Hello,

I'm doing a spring install on my car and have the front apart and I was wondering if this front strut bearing is okay as is? Or should I add more grease? Or do I need to replace it? Any advice would greatly be appreciated.



FYI, I haven't heard any odd noises prior to installing the springs.

Thank you,

-Matt

 

First thing I would do is spray it completely with wd40 and clean all the old grease out. Then I would check to see if there is pitting on any of the bearings or race. If all is good, repack with heavy bearing grease. You have it out, it is worth doing the maintenance now. If there are any issues I think they are cheap to replace.

 

Thanks LO_996tt, I will do that. Yeah I figured I should do something since I had them out of the car.

 

No.... Replace them.. That is one piece not two. The corrosion and wear is why they are apart.

 

Thanks Tim for the response!

 

I have been there and done that. The metal is zinc plated (but looked more like galvanized) and that makes it soft and prone to pitting once the coating is worn off.

 

I may need to replace my upper strut bearing as my 2001 996 tt is making clicking noise when turning steering wheel at low speed. It's getting progressive worse. Does anyone have any DIY for doing this job? Is this a pretty big job that I should let the pros handle it? Thanks.

Kiet

 

^^ Can you describe the clicking noise? Mine does that, but sounds more like a binding then clicking noise. I replaced my strut bearings last year when installing coilovers and the noise didn't go away. The clicking is most noticeable when it's cold out. I've always wondered what it is.

 

I guess mine sounds like yours as well. I'm not sure what a binding noise sounds like, but it clicks or binds. It's just very annoying. And yes - it's much more pronounced when it is cold out. I didn't notice the noise in the summer time but definitely hear it when it's cold. That's a bummer that the strut bearing did not fix the issue. I may just bring her in to a shop to have her checked out. Thanks.

Kiet

 

Since you have the struts apart I'd absolutely replace them. They aren't that expensive to be honest you'll thank yourself later.

 

Hopefully he has completed the install he started in November 2011!

 

LOL oops! Damnit; I was THAT guy. I hate being THAT guy... my bad!

 

I know... most of do dislike being that guy. ;-)

 

I took my car to indy mechanic this morning and he said the noise is the upper strut bearing on the passenger side. He also recommend that I replace my strut mount on both sides as well while they took the strut apart. However - they want $1500 total to do the job. Replace both strut bearing, both strut mount, and wheel alignment. He said my strut mount is in fair condition but recommend that I changed them anyway. They are quite expensive so I'm considering not touching the strut mount. Anyway - is changing the strut bearing a DIY task. I'm pretty mechanically incline and have a lot of tools. Do I need any special tools to do the job? Thanks all.

Kiet

 

$1500 sounds like an awful lot to change out strut bearings. There are a few DIY's floating around on the strut R&R and honestly it's not hard. I've pulled mine a few times for various reasons and honestly you can do it in under and hour per side. It's really not hard at all. Breaking down the strut is not an issue either. You can do it in your garage. Seriously, look for a DIY and save yourself the $1500.

Chris