Hi all,

So I have done a complete replacement of both front struts
(Spring coils are ROK, Top Mounts JapanParts and Strut KYB)
I aligned the top strut mount to the strut pin and applied the correct torque to fasten
The spring coils are nested correctly
Drop links also replaced on both sides
The 3 top strut mount bolts were tightened to torque specs after the car was lowered to the ground

Now I get knocking sounds over bumps and the car feels in general "bumpier" or "rougher" riding at low speeds over roads with poor tarmac
Driving in motorway at some speed the car feels fine
 

Any suggestions of where I might have gone wrong would be appreciated

If the Springs were not full compressed when you put the Top Mount on then you can get knocking noises.

Unfortunately you would need to take the Struts off to check if it was this.

1 hour ago, Tizer said:

If the Springs were not full compressed when you put the Top Mount on then you can get knocking noises.

Unfortunately you would need to take the Struts off to check if it was this.

Hi Tizer

Thank you for your reply

I compressed the coil springs to a point where I was able to fit the top mount without the need to press it down to screw the bolt on.

Do you mean to say I should've compressed the coils to the lowest possible point?

Regards

There's a small plastic bobble on the bearing, two on the top mount and a small metal strip that lines up with the opening of the suspension knuckle. So everything must line up with the metal strip on the bottom of the strut. The first bobble on the top mount ( left hand if it's upright) is the one to line up. Also seat the coil spring so that the bottom end is not totally up against the strut stop

3 hours ago, JohnIEAlb said:

Do you mean to say I should've compressed the coils to the lowest possible point?

If you are confident that the Springs were compressed enough then it might not be that. I have been caught out before when I thought they were compressed enough and one wasn't. 

When I do them now I have two pairs of compressors and fully compress with the first pair, then fit the second pair on the coils that have not been caught just in case. The alternative with just one pair is to fit and tighten the Top Mount then release the compressors and reposition them. 

As Ian said, it may be the way things were lined up.