Odd Problem, need your advise

[scdtrd]

Well, I replaced the stock struts in my 94 V6 with the Tokico FULL strut replacements. I also replaced the front strut caps and boots as well as the lower spring insulators. Ok, the ride is awesome! Here is the problem, on the front, passenger side, every time I turn left or right, it makes a sound like the spring is slipping on the rubber mount on top! Hard to describe, but it is like this... turn the wheel to the right, and I hear... bump, bump, bump.. as the spring gets bound kinda and then releases.. and the same way to the right. I have checked the spring lock on the bottom and it has not moved. The spring fit correctly. You can barely hear it outside the car, but inside, you can hear it better as it is sounding thru the mount under the hood to the car body more. I had the car aligned and tires rotated and balanced as well, no help. I am at a loss. The strut cap is stationary and the strut cartrage moves with the tire, twisting the spring. The strut shaft remains stationary as it is bolted to the strut cap as well. So, it HAS to be the spring moving on the rubber on the strut cap, that is my only end result. Any help on this is appreciated!
SCDTRD

[Axel Kain]

get a garage or dealer to testdrive it, they may be able to tell you quickest.

[majones]

I'm wondering if this might be a symptom of a bad strut bearing. There is a bearing between the support flange on the strut and the lower spring seat. I didn't actually understand the purpose of it when chaning my struts but your description may have helped.

The bearing isolates the strut body from the spring seat so that it can turn with the wheel without twisting the spring. If the bearing is jammed or not present I can imagine you getting the problem you describe.

Anyway no expert just my two cents. Good luck

[barthmonster]

I replaced both of my strut bearings because the Toyota Manual said to, but my old ones looked good still when I took them apart. Probably just as well after 233k miles. It sounds like the lower spring-seat bearing is binding or something. you would only notice it when turning the steering wheel.
Hope this helps.