When installing my Sensen struts, I tossed the lower spring isolators as they were worn through anyway. Now after a few months I am getting a metallic rubbing groaning noise.



I am thinking about nylon spiral wire loom



or vinyl tubing.

 

Did you replace the strut bearing?

 

No, they were in great shape.

 

Looks can be deceiving. Did you at least take them apart, clean and re grease them using synthetic grease? They support the weight of the vehicle and allow the strut assembly to rotate freely. If the bearing can't do that, the spring will bind and release which is the cause of most of the turning noises. Did you clock the upper perch correctly, OUT facing towards the fender and in line with the struts lower mounting flange? What about the rubber spring seats, did you position the spring back in it's exact location or better yet, move it 180 degrees into a fresh new location?

 

I think nissan sells the strut bearing separately.

I used the spiral wrap. No issues.

 

The bearings were clean and turned smoothly. They did not look like they came apart for greasing. The mount components are all clocked correctly according to my marks as well as the F and OUT stamps.

 

Using a very small screwdriver, you can indeed take them apart and service them. Check for binding by having someone turn your steering wheel while you hold the spring. You'll feel is bind and release if it's doing that.
Tell the person turning the steering to be careful while your hand is up there...

 

So where can I pick up the spiral tubing?

(I'm not sure if there is a specific manufacturer or grade/quality for this application that isn't just going to wear away.)

 

I was just going to get regular cable wrap wherever i could. I went with vinyl tube for availability. .69¢ and .55¢ per foot.

 

Been driving for a few weeks after installing vinyl tubing and all squeeking is gone. I did not grease the bearings, as they looked good inside, (I did pop one open) and I did not have grease as good as the original stuff.