I have a clunking noise coming from the front end of my baby (both passenger + driver's) and I was told from 2 different mechanics 2 different things... Here goes...

Mechanic number one said that my "spring saddles" are bad and need to be replaced.

Mechanic number two said that my strut bushings are bad.

What about the struts themselves or the strut mounts? Are the mounts another word for saddles?

Are these the same thing?

Are they easy to repair?

Do I sound like an idiot?

No you are not an idiot!! Check and see if you have any fluid coming down the strut, if so replace them. Also, check the ball joints. Jack the car up and put your hands at 12 and 6 o'clock on the tire and wiggle it. If it moves, ball joints could be going.
On my 95 with 160,000 miles I replaced the balljoints and stabilizer links as mentioned in the previous message. All the clunking went bye-bye. Good luck.

The sway bar end links also cause clunking sounds when
they fail. In fact, fairly common problem. Repair is
to replace the end link rods and it is a pretty easy job.

There are strut mounts that incorporate a spring seat. Not uncommon for these to fail over time. For a pic, go to:

http://www.ipdusa.com/ProductsList.aspx?subSubCategoryID=537

How many miles do you have on your car? Might replace the struts while they're out for the mount replacement.
--
Erwin in Memphis, '95 855t

I've got about 87K on it so far.... Well... I'l ake a look and see what i see!!!