I replaced my struts, used the impact drive (rattle gun) to both remove the old nuts and install the new.
Now, the driver's side it quiet and the nut and strut rod won't turn. I think they should both either turn, or not. Which should it be?
The passenger's side rattles at slow speeds on rough roads, and the nut and shaft turn easily.
I put the torx and socket on the strut shaft to make sure the nut is tight.
I also replaced the strut mounts.
Question 1, should the shafts turn using a wrench?
Question 2, what's rattling? Could I have a bad strut mount?

Thanks! Everyone here has been such amazing help with all my HHR work.

 

The nuts in the strut shaft don’t usually move , the strut mount plate turns along with the spring. When you changed the strut mounts did you replace the upper spring plate? Sometimes they get corroded and can rub and rattle

 

Thanks for the quick reply.

I did not replace the upper spring plate. They were nice and clean.
This car has never seen snow, it's lived in California's deserts. So, I miss out on all of the corrosion fun.

Is the strut broken because it's shaft turns independently from the rest of the part?

 

Very possible, try removing it from the car and disassemble it to see



Is everything in its proper position?

 

Thanks!
Will do.
Then I'll report back.

 

I think I found my rattle.
The nut at the top appeared to be tight when I installed the new strut. Impact gun on the nut, etc.
I then had the clicking-tapping noise at low speeds.
Took the strut off today, compressed the spring, and discovered that the nut had another 1/8" inch or so to be tightened.
The silicon insert in the tight fooled my impact gun and myself that it was cinched all the way down.

I'll bolt the thing back together and check for rattles.