Strutmaster conversion bottoming out.

[mmozer]

My 05 4.4 that I picked up this year has strutmaster springs/struts (conversion kit) instead of the original air suspension. I was happy to see this because I won't have to deal with airbags leaking etc. The ride is smooth. However, I went over a moderate dip in the road and the front end felt like the shocks bottomed out with a loud "clunk". Anybody have these on their x5? Is there something to be done about this? I plan to call/e-mail strutmasters to see what they say.

[mmozer]

After reading a bit more on the web, it could be something as simple as the top nut on the strut needs tightening. Those buggers are tight and seem to want to turn the whole assembly when I try to tighten them. I read that an impact wrench is often needed (don't have of coarse). In thinking back to the "clunk", I didn't feel anything awful, just heard a loud "clunk".

[4.8isX5]

Do these lower the car at all? Is first question,

2nd is this one of the bigger dips/bumps you have encountered?

Car loaded up or just you?

How many miles on this setup?


With those answered you'll be able to pinpoint it better... at this point i would say the fronts dont have bump stops installed and perhaps it bottomed out and thats why you heard the clunk vs just a bump hit but no noise.

[nicolaerugina]

Hi,

I have installed few months ago the same Strutmaster on the front suspension.
The single issue is that, after replacement, the front suspension is like sport style.
A little hole in the road and your suspension arm will hit the rubber buffer.
From here the noise like a CLUNK!

I believe that, if we will replace the spring with a harder one we will solve the issue but, the ride will be more like a carriage...

[mmozer]

The "clunk" is from the front strut(s). Not lowered. My guess is that the new struts have less than 20 k miles on them. The dip was a decent sized one at an intersection, one you should slow down for. I had no others in the car with me. Sounds like our friend from Bahrain has the same issue with his new strutmaster conversion. I think I'll just check to see if all bolts are tight and live with it. At least I won't have to worry about airbag problems.

[bcredliner]

If you put a wrench on the strut nut and then clamp the top with vice grips you can check it the nut is tight.

Standard air suspension replacement struts should be able to handle the same bumps as the original suspension. Standard replacement suspension should not reduce the travel.

It is not unusual for new suspension parts to bring other worn suspension parts to the forefront. The clunk could be something else so I would check it over.

[4.8isX5]

Check the stabilizer links.. i had this problem on a SUV i did full suspension job on, 15k miles around after, for some reason one needed to be ever slightly re-tightend and fixed a clunk it had.