to anyone who has replaced top strut isolators

[corning_d3]

Just a thought, but i had a similar problem that turned out to be the vacuum reservoir rattling around inside the drivers side fender..

[Blue Bowtie]

Originally Posted by chuck66

Hey John! I dont know if you ever fixed your problem,but I have a 1996 lumina with a cluncking like you descibe.If you haven't checked yet try opening the trunk and look at the top of your stuts there.There are some knid of rubber dampeners there and half of one of mine is gone,thats where the clunking is from.You can push up and down on the car while your looking and see the metal too metal contact.Hope this solves your problem.P.S.They were known for this problem with the rear stut.Good Luck!!!!

The replacement upper strut mounts are about $25 each. That usually solves it.

[Corkscrew]

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

The replacement upper strut mounts are about $25 each. That usually solves it.

Sorry to bring up an old post, but chuck66's problem is the same problem with my parent's 94 Lumina. It started with a slight clunk noise in the left rear strut, and now it sounds like it's completely unattached when you go over little bumps and potholes (usually doesnt do it on the interstate). With 4 adults in the car it barely does it, if at all. Looking at them in the trunk, I can see it clunk around when I bounce the car. Also I think I was able to grab the top of the strut shaft and move around with my hand. It's not just extremely loose as in flopping around, but I can move it around.

They're about to buy a new car so need to get this fixed before we try to sell it. So, although it needs struts, etc. replaced, we will not go that route. So I'm wondering how hard it would be to replace that mount myself. 15+ years ago I used to work in a shop and replaced a few sets of struts, but that was before 1994, so I don't know how they've changed and how hard the Lumina's are to get apart. The Lumina looks like it has an odd looking suspension with horizonal link arms everywhere, but I imagine nothing would have to be loosened but the strut assembly itself.
Also back when i did them, that was with power tools and being able to get under the car using in-ground lifts.

I think I can rent a coil spring compressor from Auto Zone.
I only have one floor jack. I have an impact gun and air rachet, but my air compressor is only a 3 gallon, so I'm not sure they'll have enough power.
Anything special I need?

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d8010aaeb.jsp
This page says "The rear strut assembly is not serviceable. The assembly is replaced as a complete unit." That just means that you can't only replace the internal strut piston like you can on the front, correct? The strut mount comes off?
We have auto zone, orielly and advanced. Any recommendations where to get it?

[Blue Bowtie]

Corkscrew,

Although it is always good to search the archives for relevant information, rather than resurrect an old thread, try starting a new one detailing your problem/question. You'll likely get more attention that way.