Did I forget something when changing struts?

jbscheff · jbscheff's Garage

I changed my strut inserts and bushings out a while ago and ever since I noticed a clunking sound whenever I go over sharp bumps like pot holes or certain speed bumps. I checked everything (or so I thought) and couldn't find a source. Tonight I was changing my tires for AX and I may have found something. I grabbed the bottom of one of the front struts and it wiggles and I can hear a slight clunk. It doesn't move much, but I'm betting thats my noise. I think there's supposed to be rubber washer at the top, and I thought I put everything in that I should have but it was a while ago and I'm not sure.

If everything's there, should I be able to wiggle the bottom of the strut? I don't remember what they were originally (boge maybe?) but I changed to bilsteins.

Flieger · Flieger's Garage

The linear bushings in the Bilsteins wear out fast and cause a clunk.

LakeCleElum · 02-11-2011, 08:06 PM

I had a similar problem in my '73 just after I bought it.....The PO had changed the sway bar bushings. He had not slid the arms all the way onto the bar, allowing it to move left to right about 1/2 inch.....When hitting a bump, the dust cover of the strut would hit the arm of the sway bar. Made a terrible clunk....

jbscheff · jbscheff's Garage

Are the bushings available seperately, or would I need a whole new insert?

jbscheff · jbscheff's Garage

I finally got a chance to dig into the noisy strut. These are Boge's with Bilstein inserts. The collar that attaches the insert to the lower strut had come loose, allowing the insert to move radially and axially within the lower strut. Once I got everything back together, the offending clunk was gone. I swear I could feel a difference in handling, too.

I'd like to complain to the installer of the struts, but...that would be me. So lesson for others changing struts - make sure that collar is nice and tight.

Wil Ferch · 03-21-2011, 07:20 AM

Don't know if it helps....but for different reasons some guys ( me too) put in a small amount of fluid in the Boge housings before inserting the replacement shock inserts. Engine oil or anti-freeze. Small amount only.... as excess will be forcibly ejected. The idea is to provide a better internal heat path, and I would think may help quiet down some rattling potential if the space instead was "air".