Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Dragweek prep help! Strut Cartridge Assembly Question

  1. #1
    Slugmobile & MeanMini Caretaker Turbo Mopar Contributor wheming's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Raleigh Area, NC
    Posts
    4,809

    Dragweek prep help! Strut Cartridge Assembly Question

    Question for the super-techs!
    Symptoms: right strut would make a popping noise when turning. Also when you would bounc the suspension and look at the top of the strut, the strut rod (and thereby the top nut and the large washer underneath) you could see moving.
    Normally you don't see that.
    These are newer RockAuto replacement cartridges for a AA body.

    Disassembled strut, and here is the blowup. As layed out is how they were oriented and installed.
    Top nut, large dished washer, top mount, strut bearing, plastic washer, small dished washer (dish down), upper coil isolator,...
    Is tha small dished washer supposed to be under the upper coil isolator?

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	uploadfromtaptalk1535202176708.jpg 
Views:	69 
Size:	48.0 KB 
ID:	63028

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	uploadfromtaptalk1535202195090.jpg 
Views:	80 
Size:	51.9 KB 
ID:	63029
    Wayne H.

    '91 Dodge Spirit ES 2.5L turbo 5spd
    '05 PT GT 2.4T HO autostick (RIP)
    '89 Plymouth Acclaim 2.5L turbo auto, "Slugmobile" yes, THE Slugmobile!
    '89 Dodge Caravan SE 2.5L turbo auto, "Mean Mini" yes, Gus' Mean Mini! (Current best 11.699 @ 114.43 mph! - Oct 15th, 2022 Cecil County Dragway, MD)
    MeanMini dragracing videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...URZLB1RxGYF6vw
    and other cars, trucks and motorcycles
    https://www.youtube.com/user/SlugmobileMeanMini

  2. #2
    Hybrid booster
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Location
    Jacksonville
    Posts
    411

    Re: Dragweek prep help! Strut Cartridge Assembly Question

    money i can post a breakdown of the strut/shock on alldata/prodemand.

  3. #3
    Slugmobile & MeanMini Caretaker Turbo Mopar Contributor wheming's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Raleigh Area, NC
    Posts
    4,809

    Re: Dragweek prep help! Strut Cartridge Assembly Question

    The exploded view from the parts catalog isn't very detailed so it is hard for me to tell what's what.
    I did reassemble already, putting together as it was, but with a new bearing and new strut mount.
    I did notice the bearing that came out didn't fit the strut mount snug, and the bearing "race" might have been slipping on the strut mount.

    I was trying to install some coilovers, but I forgot to get the large dished top washer, and i need to get something machined to act as a spring locator/isolator and engage the strut bearing. (This would be to use the factory strut mount.) Or i could just redrill two holes each side on my strut tower and use the included upper mounting plates.
    Wayne H.

    '91 Dodge Spirit ES 2.5L turbo 5spd
    '05 PT GT 2.4T HO autostick (RIP)
    '89 Plymouth Acclaim 2.5L turbo auto, "Slugmobile" yes, THE Slugmobile!
    '89 Dodge Caravan SE 2.5L turbo auto, "Mean Mini" yes, Gus' Mean Mini! (Current best 11.699 @ 114.43 mph! - Oct 15th, 2022 Cecil County Dragway, MD)
    MeanMini dragracing videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...URZLB1RxGYF6vw
    and other cars, trucks and motorcycles
    https://www.youtube.com/user/SlugmobileMeanMini

  4. #4
    Slugmobile & MeanMini Caretaker Turbo Mopar Contributor wheming's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Raleigh Area, NC
    Posts
    4,809

    Re: Dragweek prep help! Strut Cartridge Assembly Question

    I think i fixed it.
    After i got the alignment guessed in, i took it for a drive. Alignment for real is still needed, but she drives pretty straight and has a bit of negative camber.
    Anyway, the strut popping noises are gone. The driver's side was making just a bit of noise when i tested it with the front in the air, but driving you hear nothing.

    And, i found out why i had a rattle in the passenger front, the caliper pin boot is missing.
    I still have to do brakes, so I'll fix that then.
    Wayne H.

    '91 Dodge Spirit ES 2.5L turbo 5spd
    '05 PT GT 2.4T HO autostick (RIP)
    '89 Plymouth Acclaim 2.5L turbo auto, "Slugmobile" yes, THE Slugmobile!
    '89 Dodge Caravan SE 2.5L turbo auto, "Mean Mini" yes, Gus' Mean Mini! (Current best 11.699 @ 114.43 mph! - Oct 15th, 2022 Cecil County Dragway, MD)
    MeanMini dragracing videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...URZLB1RxGYF6vw
    and other cars, trucks and motorcycles
    https://www.youtube.com/user/SlugmobileMeanMini

  5. #5
    turbo addict Pat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Rockville, MD
    Posts
    3,801

    Re: Dragweek prep help! Strut Cartridge Assembly Question

    Nice! Keep at it, Wayne.

  6. #6
    Slugmobile & MeanMini Caretaker Turbo Mopar Contributor wheming's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Raleigh Area, NC
    Posts
    4,809

    Re: Dragweek prep help! Strut Cartridge Assembly Question

    Quote Originally Posted by Pat View Post
    Nice! Keep at it, Wayne.
    Thanks Pat. And thanks for the helpdesk assist!
    Wayne H.

    '91 Dodge Spirit ES 2.5L turbo 5spd
    '05 PT GT 2.4T HO autostick (RIP)
    '89 Plymouth Acclaim 2.5L turbo auto, "Slugmobile" yes, THE Slugmobile!
    '89 Dodge Caravan SE 2.5L turbo auto, "Mean Mini" yes, Gus' Mean Mini! (Current best 11.699 @ 114.43 mph! - Oct 15th, 2022 Cecil County Dragway, MD)
    MeanMini dragracing videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...URZLB1RxGYF6vw
    and other cars, trucks and motorcycles
    https://www.youtube.com/user/SlugmobileMeanMini

  7. #7
    turbo addict Pat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Rockville, MD
    Posts
    3,801

    Re: Dragweek prep help! Strut Cartridge Assembly Question

    Quote Originally Posted by wheming View Post
    Thanks Pat. And thanks for the helpdesk assist!
    Call/text anytime.

Similar Threads

  1. Strut assembly questions
    By moparloper in forum Suspension, Brakes, Wheels, Traction
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 11-02-2012, 07:42 PM
  2. Strut Assembly changes 84 -85 to 86 + - Minivans
    By turbo84voyager in forum Suspension, Brakes, Wheels, Traction
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 01-17-2012, 03:50 PM
  3. Need help on strut assembly
    By slasky in forum Suspension, Brakes, Wheels, Traction
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 12-20-2010, 01:19 PM
  4. Cracking paint prep question.
    By TurbododgePirate in forum Interior, Exterior and Chassis Modifications
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 10-15-2006, 12:23 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •