S70-T5 front struts/shocks squeaking

[Flyguy]

I have a 1998 s70-T5 that has an automatic trasmission. I bought it about 2 months ago. It now has 61,000 miles. In the last couple of weeks, it has started making a rubbing noise (like rubber against rubber) from the front right side. The left side does it as well, but not as bad. I looked under the hood and bounced the car. There is a space bewteen the top of the strut (just below the bolt) and the rubber bushing. Is this normal? Is there a way to adjust this? I also jacked the car up so that both front wheels were off of the ground and noticed that the inside of the right tire has brushed the inside of the plastic wheel well cover. It also makes a God awful thump when I hit a bump. How long should shocks and struts last?

[Tsquared]

Shock and strut rattle can be corrected with new mounts for the shock or strut if it is worn. Most likely the upper spring mount has lost rubber adhesion from the inner sleeve either due to a worn shock/strut/spring. To fix this you may have to replace the struts and mounts. From what you have described it is the upper shock mounts (could also be the bump stop retaining clip) that is making a thumping noise. The upper shock mount needs to be inspected for cracks and torn rubber - replace if worn. For the Bump Stops - there are plastic clips that hold the bump stops inside the rear coil springs. When thay become loose the bump stop will rattle in the bottom of the rear coil spring. With 60K miles you are a candidate for new struts and mounts - you may want to consider new springs as well. If you replace the struts it is a good idea to get a 4 wheel alignment (required if you replace the springs).

I have 95K miles on my 850 and they are starting to go. I will probably replace the struts/shocks/springs/mounts in the next 10-20K. If the car has been driven hard or on poor road sufaces it could wear faster. My 850 is driven fairly easily and on good roads. Whith the T5 you should have the larger wheel with the low profile tire - there is less clearance in the wheel well and rubbing is normal.

Check out this link:
http://www.ipdusa.com/ProductsCat.aspx? ... RootID=629

Good luck,

T