GOOD News on Strut mount rattle

[mxsurf]

After reading about so many Camry problems with rattling sounds in the front end which were attributed to the strut mounts, I bought 2 from the dealer. At home when I had my spring off, my mount and bearings looked fine to me. The mount has a shallow cup on the underside which slips loosely over the bearings. Under the bearings there is a plate which has a ring/flange in the center that goes in the center hole of the bearing ring (up about 3/8” or so) . This is the PROBLEM ,I believe, - it’s not tight enough. With all the force involved in turning and dampening even a small movement will be heard. I used the bottom, curved end of my large crescent wrench to flare it out bigger. Put it back together with the new Monroe (Napa) strut ….smooth and quiet. Took the mounts back for $170 refund. As Mr. Brown sung …I feel good ! Mike

[v-cam]

but the old mounts are still worn... probably expect the problem to return soon! otherwise, nice money saving there mate!

[mxsurf]

Gooday, I suppose the bearings could get sloppy someday, but the mount just doesn’t look like there is anything to wear out, (except the rubber coil cushion at both ends of the spring). Most likely the rattling sound of the loose bearing ring is why everyone changes the mount. So all we need to do, it seems, is to flare out the center hole on the lower plate(below the mount) which holds and centers the bearing ring – so that it is snug……and Bob’s our Uncle. Tah, Mate