Good afternoon everyone,

I have a 2001 Accord LX. This past weekend I changed the rear struts on my car. I admit, it did take me a good while to do it since I've never changed struts before. Since I've changed them, the ride is good but I hear this "knock" coming from the back of the car now. I only hear it when I'm going under 20-25 mph. It's not a constant sound, just every once in a while I'll hear it. When I'm on the interstate, I don't hear it. It seems that when I hit certain bumps or humps I'll hear it. Like I said, it doesn't do it all the time. I checked under the car and everything is still very tight, my wheel lugs are tight, and I also have the nut that goes on the stud of the strut tight. I purchased Monroe Sensa-Trak struts for the car. Me and my dad seem to think it may be coming from the new strut, but we're not certain. Also, we can't tell if the "knock" is coming from only one side or both. If anyone can give me some advice or shed some light for me I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

Chad

P.S. I changed my brake switch a month or so back thanks to this great forum giving me advice on that subject, and I just wanted to say thanks again and I haven't had a problem with it since I changed it.

 

Did you make sure you seated the spring correctly in the seat of the strut? also, did you put the bump stops on from the old strut (if the new one didn't include them). Are you using aftermarket (lowering) springs? Sounds like it could be any one of these...

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I did make sure that I put the spring assembly together just like I took it off of the original one. I have a book with an expoded view of the strut assembly and it also shows you which part goes where when you put it together. I don't have lowering springs, I have the original factory ones. I also put the bump stops on the new struts. It has me baffled, the car rides good and everything seems to be OK, except for the "knock" sound that I hear. My dad said that the car seems to be just fine, just the noise is irritating when you hear it. Thanks again for the reply.

Chad

 

I had a similar problem and it turned out the strut was bad. I really hope that's not the case for you since you just replaced them! I guess check all those nuts again unless someone else can think of something. keep us updated!

 

Thanks again, I'll keep you updated. I really hope it's not the strut that's bad. Oh well, we'll see. Like I said tho, I'll keep you updated and if anyone else thinks of something feel free to let me know. Thanks again.

Chad

 

I honestly don't have much of an idea what could be wrong but have you tried to have someone bounce the car and then try to hear the noise? You know somebody push down and up on the bumper. Give it a shot if you haven't already.

 

Hey slusher,
yeah, I tried that. We heard it only once or twice while doing that. My dad was looking under the car with a flashlight when me and my wife stood in the rear door jambs and bounced the car. He didn't see anything.

 

OK guys, I have an update on the "knock" sound since I've changed my rear struts. Turns out that the swaybar was loose. Just wanted to update you guys on the situation. I'll post again if that happens to not have been the problem, but so far so good. Thanks again for the replies.

Chad

 

Good job and thanks for letting us know what it was.