humberto_i30

I just want to know if a worn Front Strut Bearing may lead to unusual noises in the front suspension. I just changed the front struts and strut mounts in my '96 I30 and the car still make a noise that I can feel in the upper area of the struts, near the strut mount, when hitting potholes on the road, this noise is driving me nuts, somebody told me that may be the Strut Bearing were worn, but I don't really think this will remedy my situation, what do you think ?

amb4081

What kind of noise is it? Generally, when a strut bearing needs replacement, a "popping or clunking" noise is produced when turning the car. What other components were replaced with the struts? Were the strut mounts replaced? I had a mystery noise too and it ended up being the NEW strut mounts I replaced with the struts. The mistake I made was installing KYB strut mounts and they were worthless. So I bought new Nissan mounts and haven't had noises since.

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

If the bearing isn't holding the upper spring perch securely onto the strut mount or has been installed upside down and damaged, it will cause a clunky suspension.

The part is very critical to keep everything together and rotating smoothly. The tiny lip on the bearing is the only thing holding the upper spring perch in place against the strut mount. If it's worn slightly, the spring perch can move slightly causing unwanted noises. The bearing is only 20 bucks from Nissan and I highly recommend changing it every time you change your suspension. It's good cheap insurance for a quiet suspension setup.

humberto_i30

The noise is present only when hitting potholes on the road or in uneven road, it's a kind of "Popping" sound, the sound is not present when turning just when hitting potholes, and yes the Strut Mounts were replaced with KYB Strut Mounts along with the KYB GR-2 Struts ! So I'm thinking that the KYB strut mounts are the problem here, right?

amb4081

It's possible. But with the KYB strut mounts, I never heard the popping noise when going over bumps or potholes; it only occurred when turning. Nevertheless, using OEM parts, as I have found out the hard way, are always best. KYB makes good shocks and struts. The other hardware (e.g. strut mounts) is not the best, though. Try putting your Nissan strut mounts back in if you still have them.

humberto_i30

May I put back the Nissan Strut mounts myself ? DO I need to pull back the whole strut to replace the strut mounts ? If so, how ?

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

It's hard to tell if just the mount would be at fault here. It's really an entire assembly you have to look at. The upper spring perch, bearing and strut mount all work together to keep things lined up and rotating smoothly. Once things are out of wack, or the clocking or spring angle is off a bit, the suspension usually tells you by making noise.

s2cmpugh

so would this help my problem out?? as i have this kinda like small popping noise, on a totally factory suspenion. It only comes from the front and it seems to happen more on small imperfectons in the road??

any ideas?

thanks
Cris

humberto_i30

Hey s2cmpugh, this happens to me too ! Well to my car really ! The same way you are experiencing the little popping sound !

s2cmpugh

what in the world is that noise????????? i dont get it, ive tightned all the nuts up front and nothing, plus mine is all facotory

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

Catch me on AIM lets talk about this