I have read lots of posts regarding this but can't seem to find the answer.

I have Hotchkis springs and Hotchkis Front/Rear sway bars and I hear a clunking noise at the rear struts when I drive over uneven pavements (i.e. high driveway). I make an "angle" for me not to scrape my front bumper entering or leaving the driveway and when I do that, my rear strut or struts make that "tonk" noise.

I have read that the tower nuts are loose and need to be tightened, but it must be done without taking the strut off because the nut becomes loose when the struts are placed back into the car. Is there any truth to that method? If there is, how do I tighten the loose tower nut without taking the strut off?

Or is this situation just normal? I only hear it when I'm making an angle on an uneven driveway, other than that, it's perfect. Is it necessary to dismantle everything and tighten them up or is this just plain normal?

I need your help! Thanks!

 

My rear shocks were actually defective on my car and had the same problem that you have. I brought it to the dealer and they replaced them under warranty (maybe its b/c i'm on trd springs/sway even though i installed it myself).

Sure, sometimes there are some loose bolts/endlinks. Other times, something is defective. I doubt you blew the struts, hotchkis isn't that extreme. Tighten everything up, not much more you can do. Make sure everything is installed properly. If its all tight, maybe you just want to leave it alone if its not so bad and happens fairly rarely.

 

Yeah, I don't think the shocks are defective or something. I'll try to tighten it up and make sure nothing's loose.

But do you know how to tighten the tower bolt nuts without dismantling everything? Or do I really need to dismantle everything just to reach that part?

Thanks for your insight.

 

I only had to retighten the front struts, which you just remove the wiper cowl and grab your torque wrench. i don't remember the rear well enough to help, but there sure are plenty of guys out here who would know...i'll leave it to them, sorry i couldn't be more help. good luck, i'm sure you'll figure it out even if it takes you a little while!

 

That's ok, no problem. Thanks for your help. I'd probably take out everything in a minute. I'd be frustrated if it still makes that clunking noise after I tighten everything. Maybe it's just the way it is. :D

 

well thats not the way it should be..might just need to tighten some things up. when you fix it, let us know what it was.[/code]

 

Ok, I was taking parts apart then I came to this bolt for the lower end of the strut which measures 19mm. That thing is too tight!!! I snapped my socket wrench because I was using a long tube for leverage. I don't have a 19mm wrench or an extra heavy duty socket wrench and all auto shops are closed. I must say, my mission is a failure.

I just ended adjusting the rear sway.

EDIT: I'll just buy another socket wrench tomorrow and just continue this coming weekend. Or just end up letting a professional do the job.