Front strut spacer install question.

[rockstar]

I have a 2.5" Liftmeister on my 03 Envoy. Recently the right front strut has been squawking very loudly. I pulled the strut and took it apart to try and figure out the problem. Put it back together and was able to figure it out. Turns out the shock rod bolt won't tighten down and so the rod is slipping up and down inside the bushing. Unfortunately I have to take it back apart to try and fix it but that's not my question. I was rereading the instructions on installing the lift to try and get some insight as to what I may have done wrong or maybe forgot, and saw this step:

5) Remove the Strut Assembly and mark the exact orientation of the “out” side of the strut prior to disassembly.

I did not do this when I pulled it apart and put it back together. I'm wondering if someone can tell me what this means and if I have a problem now that I pulled it all apart. I can't really see how assembling the strut the same would make a difference.

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

It doesn't matter.


Is your issue/squeak due to the fairly common stock upper strut mount failing?

 

[rockstar]

I don't believe so but won't know for sure till I take it back apart. I only loosened everything up so I could shift everything and make sure it was properly seated. I'm going to pull it apart this week and actually disassemble it. I'll thoroughly inspect it for and breaks or cracks then. The upper shock rod isn't compressing the bushing and so it slides up and down when i Bounce the front end. I got it to stop squeaking by squirting lithium grease in it so I know that is were the noise is. I now hear a light clunking sound from the rod moving up and down.

 

[The_Roadie]

Post up a picture of your upper nut and compare it to pictures we've posted in the past about how many threads are showing. Typically, a spring that's not compressed fully when the mount is reassembled and tightened down will loosen up over time.

The stack of shock rod shoulder, washer, rubber or poly mount with inside sleeve, upper washer, and nut has to be tight on its own. You cannot compress the spring using shock nut force alone.

Members have had the nuts come off the shock, leaving the strut to come apart if they unweight the suspension over a speed bump.

 

[rockstar]

Turns out the strut mount was broken. Need to get back on the road so had to replace it with a won't last . Any recommendations for an upgrade?

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

Not sure what a won't last is, but there is no upgrade. Just replace it.

 

[The_Roadie]

Marks 3" lift.

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

Quite true but not real cheap

 

[rockstar]

I thought about the 3" lift but think I'll stick with the 2.5". It's a nice compromise between the off roading I do and keeping manageable fuel economy for my highway trips.

AutoZone's brand name is Duralast but in my experience I feel a better name would be won't last. They were the only ones to have one in stock so I went with it due to desperation.

 

[markmc]

I thought about the 3" lift but think I'll stick with the 2.5". It's a nice compromise between the off roading I do and keeping manageable fuel economy for my highway trips.

AutoZone's brand name is Duralast but in my experience I feel a better name would be won't last. They were the only ones to have one in stock so I went with it due to desperation.

Monroe makes a good replacement upper mount. Advance Auto #904968

 

[rockstar]

There's quite a bit of talk about broken strut mounts but I was unable to find any images so thought I would post one up. If I missed something and this is redundant, I apologize. The mount sheared off where the shock post goes up through the mount. It manifested itself with some very loud squeaking. Every time I'd inspect things trying to figure it out everything looked tight and good so I just put up with it. Finally, after putting up with it for probably a year thinking it was just normal noise caused by old bushings, I decided to pull things apart and try and figure it out. This is what I found hidden deep in the strut assembly. So nice to now drive down the road and not hear anything. :wootwoot:

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

Thanks for the pic. I was so pissed by the time I got around to changing mine I don't think I took any. I spent one long weekend in VA bouncing around offroad with incessant squeaking and am sure i partially lost my marbles by the end.