help me im an idiot

[sx moneypit]

Disconnect your tie rod end and turn the strut by hand and see what happens.If you cant rotate it all the way or if binds up you have got a strut mount thats f**ked up! Most of the struts i have had to deal with should turn smooth and freely,but not so freely as say a wheel bearing.
Modified by sx moneypit at 4:31 PM 12/21/2009

[blackandblue]

What's happening is that the spring perch at the the top of the strut is binding against the sheet metal at the top of the "strut well" The spring perch will stop but the steering linkage will force the spring to wind up. That is what makes it spring back. Make sure that the notch at the upper spring perch is facing out when the wheel is straight. If not, you'll be pulling and re-working a strut. Whee! Check up at the top of your strut and see if there is any evidence of contact or rubbing on the body. That's the place where the strut assembly gets the closest to coming into contact.

[angrypenguin182]

i'm gonna try and get another strut, if this guy will get back to me!!! lol sorry it's been like 3 days since i spoke tohim

[blackandblue]

replacing a strut with an identical unit will give you the same problem. Don't waste your money on a new strut. If the car bounds or is obviously leaking oil from the strut, it needs to be replaced. If not... I would recommend fitting up S13 struts on the S13. I don't know what spring rate differences or fitment issues you could expect from S14 struts on S13's. Similarities abound but, I know for a fact that LCA's are shorter on S13's. The geometry differences might be enough to cause serious problems. If you haven't consulted with an experienced professional yet, now is the time. I am a one car garage, shadetree guy with limited tools, but 10 years experience on the S14. My car has been to the shop for tires and that's all. 120,000 miles since I bought her!

[spank044]

Looks like it just rusted out, i dont know why they dont put grease fittings on them!

I don't know about you, but I can see the grease fitting in the middle of the pic. This was an aftermarket tie rod end since it had the fitting.

[angrypenguin182]

Yeah I'm gonna replace the front two shocks/struts w/ ones from an s13

[sx moneypit]

Good move brother!

[CTS13]

Why dont people stick with their correct year/model parts. If you need to upgrade to a s14 shock, why not get a s13 performance shock. I just dont get it.

[angrypenguin182]

Lol its a smart move unfortunately some people [me] listen to others without looking it up.

[CTS13]

Well atleats you got the topic title right.