We had our TJ AWD sports serviced today at Mitsubishi and asked them to check a rattly/clunky metalic sound from the front end over bumps or rough roads. They road tested it and said that the top front strut bushes are worn and need to be replaced. I had a look in the workshop manual we have and there is no mention of top strut bushes. The only two things I could think of are the bump stops (which shouldnt make the front end rattle) or the strut tops. Does anyone know which part the top front strut bushes are? If it helps it is going to cost $435 fitted.

Worn bumpstops will make a clunk noise but probably not in this case. The strut tops contain rubber bushes, this is most likely what they mean. Dont think you can replace just the bushes, the whole strut top would need to be replaced, so including the price of new ones and labour the price sounds about right.

Strut bearings perhaps?

Sounds like it's the strut tops. They incorporate the bearing. I had a clunking noise in my TJ AWD especially when turning right on almost full lock. Had the strut tops replaced and this solved the problem. At the time (about 6 months ago) the strut tops were around $140 each from Mitsubishi. I think Madmagna has KYB strut tops for around $95 each. I know of another member on the forum who has used the KYB strut tops and is happy with them. For the price you've been quoted, I would check with the dealer to make sure what they are replacing. I wouldn't want to pay $435 to have just the bump stops replaced.

Strut top bearings, is common, they wear, get dirt in the etc etc

I have them in my ebay store for $95 each and for getting them fitted, forget the dealership at $120 per hour, get a local suspension place to do them, you should be up for around $60 - $80 per corner depending on what they generally charge

Thanks for that info, I had a feeling that was the part that needed replacing I have just never heard of them being called that before. I have already had the struts out to change the springs so have no problems changing them, I didnt notice that any real problems with them when i had them out but obviously they are not in the best condition. I saw them for sale on eBay so will have to grab them. Might also change the struts while its all apart as they have bottomed out a couple of times which i'm sure they shouldnt do when its only lowered on low kings springs.

Mine are done too, I need to replace, will be trying to push out the bearings and replace them.
might need to get my hands on one to try, before i pull my car out.

Strut top bearings, is common, they wear, get dirt in the etc etc

I have them in my ebay store for $95 each and for getting them fitted, forget the dealership at $120 per hour, get a local suspension place to do them, you should be up for around $60 - $80 per corner depending on what they generally charge

Hey Mal, can the same apply to the rear struts on a 380?

I ask coz my left rear clunks badly at times - full lock left turn over a bump - and I'm sure it's the strut.

I put new KYB Excel-Gs in a few months ago, and I was pretty sure the clunk was due to the left rear spring (Kings lows) not being perfectly aligned with the damper, ie it was about 2cm 'twisted' away from the 'lip' on the bottom mount.

Last weekend I ripped 'em out and yes the left rear was about 2cm out of whack. I disassembled the springs from the shocks, realigned them perfectly, reassembled them and stuck them back in.

Guess what, no change! Still a loud 'clunk' on full lock left turn over a bump.

So could it be that one or both of strut top bearings are cactus?

KJ.