I used the very clearly documented procedure below to replace the struts
viewtopic.php?p=590388&hilit=xc70+strut+2011#p590388
On disassembly, I inspected all the parts and perhaps foolishly only replaced to obviously bad parts:
-struts
- control arms
- rubber spring seat
- sway bar links
- sway bar bushings
I didn't replace these parts because visually and structurally they appeared in good condition:
- bump stops
- bellows
- strut mounts
- strut bearing
Sadly , after I got done there were similar but different knocking noises from the front suspension.
Now , one obvious noise is clearly coming from the top of the strut tower, the 3 bolts and the center strut bolt are all very tight.
With the wheel off , and a board under the disk rotor , if I push up on the strut , I can hear a noise coming from the top of the strut.
I am concluding that the play is either a bit of debris caught between the top of the strut and the car body or somehow there is excess play in the strut mount bearing. Apparently my visual inspection is not trustworthy.
In any case , the entire procedure is going to have to be done over but at least now the bolts are now un-frozen and Im familiar with the process.
IMG_1914.mov- (26.93 MiB) Downloaded 46 times