I installed my new right front strut and now the thing is binding. When I turn the wheel you get this bong-bong-bong sound as you accelerate and turn the wheel. If you go straight, everything is fine. What's even more strange is that when you grab the spring with some force, you can turn it in the strut. You can't turn it much, but you can turn it.

I am thinking that I installed it wrong. A shop wants $70 to look at it and I don't have the to throw at something like that.

Does anyone have a schematic or picture of the suspension and how it goes back together? It confuses me because once I got it all lined up, it fit like a glove.

Help!:)

Curt B. Shumaker
"SHUMAX"

Probably the thrust bearing between the top spring perch and the strut mount. It's plastic and tends to break.

How can I tell if it's broke for sure? I mean, when I had the struts and srpings in prior to this, it worked just fine. I even had the exact same setup---I just replaced this blown strut?

Ideas?

Thanks!
Curt B. Shumaker
"SHUMAX"

like he said, there is a small plastic piece that looks like doughnut that is installed between the upper strut mount and spring perch. what kind of springs do you have??? also make sure the springs are seated properly. the upper spring perch also has a little arrow on the top side. that arrow should be facing outwards. hope this helps.:cool:

Ok--I know what the plastic bearing looks like and where it goes, but I am still confused how you can tell if it's broken or not. I remember spinning it and it wasn't dragging or anything. I also had the arrows on the strut mount pointing out from the car and towards the tire. The one thing that was odd is that the spring was able to turn in the strut even after I uncompressed it. I didn't get that and am starting to think that the problem is there.

either way, it's annoying me and I don't know how to fix it. I do appreciate your comments welcome more.

Oh yea---KYB GR2 Struts--I know, I know--stock junk and then Suspension techniques springs. I have to think it's the install because everything was fine prior to my touching it---figures, right?;)

Are you sure you put it in back together in the correct order? When I first did my struts, I put the trust washer bewteen the 2 pieces of the top hat. My springs did the same thing also. I would take the strut(s) off and make sure before you break something.

Sometimes the thrust bearing breaks when you don't put it together just right. Just get another one from the dealer

PN: 54329-16A00

I think they were like $13 each or so. Ridiculously expensive considering what a cheap flimsy POS it is.

I am such an idiot at times. I had the bearing on upside down as well as....the spring!!! Can you believe that? The damn spring was on upside down, so was the strut bearing. Filliped it all around and the problem was gone.


Wheeew.

Thanks!
Curt B. Shumaker