So for about three weeks now since the weather warmed up I have noticed that when I turn the steering when at low speeds (under ten KM/hr) there is a rubber on metal "twang" noise from the passenger front suspension. It also makes this twang noise if the wheels are dry turned. I thought it might be sway bar related so the there day I got the car up on jacks and did some troubleshooting.

What's causing the noise is the top of the shock tower, inside the fender. When the steering wheel is brought from lock to lock, the spring appears to be binding at the top of the strut. The strut is still rotating and the spring still rotates but as I said it binds, thus creating the twang noises. Haven't noticed any changes in the steering.

I am curious if the is something I should be overly concerned with. Do I need to look into doing new struts (car has 144xxx KMs) or is this caused by a worn out piece of rubber or plastic?

Cheers

 

could be the top strut bearing...is there anything greaseable down there? any grease nipples?

 

As skyline said, could be the upper strut bearing. The bearing itself is a plastic enclosed type and not really a fully sealed bearing assembly.(poor design in my opinion)
Road dirt and debris can get into the bearings and shorten it's life.

Here's a pic. Sorry I don't have one of it disassembled. The strut bearing sits under the top cap of the assembly.

Attachment 16044

 

So can I replace the strut bearing? What you guys described is the exact part that is binding.

 

thats what the strut bearing looks like..here is a link to one of the places where u can purchase it

http://www.crateenginedepot.com/CED-...24039C972.aspx

 

I just serviced mine last week, disassembled it cleaned it and lubed it with silicone grease, dirt and sand and roadsalt got up in there over the winter, now I have the correct spring compressor tool so it was easy to do. you can borrow or rent these at most parts stores these days if you buy the parts there.

 

At 144K the struts are worn out, get new "complete struts" all of the parts are included. My guess is the plastic spring bushing thingies are worn out.

 

Hmm well maybe once my HHR is back from the bodyshop I will put new struts and springs/shocks all round. Might even lower it