Based on the noises I am hearing from my front end (when driving over bumps at any given speed), I think I'm gonna be shopping for new struts soon.

From the archives, it looks like I should avoid Gabriel struts like the plague. Any recommendations on what parts would best match the stock equipment? I like the smooth ride I have now. And should my struts be failing at less than 55K miles?

I'm looking at a shop to do the work, since I probably don't have the know-how or special tools to do the work myself. According to the Auto Zone and Parts America websites, strut assemblies run $45-80 each... but a recent post had someone paying $1200 to have all four corners replaced. Is that a common shop price? Thanks in advance for suggestions and comments.

I just pulled the struts out of the 94, you need spring compressors (which you can rent for ~$100 at autozone), and wrenches.

Just a last minute thought, those struts should not make noise if they are worn out., unless of course you have a broken one. I had noises over small bumbs and thought the same thing. I put the things on ramps and had someone push the car up and down, and it turned out to be a broken sway link. About 15$ for two, and an hour to replace, and mannnnnn, the front end was nice and tight again. anyway, you might check this out before doin a strut job......

So if mine makes noises as well, it might not be the struts? Ic Ill check it out.

Could also be the top plates and/or bearings making noise. Do you hear it on bumps or when turning?

Cheers,

Replace your endlinks and bushings. See if that helps. They probably need it anyway. Cheap, fairly easy, and it may prevent you from buying struts

Do a search. There'* a post called "no more ringy-ding noises" in 92-99 by fuddyduddy121 with lots of info on this.

Both. Just noticed the "knock" tonight while turning at slow speeds. Maybe it'* a tie rod or something. *sheesh*

Thanks also willwren, I'll check that post.

Your car came stock with plastic spacers on the endlinks. The Energy suspension kits replace this with metal. Much better design. Mine were metal stock, and I don't know what year they started plastic, but I've seen the plastic on at least one 95se (jr's3800). Some 97'* shipped from the factory with only one link kit installed. It was missing from the right side. I know a guy that had this happen locally.

I also had a noise, supposedly from an inner tie rod. After having changed most of my front suspension and then going to the dealer for a wheel aligmnet, they said an inner tie rod needed replacing.

The noise has now come back, the other inner tie rod (?), and a rear ball joint has developed a nasty knock meaning it'* over due for replacement :?

Cheers,

Willwren, you were *right* on the money. My driver'* side endlink was busted in half, which was discovered after I took the Bonny *back* to the tire shop today to get TWO tires plugged that had a nail and a screw in them. (One of those tires I just replaced 5 days ago... what are the odds???)

Anyway, I bought two new endlinks for $12 and I'm going to attempt to change them out myself. Wish me luck... :fingers crossed: