strut mount problem

[mjtr21]

i have a 99 grand am gt and having problems with the front strut mounts. i replaced both sides back in october because everytime i turned the steering wheel left or right, there was a crunching/clunking noise. i put in the new mounts and it has been trouble-free until last week. same thing is happening all over again. im going out to the garage now to take them out and have them replaced again. what should i do to prevent this from happening again? please and thank you!

[J-Ri]

Well, if the problem was the mounts, I'd use better ones this time. It is also possible that the noise was rust/debris between the springs and the mounts/bottom plate. When the mounts were changed, it may have dislodged the rust/debris and temporarily fixed the problem. I assume the bearings were replaced as well?

[mjtr21]

well i found my problem. as i was taking the strut assemblies out, i noticed that on my right front wheel, the coil spring was broken at the top. it was completely rusted and it broke on the 2nd row at the end of the plastic covering. so i took it apart and went to the other wheel, and same thing. so called advance auto and ordered 2 new springs. i checked my strut mounts and they are fine, bearings are still intact and lubed. cleaned it off a little from the dirt and salt that got on top of them. also doing a brake job when i put it back together. what kind of pads does anybody recommend? metallic, semi-metallic, or ceramic? thanks for any help.

[mjtr21]

oh and since i am replacing both springs and possibly the mounts, should i get a wheel alignment?

[Jmoney3318]

yes, i would recommend u get one