The struts on a 97 have no bolts on the bottom to bolt to the knuckle. They are cartridges that slide in from the top under the hood. The first thing I'd check is the rubber strut mount under the top plate under the hood. Make sure the bolt is tight and that the mount (it's more like a bushing) isn't deteriorated. You could also check to make sure the strut is threaded in all the way and tight at the middle of the tower, if that makes sense. There is really nothing else to it. I can't think of anything else to check if it wasn't making the noise prior.