Strut Replacement With Pictures on a 2000 SW2

[patty_b]

After replacing both front strut assemblies with monroe quickstruts, I'm getting a creaking sound from the right side when I turn the steering wheel.
I'm hoping that after the springs settle, this noise will go away. I checked the location of the spring end (where it seats on the rubber) and it's not pushing one of the rubber bumps up to the metal.

Any suggestions for what to do if the problem doesn't fix itself?
Thanks

[mrbios]

Originally Posted by patty_b

After replacing both front strut assemblies with monroe quickstruts, ...

My Monroe SensaTrac (regular, not quick stut) makes the same noise on the right strut and it has not gone away and I installed the strutes over a year ago. I just ignore it. Also, in my case I used after market springs.

[s.patrick]

Excellent Post Barnowl, THANK YOU and thanks to those who created this extremely helpful website !!!

Wanted to share some helpful information I've collected; perhaps others may find this useful:

Saturn / GM Parts
801 W Hwy 83
McAllen, TX 78501
(866) 423-9926
8am - 6pm M-F
8am - 4pm Sat.
gmpartsonline dot net

Genuine Original Equipment Replacement Parts
GetSaturnParts dot Com
Heritage Cadillac
716 Belair Road
Bel Air, MD 21014
800-743-5376

Harbor Freight Bushing Press - Bench Shop Press - $79.99
6 ton A-Frame Bench Shop Press

Rear knuckle-to-lateral link bolt / Hardware:
I found the following from an earlier post: M14x2x230 and found GM OEM part number to be: 11516464
Found: gmpartsonline dot net for above part number

Lateral rod WASHER (Left or Right): Part Number: 10268814
Lateral rod NUT (Left or Right): Part Number: 11516382

OTHER GOOD POSTS on SATURNFANS:

2 good post w/ detailed info & illustrations:

Subject titled: Energy Suspension bushings installation, thoughts, PICS!
Thread=192814

Subject titled: How-To; SC1 Suspension Bushings Replacement
Thread=2096421

Other good posts on SATURNFANS:

Subject titled: S-Series Torque Specifications
Thread=44221

Subject titled: how do you adjusting rear wheel toe in?
Thread=131483

Subject titled: how to replace lateral links:
Thread=184941
Special tool, people here have called it, that connects FRONT "Lateral Link" to cross-member:
homedepot dot com Husky T55 Torx 3/8 in. Drive Bit Socket $1.97 /each

NOTE: I've read in another post this Torx bolt isn't used to adjust alignment - only the back or rear bolts from REAR Lateral Link to Cross-member are adjusted during the alignment process.

Subject titled: Re: Struts and Shocks - Saturn SC1
Thread=193835

Subject titled: Strut Replacement With Pictures on a 2000 SW2
Thread=67077

Maybe helpful for some: Check:
aftermarketsuspensionparts dot com


Energy Suspension Bushing Options:
Rear End Control Arm Bushing Set
Part Number: 18.3102 for $53.98

OR

HyperFlex Master Kit Saturn S Series 91-02
Part Number: 18.18101 for $99.40
energysuspensionparts dot com

[cuetip]

Originally Posted by patty_b

After replacing both front strut assemblies with monroe quickstruts, I'm getting a creaking sound from the right side when I turn the steering wheel.
I'm hoping that after the springs settle, this noise will go away. I checked the location of the spring end (where it seats on the rubber) and it's not pushing one of the rubber bumps up to the metal.

Any suggestions for what to do if the problem doesn't fix itself?
Thanks

I know I'm replying to a very old thread, but the creaking sound is caused by over torquing the strut tower nuts. If they're too tight, it damages the mount bearings. On my '97 SW1, according to the FSM, the front and rear nuts are supposed to be torqued to 21 ft-lbs.

[mrbios]

Originally Posted by cuetip

I know I'm replying to a very old thread, but the creaking sound is caused by over torquing the strut tower nuts....

I still have the car and now the miles are 166K and on occasion the right tower will make the rubber noise but the left tower never has. I torqued all the nuts with the same torque wrench to 21 fl lbs. I just re-checked them a few minutes ago.