Why does the strut top mounting plate rotate by hand?
Strut top mounting plates can often rotate or move freely by hand depending on the vehicle design and whether the suspension is loaded or unloaded. This uncertainty during an inspection can make it difficult to distinguish normal movement from a failing component or a serious issue like a loose wheel assembly.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Checking and comparing component movement against other vehicles
- 2Using a bar to flex suspension components while the car is raised to check for weakness
- 3Delaying wheel alignment until the suspension noise is resolved
- 4Checking for play with the wheel on and lug nuts tightened
- 5Ordering replacement bearings proactively to have on hand
- 6Replacing commonly known failing parts like motor mounts
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“Im fucked💀, the wheel is bolted onto the rotor and it shakes just like video 1.”source ↗
“while looking for the squeaking noise noticed the strut top mounting plate could rotate freely without much force applied on both sides of the car.”source ↗
“Thought so - only thing is when I tried moving it on someone elses car it wouldn't budge by hand, hence my worry.”source ↗
“The car has always had a clunking noise in the suspension but I swapped replaced the 4C front struts and it sounds better in the left side.”source ↗
“However in the right I can hear this noise when driving low speed.”source ↗
“I got a lot more play than I was expecting.”source ↗
“Could it still be the CV axle even though there's no visible issue? Or is it likely a bearing that just isn't making noise yet?”source ↗
“My car has a clunk here and there (typically on right side) when going over bumps.”source ↗
“Is this the source of the noise?”source ↗
“control arm bushing has slipped out in first pic”source ↗
“Very likely, that whole bushing looks pulled out but also since it's got a bolt in it I'd consider it structural. Definitely get that replaced soon”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 20Why are my brakes squeaking and shaking the floorboard?
- 3How to tell if a front end shake is tie rods or wheel bearings
- 4Knocking noise under car after bottoming out on driveway
- 6Why is my car making a clanging noise that speeds up?
- 7Engine rattling noise and sudden coolant leak while driving
- 62How to explain an intermittent car noise to a mechanic