I just replaced the rear struts and one sway bar connector on my 99 LE. The ride is much better, but there is a loud rattling sound now over hard bumps only (manhole covers, train tracks, etc). Has anyone had this experience before? I'm worried I didn't tighten the bolt on the strut enough, it kept spinning even under tension. Any advice?

 

The strut rod has a couple of flats that need to engage the upper strut mount to prevent the rod from turning when the nut is tightened.

The upper struts mounts can wear out. Have someone drive the car while you listen in the area of the rear upper strut mounts for the noise.

Worn sway bar bushing can also cause a rattle.

 

Thanks for the advice. Is it possible to tighter the nut in the top without removing the entire strut since its exposed? I don't want to do that disassembly if I don't have to. I replaced one of the sway bar connector kits, but one is original. I also heard that silicon spray can help with old rubber parts, has that been your experience?

 

Suppose it's possible if the rod rotated very slowly the flats may drop into the opposite female version in the mount and engage.

If the flats are not engaged in the mount the rod is now extended out from the mount more then normal.

The silicone may work for a squeak but a knock? Some owners wrap the bar with Teflon tape before installing the rubber mount.

 

Thanks for the info. I'll try tightening them without removing the strut first. Is there any way to keep the rod from rotating? I really struggled with that during installation.

 

Try slowly rotating the nut and rod to attempt to engage the flats.

If the flats are not engaged the rod will rotate as you are experiencing. If the flats are engaged the rod will not rotate.

You could use an impact wrench. This will tighten the nut without allowing the rod to rotate that much.

 

Worked like a charm! I took care of it today. In the area where you access the strut behind the back seat, there was a cap over the bolt holding the rod on. I just popped that off and tightened it slowly and that's all it took. The knocking and rattling are gone.

Thanks for the help!