Loose front end on 96

[wldleak]

I recently had my tires rotated and asked Goodyear to tell me what the knocking noise was when I turned the wheel a certain way. And while exiting the interstate on a right hand curve, the more I applied the gas the more it sounded like (to me a cv joint) a thummping sound. They replied the lower left tie rod is loose which I can feel and the upper right strut mount is loose which I can't feel while on the jack. Does this sound right? Change the struts and tie rods? Is this a hard job? I can do most jobs. Are there any special tools required? All suggestions appreiciated.

[wiswind]

I have not changed the parts you list yet.
There is free repair information at www.autozone.com

The struts are dangerous due to the fact that they are inside the spring. The spring is dangerous.
You will need a spring compressor.
I notice that just recently, www.partsamerica.com lists a Monroe "Quick strut" for our '96.
I would go with that. It uses the "Sensa Trac" strut. It includes a new spring, new spring insulators, and the complete mount at the top....including the bearing.

I was going to try to find a spring compressor that I can put on the spring and compress it slightly while the strut is on the car. And then remove the strut.... Compress the spring on the new strut slightly....and install it onto the car......and remove the compressor. I have not done this yet.....so I don't know if that would be succesful or not.

Anyone use the Monroe "Sensa Trac" strut?
I have the "Sensa Trac" shocks on the rear, and they seem to be fine.

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by wiswind

I have not changed the parts you list yet.
There is free repair information at www.autozone.com

The struts are dangerous due to the fact that they are inside the spring. The spring is dangerous.
You will need a spring compressor.
I notice that just recently, www.partsamerica.com lists a Monroe "Quick strut" for our '96.
I would go with that. It uses the "Sensa Trac" strut. It includes a new spring, new spring insulators, and the complete mount at the top....including the bearing.

I was going to try to find a spring compressor that I can put on the spring and compress it slightly while the strut is on the car. And then remove the strut.... Compress the spring on the new strut slightly....and install it onto the car......and remove the compressor. I have not done this yet.....so I don't know if that would be succesful or not.

Anyone use the Monroe "Sensa Trac" strut?
I have the "Sensa Trac" shocks on the rear, and they seem to be fine.

WisWin

I had Monroe Sensa Trac on my 93 Taurus and liked them.

In replacing struts I would pull the unit out, mount it in a vice and use a rented spring compresser from AutoZone. It's not that tough.

I found Rock Auto has Monroe Sensa Trac struts for under 70.00 each. I just ordered 4 for my brothers LeSabre. I'll let you know how the delievery goes.

Regards

Dan