Petition for DECENT Strut Mounts
1/25/07 | 08:09 PM
#42
Thread Starter
Mach 1 Member
Joined: October 12, 2004
Posts: 747
Likes: 1
From: Chandler, AZ
I have a loud exhaust, it's the slow speed turns that make it sound like a Hyundai. 
Anyway, everyone synchronize watches on my mark, 3,2,1 check. New strut caps installed at the dealership today. Let's see how long they last from today.
Anyway, everyone synchronize watches on my mark, 3,2,1 check. New strut caps installed at the dealership today. Let's see how long they last from today.
1/25/07 | 10:10 PM
#43
Bullitt Member
Joined: July 17, 2006
Posts: 409
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Did the clunking stop with new caps?
1/26/07 | 09:06 AM
#44
Thread Starter
Mach 1 Member
Joined: October 12, 2004
Posts: 747
Likes: 1
From: Chandler, AZ
Yes it did stop the popping noise with the new caps, that's the issue. We know what the problem is, we know how to fix it. The problem is that the OEM strut caps are made out of cheap plastic, the problem WILL return, it's just a matter of how long until it does. The only alternative at this point is a $300 solution from Steeda to permanently prevent the popping from returning.
1/30/07 | 11:50 AM
#45
Bullitt Member
Joined: July 17, 2006
Posts: 409
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Does the OEM replacements come with the rubber isolator? Or do you need to re-use it with new caps? I'm asking, cause Steeda mounts require that OEM rubber isolator to be used, and I'd like to assemble my Saleen/Steeda shock towers ready before installation... it's easier that way. What's the part number for OEM mount cap or the rubber if that's not included in the cap? THX!
1/30/07 | 10:48 PM
#48
GT Member
Joined: October 22, 2005
Posts: 104
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I don't believe any aftermarket parts are the cause of this clunk. My car is stock suspension wise and I have the clunk.
I think there are two issues here: popping and clunking. I took delivery of my car April '05 and that summer it started to exhibit the popping sound from the front (sounded like popcorn popping when turning the wheel). I had it fixed under the TSB and it never came back.
I think the culprit is an original factory part which wears out because it took roughly 16,000 miles before my car started to make the clunking sound (always from the front right). Back into my driveway over the apron, clunk. Drive over a manhole cover, clunk. Heck, it generates its own music driving the streets of Jersey City, NJ.
I think GRAYPNY may have stumbled onto something here regarding the strut tower brace. I had the tower brace on my car since basically day 1 but had to remove it when I installed the Vortech (clearance issues). Thinking back, the clunk started shortly thereafter. Could the strut tower brace have kept the clunk at bay?
I'd buy Steeda's version if their product provides a lasting fix rather than chance it with a cheaper alternative. Like my grandpa always said, "buy cheap, pay twice."
I think there are two issues here: popping and clunking. I took delivery of my car April '05 and that summer it started to exhibit the popping sound from the front (sounded like popcorn popping when turning the wheel). I had it fixed under the TSB and it never came back.
I think the culprit is an original factory part which wears out because it took roughly 16,000 miles before my car started to make the clunking sound (always from the front right). Back into my driveway over the apron, clunk. Drive over a manhole cover, clunk. Heck, it generates its own music driving the streets of Jersey City, NJ.
I think GRAYPNY may have stumbled onto something here regarding the strut tower brace. I had the tower brace on my car since basically day 1 but had to remove it when I installed the Vortech (clearance issues). Thinking back, the clunk started shortly thereafter. Could the strut tower brace have kept the clunk at bay?
I'd buy Steeda's version if their product provides a lasting fix rather than chance it with a cheaper alternative. Like my grandpa always said, "buy cheap, pay twice."
I would say the clunking started around 15-16k miles. I am almsot at 20k and every bump I hit I hear a clunk, clunk, clunk. I took a buddy for a ride the other day and he said man it sounds like your struts are blown out. I said dont worry they all do that
1/31/07 | 10:29 AM
#49
Thread Starter
Mach 1 Member
Joined: October 12, 2004
Posts: 747
Likes: 1
From: Chandler, AZ
You're kidding? Your mods list just says "other stuff". Did you lower your car? Is the dealership you took it to just hiding behind that? The dealership I bring my car to is extremely good with understanding that aftermarket parts don't void warranty's, sounds like yours might not be.
One more time with the popping and I'm going to try the GT500 strut caps as Kevin stated they are a different part number. Maybe try that route?
One more time with the popping and I'm going to try the GT500 strut caps as Kevin stated they are a different part number. Maybe try that route?
1/31/07 | 10:48 AM
#50
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Joined: July 17, 2006
Posts: 409
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Currently I have stock (4x4) GT-suspension... I've taken it to dealer twice, both times they agree it clunks, but say it's normal. I filed complaint directly to Ford, but they answered that after talking with my dealer, the suspension sounds are normal. So fok them... I'm getting my Saleen Racecraft kit tomorrow and I already have Steeda HD Strut Mounts. That should end the clunk. It was not the cheapest way to go, but in the other hand, why would I even bother to have stock strut mounts replaces with another clunky stock pieces? And I strongly suspect the GT500 mounts are same shait as stock GT ones... that's why I took the high-price route.
