Strut Spring Noise

[Sentientbydesign]

I've been hearing this rattling like sheet metal vibrating against metal when I go over bumps or bumpy roads.

Today, I started kicking (nicely) my tire because it was low and I heard the same noise. It turns out it's coming from the strut and springs.

My tire shop told me that the springs were too short and that there was play that's why there was noise (this was a different noise in the past).

So my question is, has anyone ever had this problem or heard of something like this?

I've already got in an argument with one of the moderators about Eibach springs. There are articles all over the internet with people commenting/complaining that their Pro Kits lowered their cars more than what was stated by Eibach.

I think my estimate for mine was like 2.25 inches or there about.

[mlflynt]

I have a 1995 SE Maxima, and I'm also hearing a rattle from the passenger front strut/spring. Lifting the hood I found that I could move the top of the strut, by moving the nut that secures the strut to the upper "seat". I believe there is a bearing located there. I am currently replacing my front struts, and feel this will take of this noise/problem. I can post this up later, if it does.

[Beancooker]

I think that the sheet metal sound that you hear is the strut mount bearing or the insulator. When they are worn out, it can cause metal on metal sounds.

Here is a pic of the strut assembly.

[rxm6]

I think that the sheet metal sound that you hear is the strut mount bearing or the insulator. When they are worn out, it can cause metal on metal sounds.

This is most assuredly your problem. Once the spring is seated in there it is pretty snug, however, deteriorated rubber would cause metal on metal.

[Sentientbydesign]

I know for a fact that the polyurethane hose is gone. I'll probably have to replace that.

When I did my "test" yesterday, if I held the bottom of the spring and the strut "hat" together, the noise was minimized if not completely gone.

The strut mount bearing might be old, but the strut mount insulator bracket is relatively new. I had to get them from the dealer about a year ago, because my friend over torqued my FSTB on installation and snapped one of the studs.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

How many miles on ur car and what yr?

My 95 had about 140K on it and had to have thestrut support replaced. Go to autozone and lookat an exploded strut. I think it was the strut mounting insulator bracket.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Count the threads on the strut to keep the alignment right

[mlflynt]

Are you talking about the single nut that is at the top end of the strut? The one removed after the spring is compressed?

[Sentientbydesign]

My sig shows my mileage.

I have lifetime alignment on my car.

I think the bolt he's talking about is the one in the engine bay. It is NOT supposed to be removed. It supports the vehicle in conjuction with the bracket.