Hi there, after changing shocks and springs on tj vrx, we have got a slight noise in the left front. It happens when the front left is pushed down - we can feel a small vibration/groaning also when driving slowly.

We made sure we had the orientation of the upper and lower spring seat correct - lining up the big holes.

Just wondering if the strut top bearing plate is symmetrical or does it need to go in a certain way??
I read in the link below that i need to:

" rotate the spring top cap or strut top 180 deg so the top is tapering inwards
when tapering outwards the inside rubs on the inner strut tower thus the clunkin noise!! "


I have done a fair bit of searching but have not found a definitive answer.
http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55647&page=2&highlight=king

I am wondering if the noise is coming from the actual bearing area as the shock on that side had collapsed completely. I found the grease had leaked out as mentioned in this thread.
http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64315&page=4&highlight=noise
just wondering why, if the bearing and insulator is shagged, why has the noise only started after the spring and shock change.

Hope this makes sense
Cheers
P@

http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm329/grelise1/SDC12135.jpg
i am wondering about the rubber dimple/notch on the top of the strut insulator. you can see it on the left strut top in this picture - to the left of the hole. what way does this mark have to face??? does it matter
cheers

has the shocks had a chance to "settle"?

Hey mate thanks for the reply. I thought this was the problem initially but after taking them out and double checking the 2 holes line up, the noise is still there.
It seems to be comng from the rubber at the top of the strut where the spring meets the top part you have circled. Maybe the rubber has perished. I guess I should have replaced that. Its just wierd that its only the passnger side making the noise. Thats why I wondered about which way the strut bearing plate should go back on.
P@

has the shocks had a chance to "settle"?
no not really, only been in a few days.
will it go away you think>?

does anyone know how much the front spring seat rubbers are for the tj?
anyone have a part number?

has any one here lowered their car and had a rubber groaning noise?? should i have replaced the spring seat rubbers??
does the strut top bearing plate go on in any special way?

Thats why I wondered about which way the strut bearing plate should go back on.
P@

Doesn't mention anything about it.


REASSEMBLY SERVICE POINTS
ASELF-LOCKING NUT INSTALLATION
1. Line up the holes in the strut assembly spring lower seat
with the holes in the spring upper seat.
NOTE
Aligning of the holes in the strut assembly can be easily
achieved by using a steel bar 10mm x 300mm.
2. With the coil spring held compressed by the special tools
(MB991237 and MB991238), temporally tighten the
self-locking nut.
3. Correctly align both ends of the coil spring with grooves
in the spring seat, and then loosen the special tools
MB991237 and MB991238.
4. Using the special tool, tighten the strut insulator to the
specified torque [60–70 Nm].
NOTE
Do not use an air tool to tighten the strut insulator.
5. Apply multi-purpose grease to the bearing part of the
strut insulator, and install the insulator cap.
Caution
When applying the grease, take care that grease does
not come into contact with the insulator’s rubber
components as this will cause the rubber to
deteriorate.

yes i have a service manual
cheers

anybody else have any ideas where the noise is coming from?