Another suspension noise/sound thread-Strut Bearing?

[Raider]

I installed my Koni FSD's a month or two ago. I have recently started to hear a squeak/grind/scrape type noise up front, mainly when brakes are applied, turning to the right. and it sounds like it is on the chassis of the car. I can almost feel it in the steering wheel, and want to say it is driver side most definitely.

The brakes are in good shape, no rocks stuck between the rotor and backing plate. I have checked the usual suspects, and everything is tight on the strut, and endlinks. I have CPE RMM, TRZ Trans mount. Checked the rmm when I did the strut install, have not checked TRZ. Bolt is bathed in Loctite and was new when I installed. Last checked about 6-12 months ago

I have searched, and all points are leading to the strut bearings. I reused them at 68K miles, as well as the cracked/broken factory bump stops, as I did not get the GS or FC ones.

I am thinking that it is indeed the friggin bearings, which sucks. I don't want to take shit apart an then realign-again.

For those who replaced the strut bearing, what were your symptoms?

[karl-hungus]

did the strut bearings looked fucked up when swapped in the konis? wonder if the cracked bump stops helped lead to their demise. this was mine after 15k...

[Raider]

Mine did not have a cold beer in them, that might be it!

I did not see em, but one did come open. I bet that was it. They seemed fine.

[karl-hungus]

one strut bearing opened up? is that the one making the noise? i was scared one of mine would open up.

[Raider]

I think it was the passenger side, but yeah. It snapped back together and seemed fine. Forgot about it. Looks like I'll be ordering new strut bearings. Good thing I own a spring compressor. Wonder how long I can put this off.

[f-castrillo]

How are you dealing with your, er, dealers? I took my clunking car to the dealer twice, and both times they double that all the relevant bolts were tightened down to spec. They've heard the clunk, but they can't seem to pinpoint the cause of it themselves. They seem to dismiss the idea of the strut bushing/bearing when I mention it, since "things on the internet can be a bit misleading".

The tech I've been talking to is a nice guy, but he says the JBR motor mounts are giving him trouble in starting a warranty repair. Did you guys have the same hassle? This is perfect (read: not) timing, as I was trying to remove and reinstall my RMM today to rule out a bad RMM, and now I'm finding the bolt that mounts the RMM to the tranny bracket is bent/stuck, and not tightened to spec...

[MS38687]

I'm an ASE certified auto technician and I own a MS3 and I have experienced this problem and it is indeed the bearing that is rattle. It is more prone with cars that have lowering springs with the stock struts. I just recently replaced my bearings and the rattle went away.

[tddvrrn]

Originally Posted by f-castrillo How are you dealing with your, er, dealers? I took my clunking car to the dealer twice, and both times they double that all the relevant bolts were tightened down to spec. They've heard the clunk, but they can't seem to pinpoint the cause of it themselves. They seem to dismiss the idea of the strut bushing/bearing when I mention it, since "things on the internet can be a bit misleading". The tech I've been talking to is a nice guy, but he says the JBR motor mounts are giving him trouble in starting a warranty repair. Did you guys have the same hassle? This is perfect (read: not) timing, as I was trying to remove and reinstall my RMM today to rule out a bad RMM, and now I'm finding the bolt that mounts the RMM to the tranny bracket is bent/stuck, and not tightened to spec...

that sucks about your rmm..

i had a bad strut mount/bearing replaced under warranty. the same thing happened to me, the dealer couldn't figure out what was making the 'thunk' i had on slow speed turns like parking lots and such. i had them try to fix it 3 times. then finally, when i was heading on vacation for a week, i gave them the car, told them 'i know what the odometer reads and it shouldn't be much higher when i get back', and insisted that they find and fix the clunk by the time i got back. i also told them i thought it was the strut bearing (didn't say i had read that on the internet) and suggested to the particularly nice tech that he start there.

that's what it was.

Originally Posted by Raider I think it was the passenger side, but yeah. It snapped back together and seemed fine. Forgot about it. Looks like I'll be ordering new strut bearings. Good thing I own a spring compressor. Wonder how long I can put this off.

probably a long time. i bet the annoyance factor will be the impetus for fixing it well before any mechanical catastrophe occurs.

[Nliiitend1]

Those things are a wear item. They're not really ever worth re-using, especially if they've been opened up.

Consider this a lesson learned.