Thanks to all who have provided answers to my recent front-end clunk inquiries. I'm starting this new thread for the same problem, as the previous thread was getting long.

I've discovered something that should have been obvious right off (sometimes I'm smart, sometimes not so much).

When pushing down on the front end (knee on front bumper) and holding the nut/washer portion of the strut mount that is in the engine compartment, I can hear the noise and feel the clunk. In fact, I can see a small amount of separation - maybe 1/16" - occurring there as I bounce up and down.

My question: is this movement typical to a condition of worn struts, or does it indicate that the upper strut mounting plate and or bearings are shot?

Can I simply try tightening the large nut that is accessible from the engine compartment to eliminate the movement or is that wishful thinking?

I want to fix this the right way, but also don't want to replace parts unnecessarily.

Thanks,
Mason

Hey mrad,
I just replaced the strut mount on my 94 940. The big nut at the top of the strut was tight and moved about 1/4" and made a loud clunk on bumps. The rubber in the mount had failed but wasn't noticeable unless the car was being jacked up and the weight was coming off of the suspension. I replaced a tie rod and and the mount and now it is fine. If you have it apart and are keeping the car for a while, I would change everything that is doubtful at all, since it will need to be alined(sp) anyway.

Palmer
--
1994 944na, 1980 265 V8, 1989 244, 1987 745ti

Ahhh, it was the upper mount that fixed the problem. I don’t feel too bad for replacing the upper strut mounts on my 1993. I would still liked to have replaced the top most bushing under the strut rod nut. It’s too bad a bounce test couldn’t uncover the problem.
--
Tom F. Three Bricks, maintain two more.

Thanks Palmer.

I will replace the mounts along with the struts (I see the mounts as being available as a kit with new bearings for about $47 each) . As far as I can tell, the tie rod ends are okay, so I'll probably leave well enough alone there.

If I don't fool with the tie-rod ends, I'm assuming I won't need an alignment. Sound right?

Did you have any trouble replacing your struts/mounts?
What size allen wrench/socket do I need for the two big bolts that holds the strut tower in place at the bottom?
What brand of cartridge did you use? Like 'em?

mrad

I have a 92 944T and it's been clunky up front and the ride is...well almost intolerable. I'm wondering about that upper strut mount too, its $150-200 for a pair of them and i'm about to replace the front struts. Do you guys usually replace the struts and mounts at the same time?