Strut or front end problem

Tiny
XITRUM08
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 MITSUBISHI GALANT
  • 133,000 MILES
I bounced the car and found out the the strut on the passenger side making noise so I went to my local junkyard and got me a pair of struts.I replaced and the noise was gone, but it came back 1 day after(same issue).I took it out and put on the other one, the noise was gone and happend again the net day. So I put the old strut that I took out the first time and put it back on, the noise was gone and back 2 days after as I bounced the car and feel the strut with the other hand.I give up. Please help me out and give me any advice. Thank you so much.
Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 AT 5:03 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,871 POSTS
Struts don't make noise that way. They can cause a clunk over bumps or if they're real bad they can clunk when changing directions. Based on your observations, it's much more likely the noise is coming from the control arm bushings. By forcing them to go to a position they don't normally travel to when you replaced the struts, you wore off a little sample of rust or corrosion and you exercised the rubber bushings to in effect lubricate them. The clue is they're quiet for a day. Ball joints can act that way too but they typically won't quiet down for a day.

There's two ways to find the source of the noise. The fastest is to head to the Chrysler dealer's parts department for a can of "Spray White Lube". You can probably get something similar other places but this is what I'm familiar with and I know it works. Spray it liberally on the control arm bushings, then drive the car for a day. It may takes some time for the noise to stop, but if it does, you're identified the cause. That is a lithium-based grease with a watery-like substance that flows into tight places and takes the grease with it. The liquid evaporates and leaves the grease behind. When I did this to my noisy suspension, a coating lasted anywhere from two days to a month.

The second method starts with listening with a stethoscope while a helper bounces the car. If that doesn't work, there is a tool called the "Chassis Ear" that you might be able to find at an auto parts store that borrow or rents tools. Be aware many mechanics have never heard of it. It's a set of six microphones you clip to suspect parts, a switch box, and head phones. You switch between the microphones while listening during a test drive. That can be a real effective way to find noises.
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Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 AT 7:10 PM
Tiny
XITRUM08
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
When I bounce the front passenger side as I can see the strut mount on the top close to the 3 bolts moving up and down a litle bit.I hear and feel the noise exactly coming from the strut, but what a coincidence that I have 3 bad struts and if the struts are bad, it would make noise right after I put on and test drive untill 2 days or so. Do you have any clue that can damage the strut that fast?
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Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 AT 9:43 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,871 POSTS
Boy, I've replaced a lot of struts over the years, but I've never had one make a squeaking noise. I should stop here and ask what kind of noise you're hearing. I'm not sure why I assumed it's a squeaking noise vs. A clunk which is somewhat common.
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Thursday, September 1st, 2011 AT 2:56 AM

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