2001 Sunfire Sqeak or Rattle from Front Strut Bearing Mount

[herbsch]

The front struts on my 2001 Sunfire developed a squeak or rattle while the car was still under warranty and since the paint was off of the strut nuts after I got the car back from the dealer, I assume the struts were replaced. The problem has now returned many km later. I have found out from one dealer that the strut mounting plate and or bearings don't have to be replaced in most cases. They just lub the strut from the top of the strut tower from under the hood. If you look you will see that there are slots in the strut.A manual I read said to use silicon lubricant since oil based grease would attack the rubber and plastic in the strut mount. I don't know what is in the Cheetah Grease but since the dealer is using it, it must be OK. I tried silicon grease and it only lasted 3 days and the rattle was back. That's before I found out about the Cheetah Grease from the second dealer and he sprayed some into the struts for free.The dealer does not sell the Cheetah Grease spray cans to the public and I don't know where to get it yet in Ontario Canada where I live.The rattle has now been gone for 2 weeks.
I hope this saves someone the cost of new struts because that is what I thought I was going to need again.

[homerr]

I had the same proplem, I sprayed silicone grease and it did not do anything until one day I washed the car and sprayed water up under the strut. OK now for 1 year. It must have reflowed the silicone grease.

Homerr

[mike_05_sunfire]

I am having the same problem with my 05. Went to the dealer because the front right was making the noises, they sprayed both sides for me and now it has gotten worse and now both sides sound terrible. So as a second part to the warranty process they have to replace both mounts.

[mike_05_sunfire]

Took my car in and it turns out that my front driver side mount was broken, they replaced it under warranty and all noises are gone..

[|WYG|SS]

iv got the same problem on my sunbird too i took it to mechanic and he said it is the bearing in the strut that sart just making noises Does it make a clicking noise sometimes when turning the wheel?