Walpole5

To eliminate a clunk over small bumps, I replaced strut mounts and bearings with a set from ECS Tuning. I discovered the actual source of the noise was the sway bar link, but went ahead with the mounts. I didn't remove the strut and was just able to take out the mount. I lubed and installed the new ones and ensured the spring was correctly located but have two issues:

1. After tightening both nuts down securely, there is only about a 1/4" of thread coming out of the top nut. Before, there was 1/2" to 3/4". The plastic covers won't stay on because of this and makes me suspect something is wrong. There are only 3 parts (besides the nuts) and I'm sure I put everything back correctly.

2. I now sometimes get a loud clunk, like the spring is shifting, when the car is at very low speeds and the steering cranked almost to one side.

I'm concerned that I did something wrong, but I don't know what it is. Any ideas out there?

Walpole5

No replies so far, but I have an idea what might be going on. I think the new mounts are thicker rubber than the old ones, so the threaded shaft from the strut does not stick up as far. I've double-checked the tightness of both the bearing nut and the upper nut and both are tight. I'm not sure why I'm getting the noise like the spring is shifting, but I suspect it's because it's in a slight different location due to the thicker mount. I'm hoping the noise disappears over time. All else seems fine.

Mister Bally

Were these OEM mounts from ECS or another brand? I'd call them and discuss. They should be able to compare a genuine OEM with their other brand(s). If their is a dimensional difference, they should offer you a refund/credit if you send back the ones that are incorrect.

There is a chance that they were incorrectly picked or placed in the wrong bin there as well.

CurtisAintlow

I used the problem fix mounts on my 2001 TT. They solved the noise problem. You can also adjust the alignment a degree or 2 with those mounts. If I remember correctly there were several pieces, and need to be installed exactly like the instructions. Good luck

Walpole5

I've been on vacation, so I haven't driven the car much. Before we left, we drove it about 100 miles and all seems fine. I'm thinking of just leaving everything as is unless I find out something has been affected besides the amount of thread remaining above the nut. Thanks for the responses.

Walpole5

OK, still have the spring shifting noise when the steering is close to full lock. I ordered new strut mounts and they are definitely shorter than the ones I put in. Pain in the neck to do the work again, but I hope to tackle it this weekend. At least the mounts are cheap ($7 each on Amazon for Sachs)