Front suspension thumping on bumps?

HANK HUDSON

MEMBER
2010 DODGE CARAVAN
3.3L
2WD
AUTOMATIC
145,000 MILES

I had new struts installed last summer. A month ago, went to have front end alignment, and they said there was a problem causing bad wear on tires. I took the car to the shop that installed the struts, and they replaced the top strut mount at no cost. Two days later, the front left started thumping on bumps. I took it to the alignment shop (different than the strut installing shop) and they said the top strut mount was defective, so they replaced i, $310. A week later it's starting to thump again.

Friday, January 19th, 2024 AT 3:03 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

So, if I understand, you have been through two sets of new mounts, and both have failed within a year. Is that correct?

If you have the receipts, could you tell me what brand mounts they used? If it is an inexpensive brand, a year wouldn't be too uncommon. However, two days is crazy. Do me a favor. I attached a pic below showing the strut assembly. I highlighted the three bolts at the top and two at the bottom that hold the strut in place. Check to see if they are tight. You will need to open the hood to check the top three.

Also, number 2 in the picture is a sway bar link. Make sure that it is tight as well and there is no play in it. It isn't uncommon for them to wear out where the mount or even break, so check to see if that is possibly where the noise is coming from.

Let me know what you find or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Friday, January 19th, 2024 AT 7:54 PM

HANK HUDSON

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for answering my email. A few days ago, when I received it, I checked the strut bolts and the sway bar link, I found nothing wrong. I went back to the front-end shop with your email, and they said the link and bolts were okay, but they would need to pull the strut to check further. During their work, they did say the windshield wiper assembly was banging around but thought that was too light to cause the heavy thumping. I agreed. Finally, they put in a new strut and the thumping went away. They re-did the alignment (no charge - warranty), and I picked up the car two days ago. There has been no more thumping, other front-end noises, or wobbly handling since. I did tell them to do both struts while they were at it. They gave me the (six month) old struts to return to the first shop for a possible refund. We'll see. Again, thanks for your efforts. - Hank H.

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Saturday, January 27th, 2024 AT 2:11 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

Thank you for the update. What was wrong with the strut? Was it related to the mounting plate at the top?

As far as returning the part, they may not want to refund labor, but the part should be under warranty, so I would hope they cover that for you.

Take care and let me know.

Joe

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Saturday, January 27th, 2024 AT 7:50 PM