03-03-2010, 08:34 PM
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#1
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GL Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Rabat, Malta
Posts: 458
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Knocking sound from rear
So this has been happening for about 2 months now but now it is happening a lot more frequently. Whenever I go over a bump or sometimes even when I hit the brake a touch hard, I hear a knocking sound from the rear passenger side of the car. I haven't checked if it is the trunk, license plate, or strut/shock assembly so I have no clue what it could be.
Any ideas?
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SOLD - 1999 GL Sedan-LA1 3400
Installed - CAI, drilled and slotted rotors w/ Carbon fibre brake pads.
OWN - 1996 Rover 414 - replaced engine with a 1.7TD Isuzu lump and gearbox, Uprated brakes, Custom seats and interior trim, MG ZS 11 spoke wheels, Custom bodywork, Custom LED taillamps, Custom gauge surround to hold 2 52mm gauges (filled with boost and oil pressure gauge)
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03-03-2010, 09:06 PM
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#2
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GLS member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Maui
Posts: 1,797
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struts, no doubt
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03-03-2010, 09:44 PM
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#3
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GL Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Western Mass
Posts: 401
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Yeah, its most likely an upper strut mount. Or something in that assembly at least. Common issue.
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03-03-2010, 10:24 PM
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#4
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GL Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Rabat, Malta
Posts: 458
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Would it hurt if I left it till summer like that or would it damage something else?
__________________
SOLD - 1999 GL Sedan-LA1 3400
Installed - CAI, drilled and slotted rotors w/ Carbon fibre brake pads.
OWN - 1996 Rover 414 - replaced engine with a 1.7TD Isuzu lump and gearbox, Uprated brakes, Custom seats and interior trim, MG ZS 11 spoke wheels, Custom bodywork, Custom LED taillamps, Custom gauge surround to hold 2 52mm gauges (filled with boost and oil pressure gauge)
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03-03-2010, 10:35 PM
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#5
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GLS member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Maui
Posts: 1,797
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well, i drove mine with bad rear struts for like 3 months with no problem, but don't be hitting bumps too hard, you don't want your struts laying in your trunk do you?
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03-04-2010, 02:07 AM
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#6
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GL Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 874
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Have you been forgetting to feed your Trunk Monkey?
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03-04-2010, 06:54 AM
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#7
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ALEROMOD RAPIST
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 7,971
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I've had that same issue for a few years now. If it's the USM then it got damaged 3 years ago when I bent my original rim on a highway pothole. Have had no alignment issues or unusual wear on the tire, but I guess I should get it checked out.
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2008 Summer Sport Compact Slam - ET Bracket Class Event Winner
2006 NHRA Sport Compact FallNationals - ET Bracket Class Event Winner
1990 Sunoco Super Challenge Points Series - Trophy Stock Points Champion
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03-04-2010, 07:57 AM
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#8
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GL Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Western Mass
Posts: 401
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Well, my front and rear strut mounts have been making noise for quite some time and its been fine. If the ride is still decent, then don't worry too much about it, the mounts are just getting loose. When the ride starts to get worse, then I would seriously consider new struts.
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04-20-2010, 06:03 PM
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#9
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GL Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Rabat, Malta
Posts: 458
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Just an update here, it was my upper strut mounts and I am getting them replaced next Tuesday. I basically got my dad to drive the car while i laid in the trunk to hear exactly where the noise was coming from. Then a mech just confirmed. Thanks for the help guys.
__________________
SOLD - 1999 GL Sedan-LA1 3400
Installed - CAI, drilled and slotted rotors w/ Carbon fibre brake pads.
OWN - 1996 Rover 414 - replaced engine with a 1.7TD Isuzu lump and gearbox, Uprated brakes, Custom seats and interior trim, MG ZS 11 spoke wheels, Custom bodywork, Custom LED taillamps, Custom gauge surround to hold 2 52mm gauges (filled with boost and oil pressure gauge)
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06-23-2010, 10:49 PM
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#10
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GX Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Madison WI
Posts: 188
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So i know mine are bad because i can pull on the rear wheel and move it. Is there a way to just replace the mounts and has anyone done it? Is there certain replacements i should use IYO?
__________________
"How did you MELT the spark plugs!?"
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06-23-2010, 11:04 PM
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#11
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GL Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Rabat, Malta
Posts: 458
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I just had the mounts themselves replaced and they work fine now with no noise. I am gonna have new struts and shocks put in over the summer but yes, you can replace just the mounts.
