Hi Folks,
thanks for previous advice on the strut insert spacers. If I had read a little more and seen daveshan site I would not have removed the strut from the car per the Haynes manual. Oh well - side two will be easier. I noticed some play (side to side)between the strut mount inner race and the strut rod. I get the same amount of play on both the old and new strut. Can the inner race of the upper strut mount wear that much? The bearings are fine and not separated from the rubber. I think the fit should be much better than it is but maybe this is normal and I am overly concerned. could this be the source of the rattle noise in the front end over rough road surface? If I need to replace the mounts should I go with the OE or the much cheaper aftermarkets. There is 157k on the car and if the piston slap doesn't drive me nuts I may keep the car for awhile.