Play in Strut Mount?

[EyExR]

Is it normal for there to be some play in strut mount/bearing?

In other words, if I have the car up on jack stands and try to rock the wheel around, should there be ANY play in the strut mount? ....I mean, there has to be bearings in there for a reason... ??

[nando]

it should be tight.

[EyExR]

no play at all? Why the bearings?

[nando]

what do you mean? it has to turn. but it shouldn't move back and forth, other than the deflection of the rubber, which is too stiff for you to move the strut by your hands.

[EyExR]

ok. that makes sense. I'm hearing a clunking sound in the front suspension. Everything is new but some repacked axles and I'm trying to narrow down the sound... Whatever it is is causing (I believe) some tramlining when using my summer wheelset.

[EyExR]

...now I'm beginning to think it's a bad axle again...

[nando]

CV joints will make noise but they won't make the car tramline

most likely the tramlining is just the tires or alignment

[EyExR]

Something is definitely screwy. I can hear a creak in the driver's side front suspension. No idea where it's coming from. It can't just be the tires and alignment. It's too pronounced...

[nando]

how old are the strut mounts?

[mulletman]

I also have a creaking sort of sound from the front suspension when I turn the steering wheel a lot at parking lot speeds. I haven't been able to troubleshoot yet... My plan was to start pulling stuff apart and inspecting it.

[EyExR]

how old are the strut mounts?

New

[EyExR]

I also have a creaking sort of sound from the front suspension when I turn the steering wheel a lot at parking lot speeds. I haven't been able to troubleshoot yet... My plan was to start pulling stuff apart and inspecting it.

Yeah. That's what I'm going to do. I just have to finish up a job on my E34 and make space in the garage.

[nando]

I had a creaking sound and it was because my FL Bilstein completely came apart.

[mulletman]

I had a creaking sound and it was because my FL Bilstein completely came apart.

What sort of creaking was it? Mine is silent over bumps, but there's just a faint sound when I turn the steering wheel. I'm hoping it's a strut mount, as those are one of the only pieces I haven't yet replaced.

[EyExR]

FL? Bilstein?

I still think it's my axle now. I'm not sold on the fact that axle wear can't cause steering wander.

What was a creaking has now become clicking and it gets faster the faster I go. I'm going to pull the axle next week and have it sent out to be rebuilt.

Anyone know of a shop I can ship to that will rebuild iX axles at a fair price and does great work?