The ones that I got were the Monroe ones that were in stock at the auto shop.
__________________
SOLD - 1999 GL Sedan-LA1 3400
Installed - CAI, drilled and slotted rotors w/ Carbon fibre brake pads.
OWN - 1996 Rover 414 - replaced engine with a 1.7TD Isuzu lump and gearbox, Uprated brakes, Custom seats and interior trim, MG ZS 11 spoke wheels, Custom bodywork, Custom LED taillamps, Custom gauge surround to hold 2 52mm gauges (filled with boost and oil pressure gauge)
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06-24-2010, 10:20 AM
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#12
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GX Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Posts: 101
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hotrodwolf
So i know mine are bad because i can pull on the rear wheel and move it. Is there a way to just replace the mounts and has anyone done it? Is there certain replacements i should use IYO?
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Yes, you can replace just the mounts. If you plan on doing it yourself you'll need some jack stands and a spring compressor. Along with some common tools of course.
I also recommend that you change your struts and springs (in pairs of course) because 8 times out of 10 they are worn out aswell.
NAPA Auto Parts sells a Monroe Quik-Strut assembly that is lifetime warranty and requires no spring compressor to install them. So even if your spring breaks and the rest of the assembly is fine you get everything under warranty. Really a great way to go. =)
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06-24-2010, 12:29 PM
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#13
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GLS member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Baltimore, MD USA
Posts: 5,529
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What did the beat up strut mount look like?
I've read in the Grand Am Fourm about being able to lube the upper strut mount and having the noise go away. I have some sort of noise coming from mine, but have no idea exactly where, but everything looks fine but I haven't jacked up the car yet. If it matters, mine has 27K miles, so anything made of rubber is naturally suspect.
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06-24-2010, 12:48 PM
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#15
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GX Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Madison WI
Posts: 188
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I've used greases on other cars with lower mile with good effect. They are usually more of a squeak, but are still tight. It wont work on mine because i can literally watch the strut move over a half inch in its mount.
__________________
"How did you MELT the spark plugs!?"
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06-24-2010, 03:20 PM
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#16
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GLS member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Baltimore, MD USA
Posts: 5,529
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hotrodwolf
I've used greases on other cars with lower mile with good effect. They are usually more of a squeak, but are still tight.
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Pretty much decribes my car.
Quote:
Originally Posted by hotrodwolf
i can literally watch the strut move over a half inch in its mount.
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06-24-2010, 03:25 PM
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#17
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GLS member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Baltimore, MD USA
Posts: 5,529
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ccsmith87
Yes, you can replace just the mounts. If you plan on doing it yourself you'll need some jack stands and a spring compressor. Along with some common tools of course.
I also recommend that you change your struts and springs (in pairs of course) because 8 times out of 10 they are worn out aswell.
NAPA Auto Parts sells a Monroe Quik-Strut assembly that is lifetime warranty and requires no spring compressor to install them. So even if your spring breaks and the rest of the assembly is fine you get everything under warranty. Really a great way to go. =)
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First off, the spring compressor is a really cheap tool that you can get from Harbor Freight:
http://www.harborfreight.com/macpher...-set-3980.html
MacPherson Strut Spring Compressor Set
Item # 3980
Quickly and safely compress coil springs in order to repair or replace MacPherson struts, shock absorbers and spring sets.
Uses 15/16" hand tool or impact wrench
Includes two safety hook sets
Comes with two legs for balanced compression
Only: $14.99 Sale: $9.99
And replacing struts is easy. I've never replaced the strut mount, but it's only a few more bolts once you have the strut assembly removed. You'll also need a breaker bar. Struts are only intimidating if you have never replaced one before, but once you are done you are an expert. It's really not much harder than replacing the alternator on this car (I.E. - easy).
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06-24-2010, 05:42 PM
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#18
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GX Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Posts: 101
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That's about the cheapest spring compressor I've ever seen... is it safe?
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06-25-2010, 12:27 AM
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#19
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GX Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Madison WI
Posts: 188
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I just looked into parts and the monroe quick strut is great. The upper mount alone is $46 plus compressor. The quick strut gives you everything including mounts, strut, spring, for $125! No compressor needed.
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"How did you MELT the spark plugs!?"
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