Front Strut Bushings (mount)

[goodcase]

I'm having an issue with my front suspension and through extensive googling have determined that it is my front strut bushings. I can replicate the sound 100% of the time when I'm reversing out of my driveway and have the wheels turned right. It happens when I'm going down the little lip that is at the edge of the driveway. I also noticed that if I dead steer, one full rotation and turn the wheel another quarter of the way there is a "clunking" sound (for a lack of a better term). I'll take a video of it tomorrow, but I'm unsure if it's related.

When I was in for my last oil change, I had mentioned the noise but was unsure of where it was coming or how to replicate it. They said that they checked all of the bolts etc etc and everything was still tight. Will they check the part if I have a good indication of whats causing it now? Or will they try to brush it off because this information was found on the internet. Also, is this a common occurrence? It appears as if the part is made of plastic and would break often.

[goodcase]

Also forgot to mention. Its a 2010 with 58xxx km.

[funkdupspeed3]

i have the same issue. it never occurred with my stock set up (gen1 ms3). i notice the same clunking when turning the wheel fully left and right trying to park the car in a parking spot or reverse parking or backing up when turning the wheel fully.

the clunking only began after my koni yellows and cobb springs installation at street performance. i will be bringing it by to jimmy to take a look.

[Genpu_Mz3]

does it sounds like your tightening a spring when you turn your steering wheel? its the strut mount if so, when i lowered my car, i pulled the sleeve that protects shock off and well all the bearings came out. so there prolly a blown bearing or some dirt got in there. but anywho thats my 2 cents, (its $62 at part source)

[goodcase]

does it sounds like your tightening a spring when you turn your steering wheel? its the strut mount if so, when i lowered my car, i pulled the sleeve that protects shock off and well all the bearings came out. so there prolly a blown bearing or some dirt got in there. but anywho thats my 2 cents, (its $62 at part source)

What would tightening a spring sound like?

[Zuluwun]

Would this also cause a rattling clunk when driving over any sort of bump? I've got a sound that basically sounds like something is loose in the general area just inboard of the wheel.

If so, then thanks for helping me narrow down what the hell is going on with my strut.

[goodcase]

Would this also cause a rattling clunk when driving over any sort of bump? I've got a sound that basically sounds like something is loose in the general area just inboard of the wheel.

If so, then thanks for helping me narrow down what the hell is going on with my strut.

Yes, that's exactly the noise. It's driving me nuts!

[Genpu_Mz3]

What would tightening a spring sound like? lol, i cant type the sound

[Zuluwun]

Yes, that's exactly the noise. It's driving me nuts!

F*CK dude, I sympathize with you. I've got an appointment with Jimmy on Friday at 1, and I'm desperately trying to keep my sanity till then. Had this noise since Monday and I've been worrying non-stop about it.

So, from the info you found, is it the strut mount or the strut bushings? I guessed the it might be the mount, but visually, the plate looks fine, just like the other one. I have no idea what to look for though.

EDIT: I fail; strut mount plate is not strut mount.

[Genpu_Mz3]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B41PdPH2OWs&feature=related
does it sound like this?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44pJ2fZGbpo
can you do this?

[Zuluwun]

I think you nailed it maztre. I'm gonna try jacking up the corner and giving the tire a wiggle in the morning. That's pretty scary to think my strut's moving like that though!

goodcase - have you had any suspension work done?

[goodcase]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B41PdPH2OWs&feature=related
does it sound like this?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44pJ2fZGbpo
can you do this?

Sounds like the first one but I haven't been able to life the car to see if there is any play with the strut.


I think you nailed it maztre. I'm gonna try jacking up the corner and giving the tire a wiggle in the morning. That's pretty scary to think my strut's moving like that though!

goodcase - have you had any suspension work done?

No, I'm completely stock.

[Zuluwun]

Update: Replaced the front strut bearing and the noise is completely gone. My wheel did not have the kind of movement apparent in the 2nd youtube clip posted. That's a sign that the strut mount itself is toast. My strut mount was still perfectly fine, the bearing was shot.

According to Jimmy, if you have a noise while steering (described above as tightening a spring or, as I thought of it, a metal on metal rubbing sound) it is definitely the bearing.

Bought the strut bearing from Avante Mazda, for $30 and change after TM3 discount and tax. Just FYI

[goodcase]

Update: Replaced the front strut bearing and the noise is completely gone. My wheel did not have the kind of movement apparent in the 2nd youtube clip posted. That's a sign that the strut mount itself is toast. My strut mount was still perfectly fine, the bearing was shot.

According to Jimmy, if you have a noise while steering (described above as tightening a spring or, as I thought of it, a metal on metal rubbing sound) it is definitely the bearing.

Bought the strut bearing from Avante Mazda, for $30 and change after TM3 discount and tax. Just FYI

Thats good to hear! I'm going to make an appointment and hopefully get it in on Tuesday.

[goodcase]

I'm taking it in tomorrow at 10am. Hopefully it will be resolved.

[goodcase]

:bang I just got the call from the service adviser. They said they couldn't find anything which I find extremely hard to believe. I'm going to try hard to record this sound so hopefully I can get some input. I'm going to try taking it to a different dealer as well.

[Zuluwun]

:bang I just got the call from the service adviser. They said they couldn't find anything which I find extremely hard to believe. I'm going to try hard to record this sound so hopefully I can get some input. I'm going to try taking it to a different dealer as well.

erm?

no rattling sound over bumps, no sound when steering? That's ridiculous... I heard a very significant difference between my busted bearing and the new one. Different dealer might be a good call.