but now when i turn my wheels left or right there is a popping noise coming from the springs. i made sure the main bolt on the strut were good and tight and they seemed to be but maybe im not doing something right can someone give me any help i would appreciate it alot.

 

[cfriddle]

Same brand of struts? Sounds to me like you have another problem on your hands like a cv axle you might of pulled out of socket and lost some needle bearings? What side or both? while driving or at a stop. More info please!

 

[91canadianlaser]

Yes the struts are new monroe struts from the parts dealer here. I had someone look behind the wheel as i turned the wheels and you can actually see the springs jumping around a little bit. I checked and the spring is seated correctly on the bottom. I was wondering if maybe that top piece that holds them together could possibly be bad. And yes it happens when i am driving as well as parked. And it is coming from both sides. so im thinking its possibly an install error.

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

Sounds like there is an install problem. Chances are, if it wasn't a problem until you changed the struts, then you most likely left something out or did something wrong. Did you happen to check the bearing plates at the top to see if they turned smoothly. If the bearing plates rotate nicely then you might want to take another look at how you put the struts together.

 

[jdd1231]

upper strut mount sounds like its catching.I dont know if these have bearings in them or not,sometimes taking old strut mounts apart ruins them,because of rust and age....

that or possibly something wasn't installed right......

 

[Auto RS T]

It's important to have the upper bearing plate and the and the strut properly aligned with one another. The way to do this is stick a long piece of tubing or extra long phillips screwdriver through the alignment hole in the strut base and bearing plate, then release the spring tension. The rubbers could also be worn out allowing the springs to slide around.

 

[Colt4G63 also]

It sounds like you didn't assembe your bearing plates correctly. The top of the strut post is D shaped too, so they're a little tougher to line everything up correctly than most cars. You actually have to twist the strut post to the correct clock position to slide it into the upper mount correctly, AND seat the upper plate against the bearing correctly.

 

[91canadianlaser]

I guess i am going to take it back apart again and check it out. I did know about the top strut mount having to match and i am 100% i matched that up right. But i also did noticed that the pieces with the bearings were kinda sticking as i gave them a spin before i put them back into the car. Is that most Likely the problem then? i made sure i greased them back down and they seemed pretty well greased when i pulled them. and if so i have priced those things online and they are not cheap!! like 140 each. does anyone know of where to get them for less. oh and i do appreciate all you guys helping me out with this. thanks alot.

 

[91canadianlaser]

It turns out that the bearings were bad in the top mounts. Wierd that it would be both at the same time. But i replaced them both and at the time everything sounds good no problems. thanks alot for all of your help. you all saved me alot of time and money.