The upper and lower guides don’t just act as “cushions”. They also center the strut shaft in the opening in the Support Bearing Flange (#11). When the guides are missing the upper/skinnier part of the strut shaft can move up/down a little and rub against the flange. I suspect that is the source of the squealing.

FWIW the real labor is going to be removing/replacing the springs on the struts. So I’ll be replacing them at the same time with a pair of Bilstein B4s.

Funf Dreisig

I have a feeling you're right about the missing guides causing the squealing. I don't see any breakage on the spring. I'll know for sure once i take the strut tower apart.

I just rebuilt my 1st strut and I was wrong. The upper and lower guides do NOT center the strut shaft. They only act as cushions. The Support Bearing Flange incorporates a steel “bearing” that is attached and centered to the aluminum flange by a flexible (rubber?) collar.


Funf Dreisig

after taking my strut tower apart, I discovered the source of the loud squealing noise. the rubber collar on top of the spring pad failed and was rubbing against the metal. The foam guides turned to mush and residue.

To give you guys an idea of how long these Lemforder strut supports last. These parts were replaced approx. 2 years 8 months ago. 36k miles. I'll be sending the spring pad back to FCPEuro and getting a free replacement with their Lifetime Warranty. :thumbup:

The lower foam guide #8 in this diagram is completely gone too.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4311/...ca913e24_z.jpg

Thanks for posting the gory details.

One of the reasons I’ll be periodically checking the orange Guide Supports at the top of the struts is to catch them before they quit protecting the flexible rubber collar.

This a great example of the classic “For want of a…”. sequence of events. Once the guide supports fail, the rubber collar takes all of the load as the shock goes up and down. And once the rubber support goes, the shock loads are transferred to the spring pads.

Funf Dreisig

A little late to this party but mine is in the indy shop right now for the exact same thing!!!! Started to hear some clunking under the hood and then that high pitched squeaking started. Should have her back by Friday morning. I am having both sides done to be sure.

You would think they would use something like polyeurothane in places like this for longevity. Does someone make a kit (after market) for these?