Hi all,
For those who maybe interested and had read my other post regarding the stupid problem I've had with fitting a Monroe shock, I have a result.

After not hearing from either Monroe or the auto store for a while, I decided to phone the auto store to ask what's going on. I was told that they have been speaking with Monroe and that Monroe had finished testing both the first and second shocks I was given. Both tested O.K and are fine. I find this hard to believe though as the first one, was squeaking and looked like it was leaking but what would I know. Anyway, the auto store said that Monroe said, as both shocks had tested O.K the problem is with my car and said it was the strut cap. I said, no it's not because I had the car checked at Monroe's and the auto stores request and it was fine. I was told that because Monroe shocks are a stiffer, higher performance shocks (Monroe's words not mine) than the soft OEM shocks, this is why I get the knocking that sounds like the front end is about to fall off when the Monroe is fitted, but goes away when the factory shock is fitted (OEM shocks being softer).

So I am getting (or at least from what the auto store said would be happening at this stage) the 2nd shock I received back and I am to purchase new strut caps which the store said they can't get as they are a genuine part only and I have to go to Mitsubishi for.

Can anyone tell me if what I was told about the strut cap, true. To me when I removed it all 6 times the bearing looked OK in it, the rubber seemed fine (no cracks, etc) nothing was bend, broke, or buckled. I'm no mechanic just an enthusiast who has been working on cars since I was a kid and I may have missed something or just plain not known what to look for. Just sounds like a load of crap to me.

Thanks guys.

P.S. NEVER, EVER using Monroe's or that auto store again.

When my mechanics dropped my Boge Shocks and King Lows into my 96 TE I got a knocking when turning the wheels, firstly this happened on the left side, and my mechanics said if I got a hold of a new/second hand strut hat, that they would fit it for free, so they did. Even though it was second hand the problem went away after it was fitted, but then it happened on the other side, once both were replaced the knocking was gone.

I was told a similar thing by my mechanics and I can really trust these guys to do the right be my because I get them so much business.

With that said if Monroe's have tested them and they test fine, I don't think they want to blow smoke up you, they just don't want to get replacing something if its the fault of your vehicle which I will say fair is fair.

I sell the tops aftermarket and yes is a common issue

Wow, thanks guys. Didn't realize it was a common issue. I guess I'm a bit doubtful and narky because it's taken so long to resolve the issue. If it's the strut hats, then fair enough, I'll change them. Are they expensive and do you replace them in pairs or can you just get just the one for the side that's playing up (would imagine replacing both would be best).

I think i need the strut tops too as I have Monroe GT gas shocks in my TE, and i hear knocks when i turn all the way to the right(never happened when i had the OEM ones).

how much for a pair and freight to NSW? how hard are they to fit?

PM Madmagna who has just posted above and see what he can do for you price wise.

As for fitting, once you pull the shock out, compress the spring, undo the strut hat, remove, and refit in reverse of removal.

Sweet! Just picked up my new shock. It's taken about 2 months to get but I've finally got a new one. I'll get the strut hats first and possibly even new bump stops just to make sure that if anything happens this time it wont be my fault. So happy :)

As peaandham said "As for fitting, once you pull the shock out, compress the spring, undo the strut hat, remove, and refit in reverse of removal." It's dead easy. just make sure everything is seated correctly and you have double checked it before tightening it all up.