Well, I found out what caused all of the noise on my right front strut. Inside the spring is a plastic thing that holds the dust cover on. Above that is a plastic clamp(?) that is fitted to a metal washer. The plastic clamp fell apart allowing the dustcover to flop around. $14 at the dealer. Spring seat looked good.

Because the car has almost 146K miles, I decided to go with Koni sport shocks. They are adjustable to give me the ride I want.

DID I SCREW UP???

When I reassembled the strut, the spring was compressed more than 11.81 inches, probably closer to 10inches. So when I put in the "star" nut it turned all of the way down to the end of the threads. Is this going to make it too tight? Should I take it all off, pull the spring to 11.81 inches and re-do the star nut? What is the correct translation to 11.81 inches? Is that from spring tip to spring tip?
How does one torque the star nut? I am using a set of channel pliers.

I will be doing the driver's side tomorrow morning.

Thanks,

Klaus
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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)