Hello,

I do not know a lot about struts and so I wanted to post this question to get some opinions.

I have an '08 CS with the interior panels currently out to try to track down the continuous rattles, creeks, cracks etc. I noticed the struts make a clapping sound going over bumps. It is akin to clapping two washers together, or loose change. There is also the spring/gas sound which seems normal. The tops of the struts also physically move up and separate on larger bumps.

Is this normal strut operation?

 

Stock suspension, or modded?

 

Stock suspension. Non-PASM

 

Why not go to the dealer? Its under warranty and they should be fixing this for free.

 

Rather learn how it operates and fix it myself if need be.

 

I currently have the same problem, but my suspension was recently worked on by a mechanic who could have done a better job.

Take a look at the top strut mounts, and see if the upper stop plate (concave washer) is loose and clanking around.

I forgot to ask, but has your suspension been recently worked on, or anything done to it? Has this clanking/chattering occurred since you've had the car, or just recent?

 

Thanks for the assistance. I checked and I cannot move the concave washer. It only clanks when the two washers separate on bumps. The car was a dealer demo and to my knowledge has never had suspension work. The problem seems to have been there from the start but naturally louder since the interior panel pieces are out.