W-body struts

[trinacriabob]

At nearly a quarter million miles, I will be buying a set of 4 new tires for my Regal W-body coupe. It is currently on its 3rd pair of struts. I will replace the front struts. They don't cost that much.

The rears are a different story. They are considerably more expensive and I've never figured out why. Currently, when you push down on the rear, it's as firm as when they were new (about 60,000 miles ago) and there is zero bounce. However, on the right rear side, I think the bearing plate has gone south because when you go over a bump in a diagonal fashion, you get a nice clanking sound. Also, the rubber boot around the cartridge has a tear.

Two questions:

1.

Is it possible to have the place replace a bearing plate at the top of the strut assembly?

2.

Can they change out the rubber boot?

Thanks.

[ShadowDog]

If you want the complete details, go here:

w-body.com - check the forums section

Highly detailed assistance from self-made mechanics and enthusiasts of the w-body models. I'm not talking about ricer-enthusiasts, but people who enjoy the cars they drive, and the work they put into them.

In fact, you've just inspired me to make my new quote on there. "W-body struts and knocking are like Jehovah's Witness and your door. It's bound to happen, and you'll never like it."

Helping to answer the question, the rubber boot (I think it's the jounce bumper) can be replaced. As for the plate, not sure it's worth it in the long run, given the fabrication-time and the probable requirement to remove the entire strut assembly anyway. Still, maybe find out through the site I mentioned. The guys are always more than willing to help.

Edited July 6, 2006 by ShadowDog

[trinacriabob]

"W-body struts and knocking are like Jehovah's Witness and your door.  It's bound to happen, and you'll never like it."

That's a keeper. Very funny.

I will look and make a few stealth phone calls as well. Thanks.

[ShadowDog]

Thanks. Sorry, I quick edited. I forgot to include an actual answer. DuH.

[76ChevyTrucker]

the bearing plate actually normally comes out along with the strut when you replace it, so yes, replacing it along with the strut is quite easy. The rubber boot really serves no great purpose, except to keep dust and dirt out, so you don't necessarily have to replace it, but it can be replaced also. I've got to get the strut mounts (and struts) replaced on the front of my Impala and the hardest thing for me to do is get a strut spring compressor to smush the springs down so I can remove the strut from everything else. As far as the rear struts, if you can tell me what year your Regal is and I can get into a service manual for one and write down the removal procedure and post it on here (oh the joys of being a parts guy with access to this stuff)....

[Drew Dowdell]

GM Goodwrench plus gives you lifetime warrenty if you do it at the dealer....

but at 250k miles, I'm not sure that'd be a worry.

[trinacriabob]

but at 250k miles, I'm not sure that'd be a worry.

Very true....this will be the last cycle of anything for this car (tune ups, tires, struts, etc.)

[76ChevyTrucker]

Hey bob, lemme know what year your Regal is and tomorrow at work i'll jump into the service manual.