Clunking sound

[TooTall90]

I have searched around for a solution but found none, one thread was close but was never resolved. I did find out why my steering wheel rattles so not a complete waste.

Anyways on to my new problem, I just recently finished installing my new struts and shocks. The rears were a breeze, the fronts not so much. Now I can hear a wierd clunking sound from the front drivers side. Front passenger side has no spring pad, and the drivers side has one but The installation was a bit rushed. Now I'm thinkng the spring pad being installed badly is causing the clunk. From what I read having no spring pads doesn't cause clunking but what about a poorly installed one? Again I'm not sure if it is indeed poorly installed since it's dark out now and I can't see it. Looking for input and help

thanks

[DRTSRFR]

First thing to check is the strut bolt at the upper mount, then the glan nut if you replaced the inserts.

Missing spring pads won't induce clunking.

[TooTall90]

glan nut? yes i replaced the inserts.

[E30SPDFRK]

The gland nut is the nut that holds the strut into the housing.

Check the top nut that holds the strut mount on the struts, the strut mount to strut tower bolts, and the sway bar end links. Those would be the main noise generators in the front end.

[whiltebeitel]

glan nut? yes i replaced the inserts.

Gland nut goes over the insert, keeping it in the strut tube. If it's not fully seatled, the strut will move in the strut tube. If the nut that holds the top of the strut against the upper perch on the shock tower, it will move up and down and clunk.

[TooTall90]

thanks everyone. now that i think about it it is prollly the nut on top of the strut housing. im pretty sure the gland nut was nice and tight. i remember that i started to tighten the top nut until the strut rod itself started spinning, i could not tighten it anymore but i did notice that up top there seemed to be a spot made for an allen wrench to hold the strut rod still, but i couldnt figure out a way to tighten the top nut and hold the rod still, therefore i thought it was good as is. guess not

[whiltebeitel]

Yeah, that's why impacts are awesome. I usually jack up the spindle to put some friction on the shock shaft and run it down with an impact until it stops.