850, (probably) bent strut clunk, how dangerous? Topic is solved

yamaboosh · Post by **yamaboosh** » 22 Apr 2017, 20:33

Hello everyone.

So a few weeks ago I hit a curb really hard with my right front wheel, destroying the wheel and bending the subframe. Since then I replaced the subframe and the control arm on the damaged side, but not the strut. Lately I noticed (after I replaced the subframe and had the wheels aligned) that going over bumps produces a loud clunk. It's been getting worse, and today while driving in a narrow space on a bumpy surface I heard that the clunk is actually pretty bad. Now, I do not exclude loose bolts in the subframe, but last night or so when I tried to tighten them manually they wouldn't budge, so perhaps they are fine.

Most of the clunk is coming from the right side, and I've been told at the tires place that the strut is bent, so would that be it, and if it is the strut, how dangerous is it to drive on? I am waiting for my next paycheck to order new struts from FCP, but it's still a week away and I need to drive to work every morning and back home every evening. Please advise.

beigg · Post by **beigg** » 22 Apr 2017, 21:03

Struts and mounts tend to be close behind for replacing when something like that happens.

I would not drive on any known strut thats bent clunky or flopping bout.

Post by **JimBee** » 22 Apr 2017, 21:35

The problem might be a damaged bushing in the spring seat, and/or the bearing, from what you describe those components must have taken part in the trauma. If they did, and if those components are weakened and they fail, your strut piston might come through your hood. If they're damaged that badly, the damage might be visible at the strut tower under the hood.

You might have somebody jounce the front of the car up and down while you're looking at it. One option for an easy fix would be to buy an integrated ready-to-install strut and spring assembly like somebody on this site was recently praising. I think he said his featured a Gabriel strut and the price was around $129.00 each.

beigg · Post by **beigg** » 23 Apr 2017, 07:28

Like brake pads, struts should be replaced in pairs.

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 23 Apr 2017, 09:19

I haven't heard of a bent strut either. Struts are designed to leak. You'd see that much damage to your struts... I would put my money on bad strut seats. If money is tight, I'd inspect them, and if they're the compromised, you can swap out both with HD XC strut seats for $40. Easiest to way to check is to open the hood and have someone push up and down on the front of the car. You'll be able to tell if they're severely cracked. Good luck

Post by **oragex** » 23 Apr 2017, 09:35

JimBee wrote: ↑22 Apr 2017, 21:35 The problem might be a damaged bushing in the spring seat, and/or the bearing, from what you describe those components must have taken part in the trauma. If they did, and if those components are weakened and they fail, your strut piston might come through your hood. If they're damaged that badly, the damage might be visible at the strut tower under the hood.

You might have somebody jounce the front of the car up and down while you're looking at it. One option for an easy fix would be to buy an integrated ready-to-install strut and spring assembly like somebody on this site was recently praising. I think he said his featured a Gabriel strut and the price was around $129.00 each.

+1

I'd first look at all bolts around the suspension, one might got loose/broken under the impact. Also check the coil spring, might have been broken at the upper or lower coils.

The only way to know how is the strut is to dismantle the strut assembly, depress the strut rod and see how it goes up - should come back fairly quickly and also smoothly.
But as above, chances are the spring seat or the strut mount took the beating - again no way to see that until dismantling the strut assembly.

I would not replace both front struts unless they are not the same brand and even then, I won't worry unless you notice the car leans on one side. As for the struts, be really careful and give Google a try - look for feedback on forums - about each brands you are looking for. If you want it to last more than 1-2 years, don't even question, Sachs is the way to go, the blue sticker ones are the better of this brand. Same for the spring seat, only go Sachs

As for the danger part, it's hard to give advice given it can be a safety concern.

yamaboosh · Post by **yamaboosh** » 24 Apr 2017, 22:01

Thanks everyone for your answers! I checked the strut seats according to your advices, and also took it to a shop to check. You were right, the strut mount is bent and slightly loose, and this creates the noise. The shop asked for $820 to replace the struts and sway bar links, to which i said 'to hell with that' and ordered the parts needed for $300, will replace them myself. The car should hold for the rest of the week