new struts, do I feel dumb!

[captpfd]

I took my daughters 96 avy into a Firestone dealer for new tires as they were having a great sale. I had him check the brakes and they said they look fine. they said both rear struts were bad and slightly leaking and yes going over bumps I could feel some clunking. They replaced them with NAPA ultra-tracks because he said they had very good luck with those. I get the car back now and yes the ride is better but there still seems to be some slight clunking. Now after reading more threads on struts it talks about strut mounts. I thought when you bought new struts they came with mounts? Is this two different things. the store said the mounts look fine. Another clue I may have messed up. On Ebay I saw a complete new set of 4 struts and 4 strut mounts for sale for $469 plus shipping of about $50. Why didn't the store say both needed replaced to try and make more money off me? Confused? Any thoughts.

[toyomoho]

May also be the stabilizer bushings (very common) and or end links. The shop would not normally replace these unless you ask. The bushings are cheap and a DIY job.

[TMack409]

There are 4 pieces which require critical evaluation: The upper mount, the top insulator, the strut itself, and the bottom insulator. Many say the upper mount was the final piece of the puzzle that cured clunking once and for all (after everything else had been replaced). Personally speaking, I can't understand how that uppermount can go bad - unless the rubber inside dry rots.....
This piece is a rock solid hunk of metal and rubber with three studs mounted to it. If you suspect it is defective, try having someone drive the car while you sit in the back (remove seats of course) and hold your hand on /or just observe the big nut a the top of the strut assy for any movement whilst passing over bumps in the road.

[captpfd]

What a pain in $%#^&* that ain't going to happen. took it back to firestone and they said the mounts, stablizer bushings look fine and they wouldn't replace them unless I just want to throw money away. BTW, they installed Monroe Sensa-tracs. Has anyone on this forum ever had the Monroe "quick struts" installed. they are an all inclusive design about $200 complete each strut?

[TMack409]

Originally Posted by captpfd

What a pain in $%#^&* that ain't going to happen. took it back to firestone and they said the mounts, stablizer bushings look fine and they wouldn't replace them unless I just want to throw money away. BTW, they installed Monroe Sensa-tracs. Has anyone on this forum ever had the Monroe "quick struts" installed. they are an all inclusive design about $200 complete each strut?

First, let me say I am no fan of Monroe. I did look at their 'quick strut' solution FWIW but decided against it.

The problem is that you can't just look at these parts and tell if they are defective....

Have you looked in the trunk at your spare tire, jack, etc etc to make sure they are not rattling around?????

[mooseketer]

I have a 97 Avalon that is clunking (more like bottoming out) on bumps. I have talked to Monroe about their 'quick struts'. They tell me they are NOT rated for the Avalon. (the Avalon weighs too much for the spring in the 'quick struts').

I am thinking of just replacing the springs. . . Any thought on this?

[98ater]

Originally Posted by mooseketer

I have a 97 Avalon that is clunking (more like bottoming out) on bumps.

I am thinking of just replacing the springs. . . Any thought on this?

This "sense no makes"... it's not the job of the springs to prevent bottoming out... but rather that of the struts...
I'd replace BOTH the struts AND the mounts...

my 2c