new struts get rid of clunking noises

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10-31-2007, 03:33 PM

Martin

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new struts get rid of clunking noises

Problem: clunking noises from front end, particularly drivers side. New stabilizer bar rubber mounts were installed. No better. New stabilizer bar support links (the short ones with the bushings on both ends) replaced. No better. Finally out of frustration, and with some clues from this group I replaced both front struts and voila - quiet has returned to the front end. The front end was getting kind of mushy, with some bottoming out on big bumps, but I couldn't figure out what that had to do with the clunking noises. The struts showed no signs of failure - no oil leakage, etc. Even when I took the first one out and pressed on it it seemed normal, just a little softer that the new KYB's. Anyways, maybe this will help a fellow owner with a similar problem. 2000 SE 5sp with 140,000 km.

Martin

11-01-2007, 08:06 AM

Old Blue 66

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If you never replacedthe struts in 140K, Im not surprised. I think theyre only supposed to last about 75K.

11-01-2007, 10:16 AM

02Maximan

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yep mine were clunking like that and when I took em off both of the fronts had hardly any compression left and I'm at 69,000. Its all good now though with my new Blues!

Last edited by 02Maximan; 11-01-2007 at 10:19 AM.

11-01-2007, 11:14 AM

vball_max

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Martin, do you have less bang when you hit big bumps now that you have replaced the struts?

I am looking to replace my struts and wondering if it will take care of the hard hits.....

11-01-2007, 11:29 AM

gxe2se

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how did you decide on the blues vs the illuminas? I know that blues are cheaper, I was wondering if the illuminas ride better with the stock springs (gxe), with setting at "1" vs. blues HP.

11-01-2007, 01:46 PM

Torgus

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i hate blues. anything rides better then them.

11-01-2007, 02:06 PM

miksen

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Torgus

i hate blues. anything rides better then them.

i have blues and eibach and F'in hate the way my car rides and the bumps are so harsh I feel like I am riding a solid supension

11-01-2007, 02:45 PM

reeloop

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I have blues and I am very satisfied with the ride quality

with 17 Inch wheels they are soft, as soon as I put on the infiniti 18's the ride got much worse though.

11-01-2007, 09:18 PM

Martin

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Kgallerie,
All is well as far as big bumps go. It needs to be remembered that the struts work hard due to the big (heavy) wheels and heavy front end. Big bumps will always make some noise, even with the vibration isolation built into the front end.

Martin