When someone actually get those GT500 pieces in hand, I'd like to see pic of them...
When someone actually get those GT500 pieces in hand, I'd like to see pic of them...
1/31/07 | 10:54 AM
#51
FR500 Member
Joined: August 23, 2004
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1/31/07 | 11:01 AM
#52
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Joined: July 17, 2006
Posts: 409
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1/31/07 | 09:39 PM
#53
Thread Starter
Mach 1 Member
Joined: October 12, 2004
Posts: 747
Likes: 1
From: Chandler, AZ
So while you were on the subject surely you took the opportunity to tell them they had their head up their hind ends when they let the boss's son sit down and design strut caps right?
I swear, I absolutely love this car, bumper to bumper. Even to this day I walk out to my car and say "Wow, now that's a good looking car". But when it comes to those strut mounts, I am actually ashamed to own this car when they start popping. It's tough to defend yourself against the typical Mustang owner jokes when your car sounds like the garbage everyone tries to tell you your car is made out of.
But hey, no problem. For $300 to the Soup ****, I mean, Steeda, you can fix the problem, if you are nice enough to them. NO STRUT CAPS FOR YOU!
I swear, I absolutely love this car, bumper to bumper. Even to this day I walk out to my car and say "Wow, now that's a good looking car". But when it comes to those strut mounts, I am actually ashamed to own this car when they start popping. It's tough to defend yourself against the typical Mustang owner jokes when your car sounds like the garbage everyone tries to tell you your car is made out of.
But hey, no problem. For $300 to the Soup ****, I mean, Steeda, you can fix the problem, if you are nice enough to them. NO STRUT CAPS FOR YOU!
1/31/07 | 10:33 PM
#54
FR500 Member
Joined: August 15, 2005
Posts: 3,083
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu
Steeda participates in the Ford tech transfer program. They probably found out about the crappy OEM parts during the S197's development, that's why they were enterprising enough to come up with these parts. (insert X-files music) 
2/1/07 | 10:09 PM
#55
Bullitt Member
Joined: July 17, 2006
Posts: 409
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Next mod: Steeda Racecraft & Steeda HD mounts
Got my new suspension kit today... it's going to be arctic cold and snow here this weekend, so I'll be installing this kit in freezing garage!
Check out STEEDA mounts in the picture... one on the floor and one on top of front shock. I'll need the factory spring isolators before assembling these poles! As I said, if it still clunks, I'll burn it...
Check out STEEDA mounts in the picture... one on the floor and one on top of front shock. I'll need the factory spring isolators before assembling these poles! As I said, if it still clunks, I'll burn it...
2/2/07 | 12:13 AM
#56
FR500 Member
Joined: August 23, 2004
Posts: 3,153
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They did say they may have a better part in the system by 2008. Yeah that's gonna help my groaning NOW, wait another year
Basically, it's the price we pay for modding our cars. What does perplex me is how some people get it, and some people don't. That I find very strange indeed.
Hey Sean, put a set of Longtubes and BMR crossmember with solid motormounts on, then you may not mind the clunks
2/2/07 | 06:22 AM
#57
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: February 24, 2005
Posts: 2,227
Likes: 22
From: Delray Beach , FL
Got my new suspension kit today... it's going to be arctic cold and snow here this weekend, so I'll be installing this kit in freezing garage!
Check out STEEDA mounts in the picture... one on the floor and one on top of front shock. I'll need the factory spring isolators before assembling these poles! As I said, if it still clunks, I'll burn it...
Check out STEEDA mounts in the picture... one on the floor and one on top of front shock. I'll need the factory spring isolators before assembling these poles! As I said, if it still clunks, I'll burn it...
2/3/07 | 11:51 AM
#59
Bullitt Member
Joined: July 17, 2006
Posts: 409
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I installed my Racecraft suspension with Steeda HD Strut Mounts yesterday... test drove it today and wow, it's totally different car and DOES NOT CLUNK!
And those factory strut mounts are a joke! I could generate popping with my hands, they do suck.
And those factory strut mounts are a joke! I could generate popping with my hands, they do suck.
2/7/07 | 03:54 PM
#60
Thread Starter
Mach 1 Member
Joined: October 12, 2004
Posts: 747
Likes: 1
From: Chandler, AZ
So, who had the "Under" at 550 miles? Whoever did wins. Right at 500 miles with brand new OEM strut caps, and the popping returns. Started to hear it yesterday in the morning when backing out of my garage, but the radio was on, couldn't be sure. Pulled in last night late and there it was.
Just in case the guy who designed the strut caps for these cars reads this forum, I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you that you sir, are an *******.
That is all...
Just in case the guy who designed the strut caps for these cars reads this forum, I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you that you sir, are an *******.
That is all...