Need advice on strut mounts

[SleeperGS]

My 00' Regal is in need of strut mounts I think. I put new (all the around) Spring Tech struts. When you open the hood, I can press on the bumper, up and down, and watch the plate that lays against the upper mount move almost a 1/4". The retaining nut is as tight as humanly possible. When I go over a bump I can hear a sound. I know my ball joints are due to be replaced, but I dont think that the strut, or should I say I KNOW the strut is not all the way against the mount (rubber). The drivers side is way worse that the pass side. The rears are fine. Do I need strut mounts?? If not, why does the top of the strut have so much up and down play?? Is the strut out of spec? Is there a spacer that will cure this? I cant get it any tighter. Used neumatics, and a 50' pipe for leverage!!Lol.
Thanks for the input,
Kevin

[shawngtp]

Monroe are the best I've bought for the price. I got all four from murrays for 100 bucks last year. Lifetime warranty too. Shop around and most parts stores will beat eachothers prices.

[SleeperGS]

So in your opinion, you think I need the mounts?
Kevin

[SleeperGS]

Started the car up and had someone turn the wheel. the top of the strut/nut moves all over the place. Im guessing the bearing is bad and that I should replace them.

[WhatNext]

Yes, your mounts are shot. I put new struts and mounts in this spring and turning the steering wheel I see a very little bit of movement at the top of the strut. I would also replace the bearings while you are at it. Rockauto.Com has mount kits with the bearings included. The brand is your choice.

[SleeperGS]

I put them on (monroe brand) and when I turn the whell they are still moving, not nerarly as bad but still moving. They are also making a squeeking sound like wet shoes when I turn the wheel. Whats up with that? They were easy to install and installed correctly, but jeez they are loud! Any thoughts?
Kevin

[SleeperGS]

The strut mounts are still moving when I turn the wheel. The also make a squeeking sound. Is there any way to stop this?
Kevin

[WhatNext]

Try some WD40. They should not be moving a lot. The KYB mounts and bearings I installed in the spring (with GR2 struts) only move a little when turning the steering wheel. Were the bearings replaced?

[SleeperGS]

They were the monroe strut mounts w/ new bearings included...i think. The handling is improved some, but darn are they loud.
Kevin

[WhatNext]

I am racking my brain trying to think of what is going on. Went back to your starting post, the tip of the strut was moving a 1/4 inch when turning the steering wheel, I'm not sure what you mean by the plate moving it should only be the tip of the strut with a small region of the mount immediately around the nut that moves a little. I even opened up my old Haynes as my 98 GP is long gone (replaced with the 05). The bearings are large plastic looking washers that stack between the springs and the mounts.
OK, you replaced the mounts, the movement is much reduced (that's good) but there is a squeek (that's bad). Both sides? Did you try WD40 or some other spray lube around the nut area? If the squeek is there when you drive it, then you might want to lower the struts and try spray lube from underneath. Other than that, to take it further means removing the struts and dis-assembling them to clean and lube everything above the springs. Were the spring isolators in good condition when you oriiginally put the struts in? Can't think of anything else.

[SleeperGS]

Everything is new. The 'plate' is where the top nut on the top of the strut, locks down on top of the little saucer type deal(washer about the size of a soup can). Just under the washer is where is where the rubber is squeeking. The whole washer is turning like its on an axis. sorry, this is the best i can do. all this can be seen with the hood open.
Kevin

[Pure2sin]

New mount tend to squeak when they are new. You can try to tighten the mount to body nuts but don't break them. As far at the top nut not being tight enough, you said you used a 50' pipe but did you use an impact? Even with a 50' pipe you would have still been dealing with the rubber of the mount no allowing you to tighten the nut. You have to use and impact to tighten but not over tighten it.

[real diehl]

Autozone's are expensive don't go there.

Got mine at O'Reilly's