Guys, I believe and I don't disagree with replacing the motor mounts will make a difference but in my case I don't have the vibration at idle and the motor mounts test was ok. I will eventually replace these as well at some point.

Because I still didn't want to believe that Arnott air struts are causing the clonking in my case, today I took it to a third mechanic and the same diagnostic, bad struts. Good engine mounts.

Again, mine are ARNOTT AS2765 which has an "Arnott's patented top mount and bearing design".

Based on your replied it seems like the remans are good and at this point I am planning to ask Rockauto to send me the Arnott Remanufactured BMW Front Air Strut AS 2305 - 2306 instead.

Please post here what Arnott (part number) you got and if you have any problems or are happy with them.

What Arnott part number, AS 2765 or 2305?

Anyone? Any good or bad feedback on Arnott 2764/2765 (NEW Arnott TOP) or 2304/2305 (REMAN)?
I am trying to make a decision before I reorder.

Ive had rebuilt Arnotts for almost 5 years up front - they are fine

Thanks guys. So far I believe nobody here got the arnott 2765.
I will get the reman I guess.

OK, here is an update. I didn't go with the reman because this thread.
So,I didn't want to take a risk and end up with 'reman' NEW ARNOTT design struts again.
Most likely there is a design flaw in this new top arnott strut.

I ordered a pair from aerosus
I know, it might be a bigger risk, since there is no much review out there but anyway I thought I should give it a try.

Fast shipping. I ordered them Wednesday last week and today I already installed on my car.
So far so good and I hope they will last too. The clonking and the BANG are gone now.

I still wonder if I was so unlucky to get two bad struts or is it truly a design flaw?


http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/v...pskqodyjld.png


These are the Aerosus:

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/v...pszqakjo76.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/v...psfsee6yud.jpg

Oh man, just having bad luck or making bad choices?

So, my aerosus struts still hold air but they developed a light clunking that bothers me badly that I have to replace them. It's not obvious noise to the occasional driver or any passenger but I want the X to drive and sound like new and it doesn't.
So, I had store credit at rockouto from the old New Arnotts and decided to go with the reman Arnotts this time.

Well, after I removed the aerosus strut I checked the top bearing to see if I can feel a play (no play) and then decided to check the new reman arnott before install. Here is what I found.

https://youtu.be/Ca8xAsTWIGI

I called Arnott and based on their engineers it seems to be ok although the right strut bearing is tight. See below:

“I did review this yesterday afternoon and would advise that this is OK. AS the top mount has a radial ball bearing, it will have movement present otherwise it would be bound. Due to the dynamics of the struts actuation in the fitted position, the mount will have the vehicles weight applied to it and will no longer exhibit this condition.”

I had to put the aerosus back as the arnott response took a ac ouple of days.

Thoughts? Should I go ahead and try it?

Video demo is not indication of a bad strut or design flaw.

OK, so you don't think the play will cause a clunking noise? I just don't want to install it if it is going to clunk again.
Yes, I don't think it's a design issue since it is actually a reman oem.
But, the other one is tight/no play and I was wondering why loose bearing.

My input is an opinion based on experience. My experience is the Arnott is the go to for aftermarket struts and suspension airbags. No quality or reliability issues. Have you verified you have the right part number?

I don't know how loud or what you call a clunk. I would get confirmation from Arnott they are good or send them back and have them replaced.

As I understand, this noise start directly after the installation which points to the struts as the problem but I would make sure it isn't coming from something associated with the install such as a loose sway bar or one of the links disconnected, a loose fastener or something damaged in the process.

There is always the possibility of infantile failure of the best products. My experience with remanufactured part of any kind is such I never buy them.