I've got a '97 Monte LS with a bit of a problem. I am not sure whether I need new struts or if it is a problem much smaller. When I go over bumps or pull out of my gravel driveway, there is a lot of knocking coming from the rear driver-side tire. I know the knocking is usually a sign of bad struts. However, I've bounced on the rear of the car to see if it bounces more than a few times and it does not, it comes right back up and stops. I took it to the mechanic and he didn't even look at it, I just described the noise and he said you need new struts. I'm not sure if it is maybe just a bushing or something of that nature that I could replace, instead of paying out the a** for new struts and installation.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

Sounds like the top plate(bearing plate) is toast,

Here is a write up I did when I replaced mine,
https://montecarloforum.com/forum/fw...acement-28934/. <~~link

 

That's an awesome write-up. So should I just purchase two new struts or what would be the best move in this situation?

 

I agree, sounds like your strut mount has seen better days. If the struts are still good, just install new mounts only (might as well do both rear sides), easy cheesy to do.

 

Just replace the top plates if the struts are still good, they should have rental spring compressors aswell at most parts store if not cheap set from harbor freight worked fine with mine


MasterPro® Strut Mounts FM1695 - Strut Mount | O'Reilly Auto Parts

MasterPro® Strut Mounts FM1694 - Strut Mount | O'Reilly Auto Parts

MacPherson Strut Spring Compressor Set

 

my struts "looked and felt" good until my coils collapsed and after we got them off is when we realized how bad the struts were. how many miles are on the struts, or on the car if they are original? always check for any loose bolts around the brakes/tire too. i had a knock in the front end once for a few days due to a lose bolt (thought it was struts) then one day it broke lose and my pass side brake system fell apart on me. thankfully tho i was only in a parking lot doing 5mph. better safe than sorry! a lose exhaust pipe will mimicking the bad strut sound too (unless you hear the sound in your trunk?)

 

Okay y'all, I'm being a nervous nancy right now. Took my car to the shop, and told them to replace the mount. Is there anything that could go wrong when they disassemble the strut to put on the new mount? I start my new job Monday and that is the only vehicle I have. Considering going up and bringing the car back, because I don't want him to try and install new mount and it not work. Thoughts?

 

Problem fixed. Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all the input