I've done these before and used the spring compressor, so pretty familiar with what is involved in replacing the various parts, just never had to separate a ball joint previously or take the spindle off the axle. I know I need mounts, bearings, bellows, bump stumps. What else should I source? Thanks.
Front End Banging - What Part Has Failed?
1994 NG 900 5-Door. I've got a constant banging from the front end, even on relatively smooth roads. It used to be only when it was cold, now it's all the time. When I pop the hood, and press down on the either side of the car, the center section of the shock/strut assembly, that has the big cupped washer and nut attached to the end of the strut, moves completely up out of the strut mount and does not appear to be attached to anything at all, on both sides, i.e., it is rising up and out as the car and spring seat are going down. When I do the same test on one of my other NG900s that has no banging, this part does not move up and in fact moves with the rest of the strut mount as it should. Is this bad strut mount assembly/upper spring seat? How horrible is taking all of this out? The struts inserts themselves were replaced previously and are not showing signs of needing replacement. I've disassembled and replaced strut assemblies before on Chrysler products which are only a few bolts getting them out, but I see something has to be separated with a ball joint tool on this one.
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Thanks. Very helpful. I came up with same part # on spring spacer (in description it said NG900, 9-3 and 9-5 were all possible applications). Going to do an inspection of everything in next couple days to see what all is needed.
This is probably going to turn into a double header, so going to order 4 of everything. Besides this one that is banging, my 97 convertible desperately needs the front struts replaced at 175K. I have been putting it off way too long. No noise at all, but pretty much like driving a 60s Buick around, actually nauseating at times because of the bounce.
Got an absolutely AMAZING deal on the strut mounts on Rock Auto closeout: $3.98 each! That's not a typo: $3.98 for complete strut mount including lower bearing, upper cone washer, lower washer, and new nuts. Auto Part International brand which I have used in the past; seems to be very very high quality. Does not look cheaply made at all. I bought two complete sets - 4 total. Also got a Dayco lower radiator hose for $2.98 and 10 license plate bulbs (6418) for $1.40. That's $1.40 for a pack of 10, not $1.40 each. These are $8+ for a pack of 2 at the auto parts store. Off to a good start . . .
Ordered Friday, received Monday, more amazing service. They look very good to me. Don't appear to be cheaply made at all. I've currently got 10 cars registered and insured, 6 of which are Saabs, so the most I put on any one vehicle in a year is about 3K. So even if these last 5 years, I'll still be way ahead . . .
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Well the banging is gone. It was the big nut that holds the strut cartridge in, completely loose on the driver's side. I turned it probably 2 or 3 full turns by hand before I got a pipe wrench on it through the space between the coil springs with the car jacked up. I got it as tight as I possibly could with the pipe wrench. Hopefully, it will stay tight. Still going to proceed with the strut replacement, at least on the 97 that is so bouncy.
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