Is there a way to diagnose strut mounts?

[castmaster]

I have the famous rattle coming from the front driver's side... I suspect the strut mounts, but is there any way to confirm that? I've got my car on a lift the other night, and i failed to find anything loose or rattling in front suspension... Nor by hands or a rubber hummer...
The rattle is present on low speed and bumpy road... and roads are crap up here in French-speaking part of Canada...

[terrastrife]

if the strut doesnt connect to the strut mount, lo and behold its gone.

[castmaster]

Are you saying that the only way to know for sure that that's the mounts that rattle is to wait till struts fall out?

I'd appriciate something more constructive that that...

[fox_prime]

I had this exact problem. Your best bet is to disassemble the whole strut and mount.

Check the spot where the strut inserts into the strut mount. Usually the rattle is due to the strut mount itself due to excessive wear and tear of that "spot". The top end of the strut has a rectangular tip that inserts into this spot. You'll know what i mean once you check it out.

The only way to rid the noise is to get a new strut mount (< $100 from the Toyota dealer). You might need to get a new strut bearing too (< $50). You're gonna need to realign your wheels once completed. Hope this helps.

[castmaster]

Thanks!

Given that:
1-I will have to change the mounts most likely...
2-I will probably have to change strut bearings as well..
3-Original struts will probably last another 20-30k km... and i'll have to change them eventually...

Now, how much do Monroe Quick-Struts go for usually?

[Mike Gerber]

Now, how much do Monroe Quick-Struts go for usually?


I paid $180 US each for the rears for my 98 at Pep Boys. I would assume that the fronts would be around the same price. It would be my recommendation to go with the Monroe Quick Struts. It's a faster, safer and easier replacement, and everything is now new, including the struts and springs, along with all the rubber parts. This way you replace everything that might be causing the problem at the same time and all parts are now new, for little more than just the cost of the OEM mounts and bearings.

Mike

[Davee]

Originally Posted by castmaster

I have the famous rattle coming from the front driver's side... I suspect the strut mounts, but is there any way to confirm that? I've got my car on a lift the other night, and i failed to find anything loose or rattling in front suspension... Nor by hands or a rubber hummer...
The rattle is present on low speed and bumpy road... and roads are crap up here in French-speaking part of Canada...

It could also be the sway bar bushings -- if worn they rattle but only in extreme cold & bumpy conditions. I have not changed shock mounts on a 97 LE yet at 200,000 km but I know the bushings are bad for the second time right now. Will replace in spring

[JamesBond]

I'm thinking of getting 2 new front quick struts to fix the groaning noise i have when going over dips. Monroe is running a $40 rebate on 2 quick struts right now.
JamesBond

[castmaster]

I guess i'll wait till they are on sale in Canadian-cough-sh@it-cough-Tire....

We're having a major snow damp today, and while driving to work, i've noticed that it sounds like something really-really loose!!! Only when going slow though... on the highway, it's firm in silent even through bumps and bridge extensions... Gonna get it on the lift and check it out again sometime during next week.