When turning the steering wheel, the front spring on the driver's side groans a little. The top of the spring seems to tense, and then release, causing the sound. It seems that either the top of the spring isn't seated properly, or perhaps the spring is worn or damaged (100K miles). Any thoughts on what could be causing this problem? I've had new strut inserts installed but it seemed to make the noise before too. Thanks for any help.

 

I doubt the problem arises from a defect with the spring itself.

Equip yourself with a 4-foot length of small diameter vacuum hose. Raise the hood. Have an assistant turn the wheel right left to produce the clunking sound. The motor does not have to be running for this test. You put one end of the hose in your ear position the other end near the top of the struts. This will help pinpoint the origin of the unwanted sound. It could be coming from the strut mounting bearing or strut mounting insulator. See Chilton (page 8-9) or Haynes (page 10-6).

The technician who installed those new strut inserts should have inspected the bearings and isolators.

 

Thanks for your note. I took your advice in trying to pinpoint the noise, which is coming from the top of the spring. If you put your finger on the spring near the top you can feel it tense a bit and release, producing the noise. The bottom of the spring doesn't seem to be moving, but the top does; when the wheel is turned it sort of catches with slight resistance and then releases, making the noise. Since the spring itself is flexing slightly near the top, it suggests to me that it is not seated properly, but I am not a mechanic. Thanks again for any thoughts.

 

I guess you could take your car to a front end specialist and let him hear the sound. My best guess is the strut bearing, but I can't hear the sound from here.