I did a search .... My problem is: After I installed Tokicos and Maxspeed springs on the front, I get a clunking sound on the drivers side when turning. According to my search (specifically SprintMax's advice) I may not have the "out" wording on the top of the strut mount facing outwards. Other say its the strut bearing on top.

Here is my question. After turing and hearing the clunk sound its as if the car pulls to the direction of my last turn. Thought I needed an alignment but turning the steering wheel the opposite way the care was pulling, and getting a clunk sound, the car went straight again. Like the strut/spring are swiveling a bit and getting hung up. So is it the bearing or my "OUT" wording? Just like to know before I try and remedy the problem tomorrow to see if I need to visit Nissan part dept.

And for anyone else about to attempt this. It only took 1.5 hours for the front. BUT I have an air impact wrench and I bought a propane torch to heat the bolts on the bottom of the strut. God help those that don't heat this.

Thanks for your help.

 

OUT

 

Hey if you say so-I'll take it to the bank. But I'll do it tomorow night. Will it hurt the car to drive it 20 miles like this?

Love the way the car rides now. Much better than the GXE suspension.

 

So, are you saying that after you make the turn (and hear the clunk) that the steering wheel does not return to center like you normally expect, so that you need to "help" the steering wheel return "back to center" and you hear the clunk again?

Well, an improperly installed strut bearing will be damaged to the point where it could cause the symptoms you describe. In other words, the lower portion of the strut is turned by the steering rack, which, in turn, forces the spring to turn with it. The strut bearing is supposed to allow the upper spring mount to freely turn along with the spring. If the strut bearing is damaged the spring will "wind up" (just like any other spring would.) Once the friction is overcome by the spring winding up, it "breaks free" all at once - and that is where the sound comes from. Sometimes this can be like a sharp, popping sound that is usually noticed when turning the wheels (i.e. the struts turn left or right) yet not noticed when encountering bumps (i.e. when the struts move up and down.)

But if the upper spring mount is not reinstalled with the proper orientation, similar resistance to free turning could occur in the strut assembly. Hopefully, that's all it is.

 

You have to take it apart anyhow, I'd change the bearings while your in there. 20 bucks a piece at Nissan. Just do it!